A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts

Associate in Arts Degree Requirements

All students wishing to earn an Associate in Arts degree must:

• Complete a minimum of 60 credits in courses numbered 100 and above, including 7 courses (total of 21 credits) designated as meeting Writing Intensive, Oral Intensive, and Cooperative Learning Intensive outcomes, a minimum of 3 credits meeting Creativity learning outcomes, a minimum of 1 credit meeting Cross-Cultural Understanding learning outcomes, and all other required courses specified in each of the degree plans;
• Achieve a C- grade or better in ENG 100;
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0;
• Complete at least the last 18 credits of coursework at HTIC (other credits can be transferred from other accredited colleges);
• Take at least three terms of a single second language (for students who are native English speakers); requirement may be met via placement test.

American University Plan. Specific course requirements for this plan are:

Japanese University Plan. Specific course requirements for this plan are:

General Education Plan. Specific course requirements for this plan are:

Course Descriptions

These courses challenge students to seek new insights, discover fresh perspectives, and explore new knowledge while developing thinking and communication skills that will prepare them for the future.

Liberal Arts Courses

Language Arts and Literature

All courses listed below meet A.A. degree Language Arts and Literature requirements, unless otherwise noted.

CHN 101 / Elementary Mandarin I / 3 credits

An introductory course to Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be placed on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammatical structure of the Chinese language. The class will be taught in the context of a better understanding of Chinese culture. Not offered every year.

CHN 102 / Elementary Mandarin II / 3 credits

Continuation of CHN 101. The course further develops the student’s ability in communication using various skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are expected to acquire a vocabulary of 500 to 700 words. Prerequisite: CHN 101 or consent of the instructor. Not offered every year.

CHN 103 / Elementary Mandarin III / 3 credits

Continuation of CHN 102. The course further develops the student’s ability in communication using various skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are expected to acquire a vocabulary of 800 to 1000 words. Prerequisite: CHN 102 or consent of the instructor. Not offered every year.

ENG 22 / Introduction to Expository Writing / 3 credits

Extensive practice in writing clear college-level prose including identifying ideas for an essay, deriving a thesis, developing effective paragraphs, revising, and editing. The course should not be taken if ENG 100 or equivalent expository writing course has been taken previously with a grade of “C” or better. Word processing skills may be required. This course is a “basic skills” level course and does not meet A.A. degree requirements.

ENG 100 / Expository Writing / 3 credits

Practice in writing clear and effective college-level prose. Emphasis on skills in critical thinking, organizational effectiveness, revision, and editing. Includes writing a research paper. Word processing skills required. Prerequisite: ENG 22 or placement by test. Must be completed with a grade of C or better.

ENG 109 / Expository Writing II / 3 credits

Continuation of ENG 100 for students who want additional opportunities for developing expository writing skills. Word processing skills may be required. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required. Fulfills advanced writing course requirement.

ENG 200 / Research Writing / 3 credits

Development of skills needed for research and term papers. Provides instruction on library resources, methods of evaluating evidence, and clear, logical prose. Word processing skills may be required. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required. Fulfills advanced writing course requirement.

ENG 204 / Creative Writing / 3 credits

Practice in writing poems and short stories with special attention to the effective presentation of personal observations and original ideas. Word processing skills may be required. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required; and Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity. Fulfills advanced writing course requirement.

ENG 209 / Business Writing / 3 credits

Practice in writing clear, informative, and persuasive prose for business purposes. Word processing skills may be required. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required. Fulfills advanced writing course requirement.

ENG 250 / American Literature / 3 credits

Study of major American authors from the colonial period to the present. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

ENG 251 / British Literature / 3 credits

Study of major works in British literature. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

ENG 253 / World Literature I (to 1600) / 3 credits

Selected literary classics from the different cultures of the world to 1600. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

ENG 254 / World Literature II (after 1600) / 3 credits

Selected literary classics from the different cultures of the world from 1600. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

ENG 257 / Special Studies in Literature / 3 credits

Various specific themes in literature. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

ENG 258 / Science Fiction Classics / 3 credits

Study of novels and short stories that are classics of science fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

ENG 259 / Literature of Peace / 3 credits

Study of short stories, poetry, novels, and other forms of literature that focus on the importance of peace as an alternative to war. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

ENG 299 / Directed Reading and Research / 1-4 credits

Individualized or small group work on selected topics. Consent of the instructor and approval of the Dean of Instruction are required. Prerequisite: ENG 100.

