Hidden Gems 2020 - 2021
In college, there are the classes you have to take.
But sometimes, there are classes you want to take.
Take a look at some classes we like to call "Hidden Gems." These are lesser known or unique classes that offer students a course off the beaten path. Many of these classes are electives so you might be able to fit them into your program of study.
Every other week throughout the year, we will feature a new "gem" on the website homepage. Keep an eye out for these special
classes! And if you have an idea or a class you'd like to see featured, let us know
by emailing the CCAC Marketing Department.
The rich variety of women’s writing is yours to sample in this smorgasbord of essays,
diaries, autobiographies, short stories, novels, plays and poetry.
The struggles of women writers to get their voices heard and their perspectives recognized will be the guiding principle of this course.
As you explore women writers and their literature, you will learn how cultural, historical and socio-economic forces held them in check in predominantly patriarchal societies. You will also become familiar with the intellectual heritage they have bequeathed to you, and how existential and physical encounters for the right to be seen, heard and respected as women and writers were not received from men—but taken.
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your critical reading, thinking and writing skills by identifying and explicating the major themes developed by women writers and how they contributed to the women’s movement of the 21st century!
According to HealthIT.gov, health information technology (Health IT) makes it possible for health care providers
to better manage patient care through secure use and sharing of health information.
Health IT includes the use of electronic health records instead of paper medical records
to maintain people's health information.
CCAC’s engaging 20-week Health IT Basic Training Course will provide you with basic skills and broad exposure to medical terminology and health care statistics. It will equip you with an entry-level Health IT skill set or increase your skill set and pave the way for upward mobility. A Course Certificate will be issued to graduates.
Beginning June 7 and ending October 18, classes will meet on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. via Zoom, with online coursework to be completed during the week. The course costs $1,849. Payment plans are available.
Graduates of the program are finding job opportunities with hospitals, physician practices, health insurers and software/hardware vendors. In addition, Kane Regional Centers, PAREACH (Pennsylvania’s Regional Extension Center for Health IT), Pittsburgh Regional Healthcare Initiative (PRHI) and Excela Health System have requested graduates’ resumes.
Contact Jodi Campano at jcampano@ccac.edu for more information.
In this course, you will study the basics of money management.
For starters, you will identify your sources of income and your key expenditures, and then construct a personal budget to help you achieve your financial goals.
You will learn about the whys and wherefores of taxes, the smart use of debit and credit cards, and the ins and outs of borrowing money. You will explore the pluses and minuses of home ownership versus renting as well as the upsides and downsides of purchasing a vehicle versus leasing one. And to round things out, you will investigate insurance coverage for you (and your family), your home, and your auto.
Since the future is now, you will look into options for retirement planning, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Notably, you will acquire insight into the time value of money and how you can make your money work for you 24/7/365.
An exceptional opportunity to create and execute a plan for your financial future under the skillful guidance of an experienced MBA awaits you!
Do you want to learn how to interpret or create what poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge
called “the best words in the best order”? Poetry is, at its core, a way to navigate
our relationships with each other and ourselves. This course will introduce you to
both classic and contemporary poems, teaching you the “language” of poetry. You’ll
use this knowledge to write effectively about individual poems and the interplay of
sensory images.
Memorizing poetry will enable you to appreciate sound, rhythm, and rhyme, while crafting some poetry of your own will lead to an understanding of the creative process.
Because there is power in poetry, people have been writing poetry since the dawn of time. CCAC invites you to see for yourself and tap into this power—so seize the moment, register for this class, and make your life extraordinary!
Selling is an honorable profession—and the engine of any economic system. In fact,
1 in 2 people have a sales-related job as many companies feel that selling is everyone’s
responsibility.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than 13.7 million people are in sales-related jobs in the United States and that in 2019, the median pay for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives was $63,000 per year.
Exposure to the selling process benefits everyone, whether you are an account manager, sales representative or sales engineer.
In this course, you will be introduced to the selling process of prospecting, overcoming objections and closing the sale. You will then be given an opportunity to apply that process to a product or service of your choice—all while perfecting your communication skills, the essential trait of a successful sales professional.
Are you interested in exploring issues surrounding all genders, with a specific focus
on women?
Are you eager to make connections between what you learn in the classroom and what you experience in your personal life?
Are you seeking to discover new insights on social justice and learn how to improve your life and the lives of others?
If so, then this course is the right choice for you to explore the field of women’s studies from historical, social, cultural, economic and biological perspectives.
Are you interested in exploring the history of women in society, with a special emphasis
on the United States? Then this course is for you!
Women's history tells the story of our nation's past from a wider perspective. It doesn’t rewrite history—rather, it expands the focus of history to include the activities and contributions of women from all walks of life, from different eras and different backgrounds.
