# General Studies (GES) courses

Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 2 courses

Source: https://catalog.paloverde.edu/index.php?catoid=2

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027.

### GES 101 — Introduction To College Life

- **Units:** 1
- **Hours:** 18 hours total, 1 hour lecture weekly
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate an understanding of the matriculation (SSSP)/orientation process. Explain the importance of continuing an education. Describe the types of Educational Plans that lead to successful completion of Degrees and Certificates available.
- General Education: Not approved for General Education
- Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This course provides students training and experiences that will allow them to be successful in their first year and beyond. Topics to be covered are matriculation process of admission, orientation, assessment and advising, academic policies/procedures, written definitions of student rights and responsibilities, campus resources, programs and services, introduction to the California systems of education, formulation of student educational goals, degree/transfer and programs of study, increasing self-esteem and motivation, goal setting skills, memory development, time-management, study skills, understanding diversity and career planning.

### GES 115 — The Master Student

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- Student Learning Outcomes: Assess personal characteristics and occupational trends and apply this information towards effective career-life decisions. Identify and explain how relationships, health, money and resources affect the process of becoming a master student. Identify and explain effective communication skills to enhance positive interpersonal relationships.
- General Education: Not approved for General Education
- Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This course examines the techniques used to enhance academic skills in order to achieve subject matter mastery and develop strategies for success in a diverse society. Critical thinking skills are interwoven throughout the course by exploring areas such as motivation and attitudes, stress management, creativity, interpersonal communication, and personal health. Topics from developmental psychology, learning theory and personality theory are presented as a foundation for this course. Topics include but are not limited to: active listening, time management, study skills and techniques, goal setting and self-assessment. The course is designed for new or re-entry students and others who can benefit.