JPN 101 / Elementary Japanese I / 3 credits

An introductory course to Japanese. Emphasis will be placed on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and the grammatical structure of the Japanese language. The class will be taught in the context of a better understanding of Japanese culture. Not offered every term.

JPN 102 / Elementary Japanese II / 3 credits

Continuation of JPN 101. The course further develops the student’s ability in communication using various skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The class will be taught in the context of a better understanding of Japanese culture. Prerequisite: JPN 101 or consent of instructor. Not offered every term.

JPN 103 / Elementary Japanese III / 3 credits

Continuation of JPN 102. The course further develops the student’s ability in communication using various skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: JPN 102 or consent of instructor. Not offered every term.

JPN 201 / Intermediate Japanese I / 3 credits

Additional training in oral-aural skills designed to build listening comprehension and fluency. Development of proficiency in reading and writing Japanese. Prerequisite: JPN 103 or consent of instructor. Not offered every term.

JPN 202 / Intermediate Japanese II / 3 credits

Continuation of JPN 201. Prerequisite: JPN 201 or consent of instructor. Not offered every term.

JPN 203 / Intermediate Japanese III / 3 credits

Continuation of JPN 202. Prerequisite: JPN 202 or consent of instructor. Not offered every term.

JOURN 105 / The Press and Society / 3 credits

An appraisal and critique of the news and opinion media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and advertising) and their role in the world, North America, and Hawai‘i. Theory, practice, development, influence, rights, responsibilities, problems, issues, and trends are reviewed and discussed.

JOURN 205 / Newswriting / 3 credits

Fundamentals of gathering and writing news, and instruction in the rationale underlying professional journalism. Prerequisite: ENG 100. Writing intensive: requires a minimum of 3,000 words of writing. Fulfills advanced writing course requirement.

KOR 101 / Elementary Korean I / 3 credits

An introductory course to Korean. Emphasis will be placed on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and the grammatical structure of the Korean language. The class will be taught in the context of a better understanding of Korean culture. Offered once a year.

KOR 102 / Elementary Korean II / 3 credits

Continuation of KOR 101. The course further develops the student’s ability in communication using various skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: KOR 101 or consent of instructor. Not offered every year.

KOR 103 / Elementary Korean III / 3 credits

Continuation of KOR 102. The course further develops the student’s ability in communication using various skills including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: KOR 102 or consent of instructor. Not offered every year.

SP 151 / Personal and Public Speech / 3 credits

Study of major elements of speech; intended to help students develop oral communication skills to function effectively in modern society. Participation in one-on-one situations, group activities, and public speaking to developing competency in personal and group communication.

SP 231 / Performance of Literature / 3 credits

Introduction to the study of literature through performance. Practice in rhetorical and literary analysis culminating in solo or group performance of literary selections or original writing for an audience. May include the writing of original works for presentation. Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student; and Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

Arts and Humanities

All courses listed below meet A.A. degree Arts and Humanities requirements unless otherwise noted.

ART 101 / Introduction to the Visual Arts / 3 credits

Study of the nature of various visual arts and their expression in different forms. Develop an appreciation for the influence of art on quality of life. Field trips may be required.

ART 108/ART 80 / Introduction to Digital Photography / 1 credit

Introduction to photography through the use of digital cameras and photography software. Digital camera required.

ART 113/ART 13 / Introduction to Drawing / 1 credit

Foundations exploration in basic and advanced drawing techniques, including the descriptive, expressive, and formal aspects of visual language.

ART 123/ART 23 / Introduction to Painting / 1 credit

Theory and practice of painting, material and technical procedures.

