PASADENA CITY COLLEGE

 

2012-2013 Catalog

and

Announcement of Courses

 

Pasadena Area Community College District

Pasadena City College

 

1570 East Colorado Boulevard

Pasadena, California 91106-2003

Telephone (626) 585-7123

Web site: http://www.pasadena.edu

 

 

ACCREDITATION

Pasadena City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation reports are available in the Pasadena City College Library.

 

CAMPUS LOCATION

The Pasadena City College main campus occupies a 53-acre site centrally located in Pasadena at 1570 East Colorado Boulevard (between Hill and Bonnie Avenues). The Community Education Center is located at 3035 East Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena. The Child Development Center is located at 1324 East Green Street, just west of the main campus. Courses offered through Continuing Education and the Office of Economic Development are offered at other sites throughout the Community College District.

 

 

Welcome From The President

 

The mission of Pasadena City College is to provide a high quality, academically robust learning

environment that encourages, supports and facilitates student learning and success.

 

— Pasadena City College Mission Statement

 

On behalf of our entire faculty and staff, I warmly welcome you to Pasadena City College.  Here you will encounter a patient, nurturing faculty and staff who stand ready to help you turn your dreams into reality.

 

I also want to congratulate you on making the good decision to enroll at PCC.  You are now part of a long, proud tradition of excellence. Since 1924, the good people of Pasadena City College have dedicated themselves to student success. Indeed, the roll call of PCC alumni reads like a “Who’s Who” of American success stories, including of course the pioneering Jackie Robinson who helped change the course of American history.

 

In commending you on your good decision to enroll at PCC, I also expect you to honor your decision by working hard in your chosen field of study.  If you work hard and never give up, we will get you through to your educational goal.  Your first important step on your journey is to read this catalog carefully and learn about PCC’s programs and support services, as well as your responsibilities.  Research studies show that a student who has identified a clear programmatic goal at the outset is much more likely to graduate. So, make a promise to yourself to identify a clear goal and to know where you are going.  And make sure to obtain help from a counselor or any of our faculty and staff to make sure you have your own road map to success.

 

My own door is always open if you should ever have a question or need assistance.  I’ll be looking for you out in the Quad and I look forward to hearing how you are doing and how we can help you.  Together, we are partners working for that commencement day when you will celebrate your achievement with family and friends as I award you your degree or certificate.  Imagine that!

 

Do good work and never tire.

 

In hope and heart,

 

Dr. Mark W. Rocha

Superintendent-President

 

 

 

THE PASADENA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DISTRICT ORGANIZATION

The Pasadena Area Community College District is composed of the communities represented by the following school districts: Arcadia, a portion of El Monte, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Marino, South Pasadena, and Temple City. It is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Trustees representing the seven trustee areas and a Student Trustee elected by the student body. The Superintendent/President of the College is the chief administrative officer of the District.

 

 

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2012-2013

 

Geoffrey Baum                                                                       Area 1

Dr. Jeanette W. Mann                                                            Area 2

Berlinda Brown                                                                      Area 3

William E. Thomson, Jr.                                                         Area 4

Linda Wah                                                                             Area 5

John H. Martin                                                                       Area 6

Dr. Anthony Fellow                                                                 Area 7

Hanna Israel                                                                          Student Trustee

 

 

 

OFFICIAL ACADEMIC CALENDAR — 2012-2013

(Dates Subject to Change)

 

 

 

SUMMER 2012 INTERSESSION

June 25, 2012                                                Summer session classes begin

July 4, 2012                                                   Independence Day (campus closed)

August 26, 2012                                            Summer Session ends

August 26, 2012                                            Last day of Summer Intersession and officially

                                                                      posted graduation date

 

 

 

FALL 2012 SEMESTER

August 27, 2012                                            First day of classes (16 weeks)

September 3, 2012                                         Labor Day holiday (campus closed)

September 18, 2012                                       Last date to add a 16-week course. Last date to

                                                                      drop a 16-week course without receiving a “W”

September 21, 2012                                       Last day to petition for December graduation

November 12, 2012                                        Veteran’s Day holiday (campus closed)

November 11, 2012                                        Last day to drop and receive a “W”

November 16, 2012                                        Last day to withdraw from the college this

                                                                      semester

November 22-25, 2012                                    Thanksgiving holiday (campus closed)

December 10-16, 2012                                   Final Examinations

December 16, 2012                                        Last day of the semester and officially posted date

