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Free Textbooks for OCC Students: Home

This page lists textbooks that OCC students may view for free.

What is this 'Free Textbooks'?

Orange Coast College students can come here to view assigned textbooks that are free for their use. Not all textbooks are available through this site - only those designated as "free" or "OER" or "library resources" can be found here. If your books are not listed here, please visit the bookstore or OCC Library Course Reserve for the correct textbook.

Please Note: Library resources require a login - access is restricted to current OCC students and employees. Many library ebooks have restrictions on how many students can access a book at one time. These limits are noted beside each book. If all copies are being used, try to access the book again at a later time. All other books are Open Educational Resources. These books are free to everyone and Creative Commons licensed. 

For questions or assistance with this page, please contact Ward Smith, Librarian, by email: wsmith30@occ.cccd.edu Or Marco Carrillo, Adj. Librarian, by email: MCarrillo45@gwc.cccd.edu.

What is Common Course Numbering?

Common Course Numbering (CCN) is California legislation (AB 1111) standardizing course numbers across all 115 California Community Colleges.

Community college course nomenclature is changing with a new Common Course Numbering (CCN) system in California, effective Fall 2025. The new format includes a 4-letter subject abbreviation, a "C" prefix, a 4-digit course number (e.g., 1000-level for first-year), and optional specialty identifiers for courses like labs (L) or those with support (E). For example, a traditional introductory statistics course might become STAT-C1000. 

Components of the new system

  • Subject Abbreviation: A standardized 4-letter code for each discipline, such as ENGL for English or PSYC for Psychology.
  • Course Prefix: The letter "C" is added to indicate a Common Course Number (e.g., COMM-C1000).
  • Course Number: A 4-digit number is used, where the 1000 range generally signifies first-year courses, 2000 for second-year, and so on.
    • Specialty Identifiers: Suffixes may be added to the end of the course number for specific course types:
      • L: Lab only
      • E: Embedded support
      • H: Honors (often added after the initial number, as seen in ENGL C1000H)

 

OCC Course Abbreviation: i.e. ARCH A102 is the current Course Numbering system in transition. Be aware there may be two variations simultaneously.

Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
ANTH A100 Perspectives: An Open Invitation to Cultural Anthropology, 2e OER: CC-BY-NC Multiple
ANTH A100 Introduction to Sociology, 2e OER: CC-BY Maureen Salsitz
ANTH A100H Perspectives: An Open Invitation to Cultural Anthropology, 2e OER: CC-BY-NC Multiple
ANTH A102 This Place: 150 Years Retold (2019) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Maureen Salsitz
ANTH A185 Explorations: An Open Invitation To Biological Anthropology OER: CC-BY-NC Multiple
ANTH A185L Explorations: An Open Invitation To Biological Anthropology Lab Manual OER: CC-BY-NC Multiple
ARCH A101 Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation (2021) Library Resource: 1 copy Rose Anne Kings
ARCH A102 Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation (2021) Library Resource: 1 copy Rose Anne Kings
ARCH A105 Architectural Graphics (2015, 6e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Multiple
ARCH A105 Drawing From the Model: Fundamentals of Digital Drawing, 3D Modeling, and Visual Programming in Architectural Design (2019) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Joseph Sarafian
ARCH A110 Why Architecture Matters (2009) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Rose Anne Kings
ARCH A110H Why Architecture Matters (2009) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Rose Anne Kings
ARCH A115 Architecture: Form, Space and Order (2014) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Steve Fuchs
ARCH A115 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School (2007) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Steve Fuchs
ARCH A115 Universal Principles of Design (2010) Library Resource: 1 copy Steve Fuchs
ARCH A155 Autodesk Revit 2017 for Architecture: No Experience Required (2016) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Javier Cambron
ARCH A156 Autodesk Revit 2017 for Architecture: No Experience Required (2016) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Javier Cambron
ARCH A160 The SketchUp Workflow for Architecture (2013) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Javier Cambron
ARCH A160 Architectural Graphic Standards (2010) Library Resource: 3 copies Javier Cambron
ARCH A165 No Plastic Sleeves (2014, 2e) Library Resource: 325 views a year Steve Fuchs
ARCH A165 Show Your Work! 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered (2014) Library Resource: 365 views a year Steve Fuchs
ARCH A167 Filmmaker's Handbook (2013) Library Resource: 3 copies Dean Abernathy
ARCH A167 Poetics (Aristotle) Library Resource: 5 copies Dean Abernathy
ARCH A170 The Maker's Manual: A Practical Guide to the New Industrial Revolution (2015) Library Resource: 3 copies Steve Fuchs
ARCH A171/A172 Digital Vernacular : Architectural Principles, Tools, and Processes (2015) Library Resource: 325 views a year Steve Fuchs
ARCH A171/A172 Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques (2013) Library Resource: 1 copy Steve Fuchs
ARCH A180 Architectural Graphic Standards (2010) Library Resource: 3 copies Joseph Sarafian
ARCH A180 Building Construction Illustrated (2014, 5e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Joseph Sarafian
ARCH A180 Fundamentals of Residential Construction (2017, 4e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Joseph Sarafian
ARCH A205 Architectural Graphics (2015, 6e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Christine Obnial
ARCH A205 Rapid Viz (2006) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Christine Obnial
ARCH A205 Real Estate Development (2007, 4e) Library Resource: 325 views a year Christine Obnial
ARCH A215 Drawing From the Model: Fundamentals of Digital Drawing, 3D Modeling, and Visual Programming in Architectural Design (2019) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Joseph Sarafian
ARCH A215 Foundations: The Grasshopper Primer, 3e OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Joseph Sarafian
ARCH A220 Fundamentals of Building Construction (2013, 6e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Joseph Sarafian
ARCH A230 Manual of Section (2016) Library Resource: 1 copy Dean Abernathy
ARCH A290 Global History of Architecture (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Dean Abernathy
ARCH A290H Global History of Architecture (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Dean Abernathy
ARCH A290H Thinking About Architecture (2011) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Dean Abernathy
ARCH A296 Global History of Architecture (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Dean Abernathy
ARCH A296H Global History of Architecture (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Dean Abernathy
ARLN A137 Practical Airport Operations, Safety, and Emergency Management: Protocols for Today and the Future (2016) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jessica Gonzalez
ART A147 The Complete Metalsmith Library Resource: 1 copy Leland Means
ART A247 The Complete Metalsmith Library Resource: 1 copy Leland Means
ASTRO A100 OpenStax Astronomy OER: CC-BY Multiple
ASTRO A103 Cosmology for the Curious Library Resource: 6 copies Jerome Fang 
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
BIO A185 OpenStax Biology, 2e OER: CC-BY Multiple 