ART 171 / Introduction to Western Art I / 3 credits

Historical survey of Western art from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Works of architecture, painting, sculpture, and other art forms will be studied.

ART 172 / Introduction to Western Art II / 3 credits

Historical survey of Western art from the Renaissance to the present. Works of architecture, painting, sculpture, and other art forms will be studied.

ART 180 / Introduction to Eastern Art / 3 credits

Historical survey of visual arts produced in Asia such as painting, sculpture, and architecture.

ART 239/ART 39 / Hawaiian Quilting / 1 credit

The fundamentals of Hawaiian quilting.

HIST 151 / World Civilizations I (to 1500) / 3 credits

Study of civilizations and their developments from prehistoric origins to 1500. Emphasis is placed on cultural, political, socio-economic, and religious changes. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

HIST 152 / World Civilizations II (from 1500) / 3 credits

Study of civilizations and their interconnectedness from 1500. Emphasis on cultural, political, socio-economic, and religious changes. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

HIST 209 / East Asian Civilizations I / 3 credits

General study and survey of the three East Asian Civilizations (China, Japan, Korea) from prehistoric origins to 1800. Emphasizes political, economic, social, religious, and cultural institutions. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

HIST 210 / East Asian Civilizations II / 3 credits

General study and survey of the three East Asian Civilizations (China, Japan, Korea) from 1600 to the present. Emphasizes political, economic, social, religious, and cultural institutions. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

HIST 251 / History of Japan / 3 credits

A survey of the history of Japan from ancient times to the present. Emphasizes political, economic, social, religious, and cultural institutions, as well as relations with East Asia. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

HIST 281 / Introduction to American History I (to Civil War) / 3 credits

Review of political, social, and cultural history of the United States from the pre-colonial era and Revolutionary War, through the development of a national government, frontier settlement, and issues of slavery and sectionalism that culminated in the Civil War. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

HIST 282 / Introduction to American History II (from Civil War) / 3

Introduction to the emergence of modern American society from the period of the Reconstruction following the Civil War through the industrial revolution, immigration, the social changes of the early 20th century, the Great Depression, World War II, and the postwar developments that have influenced the United States in the modern era. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

HIST 284 / History of the Hawaiian Islands / 3 credits

Study of the cultural and social heritage of the Hawaiian Islands from early Polynesian settlement through the modern period. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

HIST 299 / Directed Reading and Research / 1-4 credits

Individualized or small group work on selected topics. Consent of the instructor and approval of the Dean of Instruction are required.

HUM 100 / Themes in the Humanities / 3 credits

An introduction to the humanities drawing upon various multicultural themes as expressed in art, music, performing arts, and literature. The course is offered as the core subject of the Freshman Learning Experience in linkage with English 22/100, Speech 151, and IS 100. Writing Intensive: requires a minimum of 3,000 words of writing, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

MUS 106 / Introduction to Music Literature / 3 credits

Elements, styles, and forms of music from a listener’s standpoint. Music appreciation course. May require attendance at concerts or other musical performances.

MUS 107 / Music in World Cultures / 3 credits

Folk, popular, and art music from major regions of the world, with emphasis on Asia and the Pacific, representing styles and regional characteristics. Music appreciation course. May require attendance at concerts or other musical performances.

MUS 114/MUS 14 / Chorus / 1 credit

Performance of choral literature from Renaissance to present. Previous choral experience not required.

PHIL 100 / Introduction to Philosophy: Survey of Problems / 3 credits

Great philosophical issues, theories, and controversies. Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

PHIL 102 / Asian Traditions / 3 credits

Universal themes and problems from the Asian Perspective. Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

REL 150 / Introduction to the World’s Major Religions / 3 credits

Study of the origins of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, and the indigenous traditions of Hawai‘i and Oceania. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required.

Mathematics and Science

All courses listed below meet A.A. degree Mathematics and Science requirement unless otherwise noted.