                                                                     of graduation for this semester

December 22, 2012 -

  January 1, 2013                                          Winter vacation (campus closed)

 

 

 

WINTER 2013 INTERSESSION

January 2, 2013                                             College offices open

January 7, 2013                                             First day of classes – Winter Intersession (6 weeks)

January 21, 2013                                           Martin Luther King Jr. Day (campus closed)

February 14, 2013                                          Last day of Winter Intersession

February 15-16, 2013                                     Lincoln Day holiday (campus closed)

February 18, 2013                                          President’s Day (campus closed)

 

SPRING 2013 SEMESTER

February 18, 2013                                          President’s Day holiday (campus closed)

February 19, 2013                                          First day of classes (16 weeks)

March 2, 2013                                               Last day to add a 16-week course.  Last day to

                                                                      drop a 16-week course without receiving

                                                                      a “W”

March 15, 2013                                              Last day to petition for Spring Graduation

March 29, 2013                                              Cesar Chavez Day holiday (campus closed)

April 15-28, 2013                                            Spring Break – Classes not in session

April 19-21, 2013                                            Campus Closed

May 12, 2013                                                Last day to drop and receive a “W”

May 17, 2013                                                Last day to withdraw from the college

                                                                      this semester

May 27, 2013                                                Memorial Day (campus closed)

June 10-16, 2013                                           Final Examinations

June 14, 2013                                                Commencement ceremony for all

                                                                       2012-2013 graduates

June 26, 2013                                                Last day of the semester and officially posted

                                                                      date of graduation for this semester

 

 

 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF
PASADENA CITY COLLEGE

In 1924, in response to this community’s need for higher education facilities, one year of college work was added to the program offered by Pasadena High School. Soon after, another year was added. In 1928, Pasadena High School and Pasadena Junior College merged into a four-year junior college with grades 11 to 14 inclusive. 

By 1946, increased enrollment justified the establishment of a second four-year junior college—John Muir. In 1947 the official names of the two schools became Pasadena City College and John Muir College.

During the school year 1953-54, the Board of Education modified the school system organization from the 6-4-4 plan to the 6-3-2-2 plan and combined the two junior colleges into a single college, Pasadena City College, to serve freshmen and sophomores. Thus, the present college is heir to the development of junior college-level work in Pasadena since 1924.

In 1966, local voters in affected communities approved a greater Pasadena Area Junior College District, effective July 1, 1967. The name was changed to the Pasadena Area Community College District on Sept. 10, 1970.  

Well over one million individuals have taken classes at Pasadena City College since its formation. Today, enrollment has grown to more than 30,000 students. A number of new buildings were added during the 1990s. PCC continues to offer state-of-the-art resources for its students and the Greater Pasadena community. With voter-approved Measure P bonds totaling $150 million, PCC has constructed a new two-story bookstore, Industrial Technologies Building, and parking structure, as well as renovated the Campus Center. In 2009, ground was broken on a new Center for the Arts which will house an art gallery, recital hall, and theater, and serve as the home of the Visual Arts and Media Studies and Performing and Communication Arts divisions.

PCC has made unique contributions to its community over the years. The Observatory on campus was dedicated by Albert Einstein. PCC’s registered nursing program, founded in 1953 as one of only five pilot programs in the nation, continues to address the need for qualified nurses in Southern California. The Artist-in-Residence program, which brings prominent professionals to work with and teach PCC students, will again be offered this spring.

Career and Technical and academic programs have evolved with the times, supporting the development of radio and television, filmmaking, dentistry, computer science, journalism, business, industrial and consumer-product design, manufacturing, home construction, military and aviation science, music, fashion technology, and much more.

The Community Education Center has showcased the College’s commitment to Career and Technical Education and basic skills education. Similarly, the PCC Child Development Center has strengthened PCC’s involvement in early childhood education.

In Fall 2002, the College modified its academic structure to reflect a more contemporary and accessible view of its offerings. The former Communications, Music and Art divisions were blended into two new divisions. Visual Arts and Media Studies incorporate classes in the arts, photography, computer-aided graphic design, and journalism. Performing and Communication Arts includes music and dance as well as debate and speech pathology. At the same time, English and Languages became separate divisions; the life and physical sciences merged into a Natural Sciences division, and Health Sciences combined the practical trades of nursing, dentistry, medical assisting, and others.