While surveying society’s definition of the nature and role of women, the actual conditions of women, and the feminist response to intellectual, social and political issues, this course details how women have played a vital role in human civilization.
According to Professor Allison Caveglia Barash, who created the class about 10 years
ago, the idea for the course came from student questions about the authenticity of
movie character portrayals in feature films—questions like “Have you seen ‘A Beautiful
Mind’? Is that really how schizophrenia is?”
In this course, you will watch several movies during the semester and then compare the symptoms you see in these movies to the diagnostic criteria in the textbook, “Essentials of Understanding Abnormal Behavior.”
The class is very student-driven, with discussions revolving around student questions and interests. One assignment involves students writing a paper to recommend a film, and Professor Barash selects one of those films for the class to watch at the end of the semester.
Student feedback has been positive. In fact, some even say it was their favorite class ever!
Want to create and then navigate your own academic and career path while at CCAC?
College Seminar is a first-year experience course designed to help guide you along your academic path at CCAC and toward your career goals. During the course, you will determine your ideal career and link it to an academic plan. An integral part of this process is creating a repertoire of resources to help you along the way. You will apply skills and gain insights around grit, goal setting, time management, professional communication and financial literacy, all while familiarizing yourself with the various technology tools CCAC has to offer. As a bonus, you can expect to build lasting relationships with faculty members, mentors, other students and the college overall.
By completing College Seminar, you will be taking the first steps toward achieving your desired goals at CCAC and beyond. Remember, at CCAC, our goal is your success!
It’s healthy and normal to have questions about your body, relationships, sex and
feelings. This course is a reliable source of clear, factual information.
Learn about sexual and reproductive anatomy, hormones and sexuality, the similarities and differences between female and male sexual responses, sexually transmitted infections and sexually related diseases, birth control, pregnancy and childbirth, sexual orientation, and love and relationships.
Many people find it easier to have sex than to talk about it. By completing this course, you will equip yourself to enjoy the many benefits of open communication, and the insights you gain into human sexuality will help you feel comfortable about yourself and your own sexuality.
BIO 120 – Human Reproduction and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
This course will help you develop an understanding of the economic, environmental,
and equity (social justice) aspects of sustainability issues surrounding air quality,
water availability, food and agriculture, energy, and shelter. You will learn to incorporate
tangible (economic) and intangible (environmental, equity) costs into the decision-making
process.
In addition, you will learn to evaluate the positive and negative trade-offs that
sustainability solutions have—as well as take into account the challenges population
growth introduces for resolving sustainability concerns. In doing so, you will sharpen
your ability to make connections between your life and surroundings and matters of
global environmental importance. Simply put, you will learn to think globally and
act locally!
This course is part of CCAC’s Polymer Technology Certificate program, which provides
training for employment in the expanding plastics manufacturing industry. MEC 115
will give you a hands-on overview of everything related to plastics—from making samples
in the lab, to injection molding and blow molding materials, to breaking down waste
for recycling. By the end of this course, you will not only know how to pronounce
substances like polyethylene terephthalate, but you’ll know how to make and process
them into everyday objects. You’ll also fabricate keychains and bottles, which make
perfect gifts for friends and family!
The Polymer Technology Certificate program is housed at West Hills Center in Oakdale. You can complete the program in just two semesters—only five classes for a total of 16 credits—and earn a National Association of Manufacturers endorsed credential that can greatly enhance your employability. After graduation, you can enter the workforce, or you can apply your credits toward an Associate of Science in Mechatronics Technology for additional career development.
This course introduces concepts related to the planning and operation of events within
the hospitality industry, including conventions, trade shows, professional meetings
and foodservice events. Emphasis is placed on methods of marketing, selling, organizing
and producing conventions, events and trade shows that will increase financial and
environmental value. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding
of management principles for multi-function, multi-day conferences and events.
Hospitality is one of the most stable industries today and is one of the most ideal providers of lasting and solid careers. Enroll now!
Hospitality Degree + Experience = Great Opportunities
In this course, you will learn how to write for various forms of media, including
award-winning newspapers like The Voice, the official student newspaper of CCAC. The
Voice is entirely led and staffed by students, who do all the writing, editing, researching
and page design. As you acquire the fundamentals of news reporting in class, why not
put your talents to work at The Voice? This experience will provide you with a rich
opportunity to develop transferable skills—from writing and editing to teamwork and
meeting deadlines—all while being part of a high-quality, high-integrity organization
that produces an exceptional product. Along the way, you will become familiar with
Associated Press style, the standard reference against which all news writing is measured.
If you’ve ever wondered about the mysteries of the universe, then this course is for
you. It is taught by Professor Patrick Huth, who worked for NASA and the Office of
Naval Research before coming to CCAC. As someone who has been interested in astronomy
since he was young, Professor Huth will fuel your curiosity about the cosmos. Expect
to hear about major scientific updates and recent discoveries—and to explore the evidence
for the possibility of life in the universe.