GEOG 101 / The Natural Environment / 3 credits

Survey of the natural environment; distribution and interrelationships of climates, vegetation, soils, landforms. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

MATH 22 / Basic Algebra / 3 credits

Introduction to basic algebra and math required for some college-level mathematics courses. Topics to include long division of decimals, finding the greatest common factor and the least common multiple of two or more numbers, calculating square roots, performing operations on polynomials, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of two linear equations in two unknowns, factoring polynomials, simplifying rational expressions, solving rational equations, simplifying expressions containing exponents and roots and solving quadratic equations. This course does not meet A.A. degree requirements as it is a “basic skills” level course.

MATH 100 / Survey of Mathematics / 3 credits

Survey of mathematics that highlights the power of mathematics as a deductive discipline. The use of deductive arguments, both in formal, and natural languages, will be emphasized. Topics taught include elementary symbolic logic, the algebra of sets, numeration systems, number theory, application of functions, modular arithmetic, and elementary combinatorics and probability.

MATH 103 / College Algebra / 3 credits

This course follows the elementary algebra sequence and will prepare students for pre-calculus, statistics, or other courses requiring algebraic, geometric or symbolic thinking and deduction. Students will apply algebraic and geometric techniques to solve problems, including simplifying, factoring, and/or solving radical expressions; linear, quadratic, absolute value, and literal equations; and working with inequalities, complex numbers, quadratic systems, logarithms, and introductory functions and graphs.

MATH 115 / Introduction to Statistics / 3 credits

Study of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics will include exploratory data analysis, methods of visualizing data using Excel, descriptive statistics, central limit theorem, normal and binomial distributions, estimations, probability, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, and chi-square statistics.

MATH 140 / Pre-Calculus / 3 credits

Functions, with special attention to polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, complex numbers, plane trigonometry, polar coordinates, and conic sections.

SCI 121 / Biology and Society / 3 credits

Introduction to the basic concepts of biology (e.g., genetics, evolution, ecology) and of the natural environment. Develops an understanding of the scientific framework and the impact of science on society.

SCI 122 / Introduction to Science: Physical / 3 credits

Introduction of the characteristics of science, the historical development of scientific concepts, and of the physical environment. The focus is on topics from physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, and oceanography.

SCI 123 / Introduction to Science: Hawaiian Environment / 3 credits

Characteristics of science and its interaction with society as illustrated by topics in geology, astronomy, oceanography, and biology of the Hawaiian Islands. Field trips may be required.

SCI 210 / Environmental Issues / 3 credits

Study of global environmental issues from physical, biological, and socio-cultural perspectives. Topics will include biological processes; ecological principles; chemical cycling; ecosystem vulnerability; human population; environmental policies; and relationships between social, economic, and environmental problems. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

Social Sciences

All courses listed below meet A.A. degree Social Science requirements unless otherwise noted.

AMST 201 / The American Experience / 3 credits

Study of dominant American values and institutions (political, social, legal, and economic), and their influence on individuals living in the United States. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

AMST 202 / Diversity in American Life / 3 credits

Study of diversity and variety in contemporary American life. Develops an understanding of a multicultural, multiracial society. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

AMST 211 / Contemporary American Issues: Domestic Issues / 3 credits

Exploration of American domestic issues including economics, politics, civil rights, family life, health care, and the environment. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

AMST 212 / Contemporary American Issues: Global Issues / 3 credits

Exploration of American international affairs that involves global issues such as trade, environmental protection, national security, arms control, and human rights. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student.

AMST 299 / Directed Reading and Research / 1-4 credits

Individualized or small group work on selected topics. Consent of the instructor and approval of the Dean of Instruction are required.

ANTH 200 / Cultural Anthropology / 3 credits

Study of the nature of culture and the basic tools for analyzing cultural behavior. Develops an understanding of the interrelationships between culture and personality, and of the process of cultural change. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity. Satisfies Cross-Cultural Understanding requirement.

ANTH 201 / Japanese Culture / 3 credits

Study of Japanese culture using the basic tools for analyzing cultural behavior. Compares Japanese and U.S. cultures by examining rites and rituals, religions, family and social life.