The College today actively fosters partnerships with other institutions of higher learning. The Teacher Preparation Program at PCC creates educational pathways to California State University, Los Angeles; University of California, Riverside; Mount St. Mary’s; and Pacific Oaks to help students earn both a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential within four years. The Transfer Center at PCC now welcomes more than 100 public and private colleges to campus each year. The Center’s FAST TRACK program also helps high school students enroll in PCC classes in order to accelerate their transfer to four-year institutions.

For more information about the history and evolution of Pasadena City College, visit the College Web site
www.pasadena.edu.

 

 

MISSION OF THE COLLEGE

The mission of Pasadena City College is to provide a high quality, academically robust learning environment that encourages, supports and facilitates student learning and success.  The College provides an academically rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for students pursuing educational and career goals as well as learning opportunities designed for individual development. The College is committed to providing access to higher education for members of the diverse communities within the District service area and to offering courses, programs, and other activities to enhance the economic conditions and the quality of life in these communities.

 

At Pasadena City College we serve our students by:

 

•   Providing courses and programs, in a variety of instructional modalities, which reflect academic excellence and professional integrity;

 

•   Fostering a dynamic and creative learning environment that is technologically, intellectually and culturally stimulating;

 

•   Challenging our students to participate fully in the learning process and encouraging them to be responsible for their own academic success;

 

•   Respecting them as individuals who may require diverse and flexible learning opportunities;

 

•   Supporting organizational practices that facilitate student progress towards their goals; and

 

•   Encouraging and supporting continuous learning and professional development in those who serve our students:  faculty, staff, managers, and administrators.

 

 

INSTITUTIONAL CORE VALUES

As an institution committed to successful student learning in an environment of intellectual freedom, Pasadena City College is guided by the following essential, enduring and shared values:

 

A PASSION FOR LEARNING

We recognize that each one of us will always be a member of the community of learners.

 

A COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY

We recognize that ethical behavior is a personal, institutional and societal responsibility.

 

AN APPRECIATION FOR DIVERSITY

We recognize that a diverse community of learners enriches our educational environment.

 

A RESPECT FOR COLLEGIALITY

We recognize that it takes the talents, skills and efforts of the entire campus community, as well as the participation of the broader community, to support our students in their pursuit of learning.

 

A RECOGNITION OF OUR HERITAGE

OF EXCELLENCE

We recognize that we draw upon the College’s rich tradition of excellence and innovation in upholding the highest standard of quality for the services we provide to our students and community.

 

 

PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES

1. Communication: Use creative expression to communicate acquired knowledge or skills effectively. 

 

Competencies:

1.1  Reading: Read and comprehend written material critically and effectively at the appropriate program level.

 

1.2  Writing: Write in a clear, coherent, and organized manner, at the appropriate academic level, to explain ideas; to express feelings; and to support conclusions, claims, or theses.

 

1.3  Listening: Listen actively, respectfully, and critically.

 

1.4  Creative Communication: Create or communicate through speech, music, art and/or performance. 

 

2. Cognition: Use critical thinking skills to observe, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas and information.

 

Competencies:

2.1  Problem Solving: Identify and analyze real or potential problems and develop, test, apply, and evaluate possible solutions, using the scientific method where appropriate.

 

2.2  Critical Thinking and Application: Formulate and apply knowledge, skills, ideas, and concepts to appropriate contexts.

 

2.3  Quantitative Reasoning: Apply appropriate mathematical concepts and methods to understand, analyze, and explain issues in quantitative terms.

 

3. Information Competency: Use research and technical skills effectively and ethically to achieve an objective.

 

Competencies:

3.1  Information Literacy: Locate, retrieve, and evaluate information using appropriate research tools.

 

3.2  Research Proficiency: Conduct research and present findings effectively and ethically including the use of correct source citations.

   

3.3  Technological Literacy: Apply technology effectively to locate, evaluate, interpret, organize, and present information using appropriate research tools.

 

4. Social Responsibility: Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for others.

 

Competencies:

4.1  Respect for Diversity: Demonstrate an understanding of the beliefs, opinions, and values of other people and cultures.

 

4.2  Effective Citizenship: Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for being an informed, ethical, and active citizen of the local community, California, the nation, and the world.

 

5. Personal Development: Demonstrate an understanding of practices that promote physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.

