Associate of Arts - Humanities

Students completing the program will be able to... • A. use their critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate both formally and contextually, a variety of creative works and literary documents. • B. compare and contrast the historic meaning and impact of works selected from the various arts, and from philosophic and religious literature. • C. recognize and explain the integration of arts and ideas in selected cultural, historical, and thematic contexts. • D. demonstrate their ability to articulate clearly in oral and written form objective analysis of major works from the various arts, and from philosophic and religious literature.

This degree is designed for students who wish to study a broad range of the arts: music, dance, visual arts, architecture, literature, drama, film, philosophy and history. Through this course of student students will learn to analyze, interpret, and compare a diverse range of art forms and cultures while deepening their understanding of the arts as human expression and honing their critical thinking and writing skills. The associate in arts in humanities degree is both an interdisciplinary and integrative degree dedicated to the student of arts and ideas in their cultural contexts and to the comparative analysis of the arts. The degree provides a well rounded and rich background in the creative and intellectual expression of major world civilizations, intellectual and cultural movements, and cultural works of creative expression. Humanities students develop skills in artistic analysis, aesthetic judgements, and other modes of critical thinking. Students develop the ability to view cultural material from multiple perspectives, appreciate and evaluate diverse forms of cultural expression, and understand the criticism and theory regarding major artistic works, styles, forms and movements.

DVC humanities students who intend to transfer must consult with a program advisor or counselor to ensure that the requirements for transfer to four-year institutions of their choice are met. Students who intend to transfer are advised to select either General Education Option 2 (IGETC) or Option 3 (CSU GE). General Education Option 1 (DVC General Education) is appropriate for students who do not intend to transfer.

To earn an associate in arts degree in humanities, students must complete each required course with a “C” grade or higher, and complete general education requirements as listed in the catalog. Degree requirements can be completed by attending classes in the day, the evening, or both. Certain courses may satisfy both major and general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once.