COM 140 / Introduction to Intercultural Communication / 3 credits

Introduction to learning effective communication in a variety of intercultural contexts. Emphasis on theory, research, and managing intercultural communication. Problems such as culture shock and opportunities to overcome cultural barriers are presented and examined. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

COM 201 / Introduction to Communication / 3 credits

An overview of communication emphasizing the interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and international communication, management, multimedia, mass media, and telecommunications perspectives. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

ECON 120 / Introduction to Economics / 3 credits

Survey of the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics to enable students in all disciplines to understand current economic events.

GEOG 102 / World Regional Geography / 3 credits

Study of the geography of the major cultural regions with a focus on the interrelationships of geography and current political, social, and economic conditions. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

GEOG 151 / Geography and Contemporary Society / 3 credits

Study of resource management and population geography and their application to contemporary problems in a worldwide perspective. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

HOSP 100 / Customer Service and Career / 3 credits

Introduction to the basic principles of customer service skills, work-related situations, and career planning in the tourism industry.

HOSP 101 / Introduction to Travel and Tourism / 3 credits

Overview of tourism and various sectors of the travel industry that covers historical, behavioral, societal, and business components. This course is a survey of travel and tourism in a global context, including economic, political, socio-cultural, demographic, and environmental impacts that tourism has on communities and the world. This course will also examine the current and future trends in the industry and the need to plan in its development.

HOSP 105 / Introduction to Japanese: Business and Hospitality / 3 credits

A beginning level culture studies course designed to develop cultural intelligence which is an essential component for success in the global economy. Emphasis is placed on building practical skills necessary for successful interaction with international visitors or business associates.

POLSCI 130 / American Government and Politics / 3 credits

Introduction to the organization and functioning of American political systems at the local, state, and national levels. Topics discussed include how the present American political system was formed and what political issues exist today. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

POLSCI 220 / International Relations / 3 credits

Study of concepts and theories in international relations and of contemporary world politics. Topics include the analysis of the causes of war and international conflicts, peacekeeping strategies, and various global issues. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required, and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student. Satisfies Cross-Cultural Understanding requirement.

POLSCI 222 / Issues in International Relations / 3 credits

Study of historical and current issues in world politics, e.g., U.S.-Japan relations, causes of war and peace, international relations in Asia and the Pacific, and the analysis of international conflict. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is required; and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student; and Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity. Satisfies Cross-Cultural Understanding requirement.

POLSCI 273 / Nonviolent Political Solutions / 3 credits

Exploration and analysis of nonviolent and non-killing political theories and movements including the theories of Immanuel Kant, Henry David Thoreau, and Woodrow Wilson, and the practices of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

POLSCI 299 / Directed Reading and Research / 1-4 credits

Individualized or small group work on selected topics. Consent of the instructor and approval of the Dean of Instruction are required.

PSY 100 / Survey of Psychology / 3 credits

Introduction to basic principles of human behavior. Topics include biological foundations of behavior, motivation, emotion, learning, memory and thought processes, personality, development, social behavior, stress, abnormal behavior, and methods of therapy. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

PSY 170 / Psychology of Adjustment / 3 credits

Understanding, evaluating and improving adjustment. Ideas and techniques concerning behavior change and personal growth. Topics include developmental theory, gender, conflict resolution, and contrasting cultural views of mental health. Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

SOC 100 / Introduction to Sociology / 3 credits

The fundamental concepts, theories, and methods of research of sociology with an emphasis on basic social relationships, social structures, and processes. Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student; and Cooperative Learning Intensive: requires group work, including at least one group project or team activity.

SOC 256 / Race and Ethnic Relations in Hawai‘i / 3 credits

Introduction to the historical, social, and cultural dynamics of ethnic and race relations in Hawai‘i with an emphasis on cultural identity formation in a multicultural island community. Writing Intensive: a minimum of 3,000 words of writing is req, and; and Oral Intensive: requires a minimum of 20 minutes of oral presentation per student. SatisCross-Culturaltural Understanding requirement.