 

Competencies:

5.1  Awareness of Mind and Body: Demonstrate knowledge and practices that promote a sense of self as an integrated physiological, psychological, and social being. 

 

5.2  Aesthetic Appreciation: Show an informed appreciation for artistic and individual expression.

 

 

 

FUNCTIONS OF THE COLLEGE

 

GENERAL EDUCATION

General education provides students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to be effective individuals in our society. Pasadena City College has established graduation requirements that are intended to achieve the objectives of general education. In addition to class work, students are also encouraged to participate in student government, public and departmental forums, radio and television presentations, concerts, art gallery exhibits and other College-sponsored events.

 

COLLEGE TRANSFER

 Students may qualify for transfer with Junior status to an accredited college or university if they follow the lower division pattern of study required of them by the four-year institution, and transfer with a minimum of 60 transferable units. Acceptance to a particular college or university depends upon conditions at the four-year institution, which are subject to change.

 

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The Office of Career and Technical Education supports the expansion of area businesses and industries, and economic growth in the community by promoting educational programs, training, and services that contribute to a quality workforce.

Career and Technical Education provides leadership and coordination for all vocational education programs offered at Pasadena City College. PCC’s many career programs prepare students for entry-level employment, as well as occupational skills upgrading for those already employed. The curricula are developed in coordination with industry advisory committees that provide input to ensure the training is consistent with industry standards. Responsibilities also include coordination of articulation between PCC’s occupational programs and area high schools. The office administers federal programs for career and technical education and job training and manages special grants and projects related to occupational programs and economic development services.

 

NONCREDIT EDUCATION

The College offers a variety of courses to meet the needs of students who do not desire or need to obtain college unit credit. The Community Education Center offers noncredit (state funded) classes, and Extended Learning offers not-for-credit, fee-based classes. These classes are open to the community and are designed to provide learning opportunities, for personal interest, cultural enrichment and recreational enjoyment.

 

COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER

The Community Education Center (CEC) provides noncredit education, training, and services designed to continuously improve California’s workforce such as Small Business Development and Entrepreneur programs. The Center offers vocational, technical, and academic courses including High School Diploma Program, GED, Business Office Systems, Printing Technology, Apparel Skills, Fashion Retail, ESL, Adult Basic Education, Parent Education, enrichment classes for Seniors and disabled students, and a wealth of support programs. The Cosmetology credit program is offered at the Center. The Community Education Center is a satellite center to the main campus, with shuttle services to and from the main campus every 20 minutes. It is located at 3035 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91107. For more information, call (626) 585-3000.

 

PCC EXTENSION

PCC Extension supports and promotes lifelong learning by providing educational experiences through an array of courses, programs, and workshops designed to enrich learning, build careers, and transform lives. Classes are held on campus and at select off-campus sites. PCC Extension is self-supporting, and classes are not-for-credit. For further information, please call (626) 585-7608.

 

PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
FOUNDATION   

Incorporated as a nonprofit, charitable, public-benefit foundation in 1979, the Pasadena City College Foundation exists to support the growth and development of Pasadena City College.

The PCC Foundation raises money, accepts donations, is the beneficiary of bequests, realizes interest income, and accepts designated in-kind gifts all of which benefit the collage and enable it to better serve the students of the Pasadena Area Community College District.

The Board of Directors of the PCC Foundation is composed of citizens from the community and representatives of the College. The PCC Foundation is organized as a 501(c)(3). For further information, please call (626) 585-7065.

 

DISCLAIMER

Pasadena City College has made every reasonable effort to determine that everything stated in the Catalog is accurate. Courses offered, together with other matters contained herein, are subject to change without notice by the administration of Pasadena City College for reasons related to student enrollment, level of financial support, or for any other reason, at the discretion of the College. The College further reserves the right to add, amend or repeal any of their rules, regulations, policies and procedures, consistent with applicable laws. The College reserves the right to change any provision in this Catalog at any time, with or without notice.

 

CATALOG

The Catalog provides students with the necessary information for planning their course of study. Copies may be purchased at the College Bookstore or ordered by mail. The Catalog is also available online at: www.pasadena.edu.

Educational institutions and other agencies wishing to be placed on the mailing list to receive a Catalog should provide the Office of Admissions and Records with the name and address to which it is to be mailed.

The Catalog is available in alternate formats (Braille, enlarged text, e-text, etc.). Please contact the Disabled Student Programs and Services at (626) 585-3174 or Room D209.