Course Descriptions

All credit courses are listed in the Catalog. Following the course number and title are the units of credit that may be earned. The course descriptions describe the total number of lecture and/or laboratory hours that are required for that course per semester.

The following section presents a description of every course offered in the College. Each description is self-contained, i.e., each contains important information on prerequisites, units and hours, limitations on enrollment, recommendations, scheduling by semesters and other data which may be required in making a decision to include the course in the student’s program of studies.

Course Numbering System

Classification I – Courses Numbered 001-099

These Freshman and Sophomore courses generally correspond to university or senior college lower division courses.

Pasadena City College recommends that universities and senior colleges grant subject or elective credit toward Junior standing for courses in this classification. Specific course credit, however, depends upon articulation with the senior institution. Students should consult the catalog of the institution to which they plan to transfer.
Some courses numbered 001-099 can be accepted only as meeting elective requirements at four-year colleges or universities. For further clarification, students should consult with an Academic Counselor.

Classification II – Courses Numbered 100-399

These courses are technical, semiprofessional or occupationally oriented or they meet community college general education needs.

Classification III – Courses Numbered 400-499

These courses are non-degree applicable and are review and foundation-building courses which are used primarily to qualify students for courses in the transfer classification by satisfying subject or grade deficiencies. Except for certain sequential arrangements, courses in this group are open to all students. Basic skills coursework provides opportunities for students to improve their skills in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing. These foundation level courses are designed to prepare students for success in further academic work.

Classification IV – Courses Numbered 900-949

These courses are non-degree applicable corequisite courses for specific skills development.

Classification V - Courses Numbered 950-999

These courses are not required or included in a list of required electives for a Certificate of Achievement or degree.  These courses are neither program applicable nor degree applicable. These course units will not count towards a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate's degree.

Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)

The Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID) is a statewide numbering system independent from the course numbers assigned by local California community colleges. A C-ID number indicates that the course is comparable in content and scope to courses offered at other California community colleges or participating universities (primarily CSU campuses), regardless of the course title or local course number. If a schedule of classes or catalog lists a course that includes a C-ID number, students can be assured that it will be accepted as an equivalent to a course identified with the same C-ID number at another community college. In other words, the C-ID number can be used to identify comparable courses at different community colleges.

The C-ID numbering system is useful for students attending more than one community college and can be used to avoid repeating a class that has been successfully passed at another community college. Students should always go to www.assist.org to confirm how each college’s course will be accepted at a particular four-year college or university for transfer credit. Because these course requirements may change and because courses may be modified and qualified for or deleted from the C-ID database, students should always check with an Academic Counselor to determine how C-ID designated courses fit into their educational plans for transfer.

The C-ID number can be found in the catalog description.

To view the complete list of PCC courses with C-ID approval, please visit the C-ID website and choose Pasadena City College from the drop-down menu.

Grade Mode Definitions

There are three grade mode (grading options) at PCC, however, not every option is available for every class.

L – Letter grade. See Grading System for a complete
     description.
A – Audit. See Auditing of Classes for a complete description.
P – Pass/No Pass. See Grading System for a complete
     description.

Divisions

Courses are listed alphabetically by sub-department. Divisions of the College, with their sub-departments, are:

Business 

Accounting
Administration of Justice
Business (General)
Business Information Technology
Culinary Arts
Fire Technology
Hospitality
Machine Shop
Marketing
Paralegal
Statistics
Technical Education (General)

Career Technical Education

Automotive Technology
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Construction Inspection
Cosmetology
Design Technology
Electrical Technology
Electronics
Manufacturing Technology
Welding

Counseling

Counseling

English, Languages, and ESL

English
English as a Second Language
Languages
Linguistics

• American Sign Language
• Arabic
• Armenian
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Latin
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish

Health Sciences

Anesthesia Technology
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
Emergency Medical Technology
Gerontology
Health Sciences
Medical Assisting
Nutrition
Nursing
Personal Care Assistant
Pharmocology
Radiologic Technology
Restorative Dental Technology

Kinesiology, Health and Athletics

Health Education
Kinesiology – Activity
Kinesiology – Theory
Kinesiology – Intercollegiate Athletics

Library

Library

Mathematics 

Mathematics
Statistics

Natural Sciences

Anatomy
Astronomy
Agriculture Plant Science
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering   
Environmental Studies   
Geography   
Geology   
Laser Technology
Microbiology   
Physical Science   
Physics   
Physiology

Performing and Communication Arts

Dance
Music
Popular Music
Speech Communication
Theater Arts

Social Sciences

American Institutions
Anthropology
Child Development
Economics
Education
Ethnic Studies
Global Studies
History
Humanities
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Social Sciences
Sociology
Special Education Technology
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Statistics

Special Services

Special Services

Visual Arts and Media Studies

Architecture
Art
Cinema
Communication
Design/Media Arts
Fashion
Journalism
Photography
Television and Radio
Theater Arts