Associate Degree
Philosophy for the Associate Degree
The awarding of an associate degree is intended to represent more than an accumulation
of units. It symbolizes the successful attempt on the part of the District to lead
students through patterns of learning experiences designed to develop certain capabilities
and insights. Among these are the ability to think and to communicate clearly and
effectively, both orally and in writing; to use mathematics; to understand the modes
of inquiry of the major disciplines; to be aware of other cultures and times; to achieve
insights gained through experience in thinking about ethical problems; and to develop
the capacity for self-understanding.
General Education
General education is available at each college that makes up the District. A person
informed through general education about the conceptual schemes of the arts, humanities
and sciences, who comprehends the structure of society and who thinks clearly about
the individual and society will have the tools by which he or she may function efficiently.
Such an individual is encouraged to utilize these tools in developing a conception
of a commitment to a good life involving able and responsible citizenship, moral and
humane relationships, and appreciation of the democratic processes and the culture
which sustains our society.
Specifically, the colleges offer all of their students a pattern of courses designed to produce an awareness of self and to provide a:
- basic competence with the English language in its written and spoken form
- minimum competence in mathematics
- knowledge of American history and governmental institutions
- regard for health, mental and physical, of oneself and of the community at large
- grasp of the principles of the major divisions of human studies, humanities and science with some understanding of basic disciplines and methodologies
- knowledge in some depth of one subject area