 

Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
CA A120 Professional Chef (2011, 9e) Library Resource: 3 copies William Barber
CA A122 Professional Chef (2011, 9e) Library Resource: 2 copies William Barber
CA A124 Professional Baking (2017, 7e) Library Resource: 2 copies Melissa Simpson
CA A126 Professional Baking (2017, 7e) Library Resource: 2 copies Melissa Simpson
CA A131 Bread Baking (2010) Library Resource: 3 copies Melissa Simpson
CA A149 Professional Chef (2011, 9e) Library Resource: 2 copies Davina Dunner
CA A226 Professional Cake Decorating (2007) Library Resource: 3 copies Melissa Simpson
CA A245 Professional Chef (2011, 9e) Library Resource: 2 copies William Barber
CDE A102 The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (2021) OER: CC-BY Julie Hernandez
CDE A126 The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (2021) OER: CC-BY Karen Robinson
CDE A190 Child, Community, and Family (2021) OER: CC-BY Multiple
CDE A200 Learning Together with Young Children, 2e (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Devan Upchurch
CDE A220 Infant and Toddler Care and Development (2022) OER: CC-BY Kourtney Jones
CDE A261 The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (2021) OER: CC-BY Karen Robinson
CMST A100 Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach to Relationships (2020) OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Hannah Haghighat
CMST A110 Public Speaking (The Public Speaking Project) (2022) OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Claire Crossman
COUN A105 College Success OER: CC-BY Multiple
COUN A105 Blueprint for Success in College and Career OER: CC-BY Maria Traver
COUN A107/H La Nueva California: Latinos From Pioneers to Post-Millennials (2017, 2e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Eric Cuellar
COUN A107/H The United States of Mestizo (2013 Library Resource: Unlimited Users Eric Cuellar
COUN A107/H Latino Student's Guide to College Success (2012, 2e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Eric Cuellar
COUN A109 Developing and Understanding Happiness OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Rob Schneiderman 
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
DANC A152 Pilates (2022) Library Resource: 325 views a year David McMahan
DANC A152 Pilates Anatomy (2020) Library Resource: Unlimited Users David McMahan
DANC A153 Pilates (2022) Library Resource: 325 views a year David McMahan
DANC A153 Pilates Anatomy (2020) Library Resource: Unlimited Users David McMahan
DANC A200 Dance Appreciation (2021) Library Resource: 1 copy Jose Costas
DANC A206 Making Video Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Dance for the Screen, 2nd ed. (2019) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Rachel Berman
DANC A208 Pilates (2022) Library Resource: 325 views a year David McMahan
DANC A208 Pilates Anatomy (2020) Library Resource: Unlimited Users David McMahan 
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
ECON A100 Economics: Theory Through Applications OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Daniel Kuo
ECON A100 Principles of Economics, 3e (2022) OER: CC-BY Multiple
ECON A170 Principles of Microeconomics, 3e (2022) OER: CC-BY Multiple
ECON A170H Price of Everything : A Parable of Possibility and Prosperity (2008) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jennifer Savage
ECON A175 Principles of Economics, 3e (2022) OER: CC-BY Multiple
ELL A046N College ESL Writers: Applied Grammar and Composing Strategies for Success OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Multiple
ELL A047N Advanced Academic Grammar for ESL Students OER: CC-BY Marely Cervantes
ELL A055N Oral Communication for Non-Native Speakers of English (2020) OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Marely Cervantes
ENGL A100 Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism Library Resource: 2 copies Virgina Komenda
ENGL A100 People's Guide to Orange County (2022) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jessica Christian
ENGL A100 The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure Library Resource: 1 copy Michelle Doherty
ENGL A100 This Is Water : Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, About Living a Compassionate Life Library Resource: 1 copy Michele Mitchell
ENGL A100 Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution that's Transforming Education Library Resource: 1 copy Gray Mattoon