Now you, too, can develop a cosmic perspective, just like the astronauts. Ready for liftoff? The countdown to launch begins when you click the link below and register.
Are you interested in becoming a software developer? If so, start with this beginner-level
course. Then continue your software development studies with CIT 130 (intermediate)
and cap it off with CIT 244 (advanced).
Java is the most commonly used programming language in the world. More than three billion devices run on it. It’s simple, easy to read like English, and favored by employers. Java is everywhere—and is used for everything—from web development to game development to software engineering. Java is also the technology that powers Android, the world’s most widely used mobile operating system.
Knowing how to code in Java can help you find the job of your dreams, including working in big enterprise server side apps, blockchain, big data, AI or machine learning.
Do you find past civilizations fascinating? Ever wonder who built the pyramids around
the world and how? Intrigued by ancient hieroglyphic texts? Do you ponder the meaning
of ancient artwork and paintings? Or are you curious about how anthropologists and
archaeologists carry out their research?
There are abundant claims about these very topics presented to us in our everyday lives through TV shows, magazine covers and the news. Often, it can be a challenge to separate the facts from fiction.
This course is taught by a linguistic anthropologist who, for 20 years, has conducted fieldwork in Mexico. Let this practicing scientist be your guide as you explore the marvels and discover the ingenuity of ancient and past civilizations, while also learning how to critically analyze topics of controversy in these areas.
This course will help you realize your creativity. By learning the fundamental principles
that underlie modern music technology, you will gain the background to effectively
apply this technology, whether you are performing, composing, teaching, analyzing,
or engaging in any other musical activity. You will work with hardware and software
as you delve into these principles, covering the essentials of sound, audio, MIDI,
computer notation and computer-assisted instruction. And while discovering and sharing
new ways of creating and recording music, you will acquire the key tools every modern
musician needs to succeed. Expect to be inspired by your classmates—and by the sound
of your own creativity!
Are you a movie buff? Do you want to take your love of cinema to the next level? Then
ENG 120 - The Art of Film is for you! The knowledge you acquire in this course will
enrich your movie-watching experiences throughout your life. As you learn about formal
elements like cinematography, editing and sound, you will pick up the vocabulary of
film and make the transition from movie fan to film connoisseur. Studying movies actually
increases the ways you can enjoy them. And because the study of film is the study
of humanity, you will gain insights into the world of human experience and emotion.
When considering one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, be
purposeful! Understand yourself and what motivates you. Explore what careers would
be a good fit for your unique interests and talents. The goal of this course is to
assist you in making an informed decision about your career path—and to develop the
skills that are needed to get hired!
ANT 117 - Globalization is the anchor course for the newly revised Global Studies Certificate program. Individuals who can work effectively with diverse groups possess a marketable
skill prized by employers. Beginning spring 2021, the college is pioneering Global
Perspective Courses. This is an exciting innovation that will give you the flexibility
to select courses from within your major and have those credits double-counted. In
other words, they will count toward both your associate degree and Global Studies
Certificate! Look for GS-coded sections in the Online Course Catalog. And if you are
planning on transferring to a four-year institution, a Global Studies Certificate
can only enhance your credentials.
This course is a survey of American social work, including its historical roots, its
major processes (social casework, social group work and community organization) and
its settings. Special attention is paid to the role of the social worker in the alleviation
of community problems. Coursework in this area provides students with the knowledge
and values of social work at the introductory level.
If we’re ever going to be the just, inclusive and vibrant society we truly want and
deserve to be, we need to make ethics a priority. This course focuses on the study
of right and wrong in the context of the police, the courts and corrections. But along
the way, you will be laying the foundation for becoming an ethical professional in
any field. One highlight of the course is learning about ethical heroes. These are
women and men who displayed compelling courage in the moral choices they made. Another
highlight is the wealth of real-world examples, case studies and practical scenarios
that will prepare you to confront, with integrity, the ethical challenges you’re sure
to encounter.
CJC 152 – Ethics in Criminal Justice
Are you curious about the ways in which people live their lives? Then this course
is for you! Not only will you be introduced to some fascinating and different cultures,
but through comparison, you will get to reflect on your own culture and make more
sense of your own life. As one of the best disciplines for perceiving the world through
the eyes of others, cultural anthropology fosters cultural understanding and appreciation.
What could be more needed today? Is it any wonder that major players in the global
economy are interested in hiring individuals with a background in cultural anthropology?
ANT 102 - Intro Cultural Anthropology
The goal of this course is to help you deepen your understanding of other cultures
and people whose social identities are different from your own. The way people see
and respond to others is influenced by their cultural upbringing, which creates assumptions
about what is “normal.” As you grow in self-awareness, you’ll be inspired to examine
your biases, stereotypes and prejudices and how they impact your relationships with
others. Although cultural competency is a life-long journey, what better time than
now to have a serious conversation about racism, unearned privilege and discrimination
in a nurturing and understanding environment?