ENGL A100 Arcadia Library Resource: 325 views a year Erik Rangno
ENGL A100 Landscape of History: How Historians Map the Past Library Resource: Unlimited Users Erik Rangno
ENGL A100 Outliers: The Story of Success Library Resource: 1 copy Cara Sharp
ENGL A100 How Arguments Work - A Guide to Writing and Analyzing Texts in College (2022) OER: CC-BY-NC Loretta Obstfeld
ENGL A101H Moby Dick Library Resource: Unlimited Users Erik Rangno
ENGL A102 The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, 8e (2020) Library Resource: 3 copies Marilyn Kennedy
ENGL A102H The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, 8e (2020) Library Resource: 3 copies Marilyn Kennedy
ESL A011 Communication Beginnings: An Introductory Listening and Speaking Text for English Language Learners OER: CC-BY-NC Marely Cervantes
ESL A045 The Word on College Reading and Writing OER: CC-BY-NC Multiple
ESL A046 College ESL Writers: Applied Grammar and Composing Strategies for Success OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Multiple
ESL A047 Writing for Success OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Cheryl Bucholtz-Magallon
ESL A048 Learn English Pronunciation Free Online Thomas Dude
ESL A049 ESL for High Intermediate Students: The Way You Like It OER: CC-BY-NC Multiple
ESL A100 College ESL Writers: Applied Grammar and Composing Strategies for Success OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Maria Lerma
ESL A100 Rhetoric & Composition OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Maria Lerma
ESL A100 Writing In College: From Competence to Excellence (2016) OER: CC BY-NC-SA Marely Cervantes
ESL A192 Advanced Community College ESL Composition: An Integrated Skills Approach OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Isobel Civen
ESL A192 College ESL Writers: Applied Grammar and Composing Strategies for Success OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Diane Colvin
ETHS A100 Beyond Race: Cultural Influences on Human Social Life (2018) OER: BY-NC-SA Jessica-Ayo Alabi
ETHS A100 La Nueva California : Latinos From Pioneers to Post-Millennials, 2e (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jessica-Ayo Alabi
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
FILM A100 A Short History of Film (2018, 3e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jamie Hitchings
FILM A100H A Short History of Film (2018, 3e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jamie Hitchings
FILM A109 Alternate Americas: Science Fiction Film and American Culture Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jamie Hitchings
FILM A109 The Essential Science Fiction Television Reader Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jamie Hitchings
FILM A109 Science Fiction Cinema : Between Fantasy and Reality Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jamie Hitchings
FILM A110 Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video Library Resource: 3 copies Multiple
FILM A195 Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory, and Practice, 6th ed. (2019) Library Resource: 3 copies Jamie Hitchings
FILM A219 Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory, and Practice, 6th ed. (2019) Library Resource: 3 copies Jamie Hitchings
FILM A220 Free materials in digital reader - must enroll in class to view   Scott Broberg
FILM A262 Cinematography: Theory and Practice (2016, 3e) Library Resource: 3 copies Erik Forssell
FILM A265 Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide (2014, 2e) Library Resource: 3 copies Erik Forssell
FILM A265 Documentary Storytelling (2010, 3e) Library Resource: 3 copies Erik Forssell
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
GEO A185 Introduction to Human Geography: A Disciplinary Approach, 3e (2020) By Permission Vienne Vu
GEOL A105 Physical Geology (2015) OER: CC-BY Multiple
GEOL A105 An Introduction to Geology (2017) OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Multiple
GEOL A105H Physical Geology (2015) OER: CC-BY Eric Bender
GEOL A110 Physical Geology (2015) OER: CC-BY Mike Vanry
GNDR A100 Gender: A Sociological Perspective (2020, 7e) Library Resource: 3 copies Jessica Alabi
GNDR A100 La Nueva California : Latinos From Pioneers to Post-Millennials, 2e (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jessica-Ayo Alabi
GNDR A130 Women, Power, and Politics: A Global Perspective (2014) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jessica Alabi
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
HIST A145 Mexican History: A Primary Source Reader (2010) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jordan Stanton
HIST A145 Oxford History of Mexico (2010) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jordan Stanton
HIST A170 The American Yawp OER: CC-BY-SA Multiple
HIST A170 OpenStax US History OER: CC-BY Brent Rudmann
HIST A175 The American Yawp OER: CC-BY-SA Multiple
HIST A175 The American Yawp Reader OER: CC-BY-SA Susan Nguyen
HIST A175 OpenStax US History OER: CC-BY Brent Rudmann
HLED A100 Introduction to Health OER: CC-BY-SA Anna Hanlon
HLED A100 101+ Careers in Public Health (2016, 2e) Library Resource: 3 Users Anna Hanlon
HORT A109 Soil Science Simplified (2015, 6e) Library Resource: 3 copies Lori Pullman
HORT A115 Landscape Graphics: Plan, Section, and Perspective Drawing of Landscape Spaces (2013) Library Resource: 1 copy Lori Pullman
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
KIN A270 Concepts of Fitness and Wellness OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Guido Sendowsky
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
MATH A170 OpenStax Precalculus OER: CC-BY Multiple
MRSC A185 Surf, Sand, and Stone (2015) Library Resource: 325 views a year Multiple
MRSC A185 The World's Beaches: A Global Guide to the Science of the Shoreline (2011) Library Resource: 3 users Multiple
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
PHIL A100 What is This Thing Called Philosophy? Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jessica Gonzalez
PHIL A120 Ethics for A-Level OER: CC-BY Daniel Majors
PHIL A150 Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking OER: CC-BY Charles Otwell
PHIL A150 A Guide to Good Reasoning: Cultivating Intellectual Virtues, 2e OER: CC-BY-NC Jessica Gonzalez
PHOT A110 Free materials in Canvas course - must enroll in class to view   Richard Kraft
PHYS A120 College Physics, 2e (2022) OER: CC-BY Multiple
PHYS A125 College Physics, 2e (2022) OER: CC-BY Multiple
PHYS A185 University Physics, Vol. 1 (2016) OER: CC-BY Stephen Drum
PHYS A280 University Physics, Vol. 2 (2016) OER: CC-BY Stephen Drum
PHYS A285 University Physics, Vol. 2 (2016) OER: CC-BY Stephen Drum
PHYS A285 University Physics, Vol. 3 (2016) OER: CC-BY Stephen Drum
PSCI A110 The Prince Library Resource: Unlimited Users Mark Roessler
PSCI A180 American Government, 3e (2021) OER: CC-BY Multiple
PSCI A180H American Government, 3e (2021) OER: CC-BY Multiple
PSG A150 Fundamentals of Sleep Technology (2007, 3rd ed.) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Daniel Goya-Lane
PSG A260 Fundamentals of Sleep Technology (2007, 3rd ed.) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Daniel Goya-Lane
PSYC A100 OpenStax Psychology (2014) OER: CC-BY Lien Pham
PSYC A260 Principles of Social Psychology OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Lien Pham
PSYC A270 Introduction to Psychology OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Czerniawski
PSYC A270 Openstax Psychology, 2e (2020) OER: CC-BY Czerniawski
PSYC A270 Psychology as a Biological Science OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Czerniawski
PSYC A280 Research Methods in Psychology, 3e OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Czerniawski
PSYC A280 Research Methods in Psychology, 4e OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Nicole Winter
PUBH A100 Introduction to Health OER: CC-BY-SA Anna Hanlon
PUBH A100 101+ Careers in Public Health (2016, 2e) Library Resource: 3 Users Anna Hanlon
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
RADT A100 Radiologic Science for Technologists (2017, 11e) Library Resource: 6 copies Loren Sachs
RADT A180 Radiography in the Digital Age (2018, 3e) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Kelly Holt
RLST A150 South and East Asian Philosophy Reader (2021) OER: CC-BY Simpkin
RLST A151 Philosophy of Western Religions (2021) OER: CC-BY Simpkin
Free Textbook List
Course Course Materials Licensing Professor
SJS A100 La Nueva California : Latinos From Pioneers to Post-Millennials, 2e (2017) Library Resource: Unlimited Users Jessica-Ayo Alabi
SOC A100 Introduction to Sociology, 3e (2021) OER: CC-BY Multiple
SOC A110 Sociology of the Family Free Online Melinda Vandervis
SOC A185 Social Problems: Continuity and Change (2015) OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Monique Kelly
SOC A200 Introduction to Sociology Research Methods OER: CC-BY-NC-SA Rachel Ridnor
SPAN A160 Acceso OER: CC-BY-NC-ND Denise Cabanel-Bleuer