Would you like to work with infants or toddlers? Have you thought about becoming a
nanny? Are you considering taking a position in an Early Head Start program? In this
course, you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to interact with children
from birth to 36 months and help them develop resilience, the ability to bounce back
when faced with adversity. By analyzing a wide variety of case studies, you will learn
best practices for fostering early childhood mental health. And best of all, time
spent in the classroom is complemented by weekly field observations in infant and
toddler settings.
ECD 209 – Introduction to Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health
Do you care about the planet? Would you like to help solve today’s environmental problems?
In this course, you will learn how nature works, how human activity is affecting the
earth, and how we can work together to make our world a more sustainable place. Environmental
issues touch every part of our existence—choose to take a class that will benefit
you now and throughout your life!
Respiratory therapists are essential members of the health care team. In this course,
you will learn about the role you will play in treating patients who have trouble
breathing, thereby saving and improving the quality of their lives. Case scenarios
will challenge you to use critical thinking to solve problems like the ones you will
encounter during actual patient care. And by becoming aware of the latest advances
in this dynamic field, you will be well on your way to preparing yourself to succeed
in today’s health care environment.
A healthy community starts with you. This course will empower you to take control
of your personal health and wellness by incorporating discoveries from the most current,
scientifically valid research. In addition, you will learn about the effects that
your health choices may have on others and how you can become an agent of change with
your loved ones and the greater community. You can live well and prosper—it can start
now, and it can start with you.
The goal of this course is for you to develop a personal program of stress management
based on the latest science. By incorporating techniques for promoting mental and
physical wellness—as well as strategies for balancing competing priorities—you can
take effective, proven steps to ease your stress, protect your brain, and improve
your mood.
Are you interested in issues surrounding women and gender? Are you passionate about
social justice? Are you ready to work to improve the lives of women? Are you eager
to make connections between your personal life and the topics you’re studying? Are
you intrigued to discover new insights that looking at literature, art and film from
a feminist perspective will give you? Are you open to questioning your assumptions
about gender and sexuality? Then use the tools of history, economics, science, health,
art, and other disciplines to study the lives of women and explore questions like
these.
Did You Know? You don’t have to be a woman to specialize in women’s studies.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere...whatever affects one directly,
affects all indirectly.” --Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
What were racial conditions like in the United States prior to 1960? Specifically, what was it like to be a Black citizen living in Pittsburgh at the time? Can you identify two groups that participated in the Pittsburgh Civil Rights Movement and name their leaders? What techniques were used by these groups to achieve equality? Which businesses and government agencies were targeted by the movement and why? How did the movement impact the areas of employment, education and public accommodations? Learn all this and more as you discover how ordinary Pittsburghers stepped up to root out injustice, knowing that “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
What was Africa like before European colonization? How did the Atlantic slave trade
develop and shape the lives and economies of Africans and Europeans? Trace the African
American experience as you follow the journey of African Americans from their origins
in Africa, through slavery in the Western Hemisphere, and their struggle for freedom
in the United States, with a focus on the Civil War, Emancipation and the period of
Reconstruction.
HIS 220 - Historical Archeology
This course is designed as an introduction to the basic techniques, methods and theories of historic archeology. Emphasis is placed on topics from 18th and 19th century North America that provide insights into employing material objects as data for analysis of the past. The methodology of historical research, archaeological excavation and the description and analysis of historical materials are examined.
Why is Pittsburgh the "city of steel?" Why were the three rivers so important that
they were a contributing factor in the French and Indian War? Why is Andy Warhol's
Campbell's Soup Can so iconic? And why is there an army of Steelers fans across the
world?
If you'd like to discover the answers to these questions and so many more, REGISTER NOW for HIS222-AC71, Pittsburgh: Past, Present, Future on Tuesday from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. with Dr. Jacqueline Cavalier.
This course is a survey of Pittsburgh’s role in the Colonial frontier, the westward movement, the development of the Ohio River Valley and the Industrial Revolution, as well as its role in developing solutions to contemporary urban problems. The course features a ZERO-COST textbook available to students in hard copy or PDF format. Questions: jcavalier@acd.ccac.edu
This course introduces students to the profession of court reporting. Topics include
the history of court reporting, educational requirements, the duties and responsibilities
of court reporters, professional organizations, certifications testing and career
options in the fields of Judicial, Freelance, Closed Captioning and Computer Aided
Realtime Translation (CART).
Speakers include practicing court reporters from local firms and courts. A field trip to a closed captioning agency is offered. This course is open to any student with an interest in the court reporting profession.