Associate of Arts - Philosophy - Transfer Degree

Students completing the program will be able to... • Use their critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate both formally and informally, arguments and positions taken regarding various philosophical topics. • Compare and contrast various philosophical perspectives, both historically and in the context of larger philosophical texts. • Recognize and explain the integration of philosophical perspectives and ideas in selected cultural, historical, and thematic contexts. • Demonstrate their ability to articulate clearly in oral and written form an objective analysis of major works from the various philosophic and religious literatures. • Explicate the historical development of major philosophical ideas and arguments within the western intellectual tradition.

The humanities and philosophy department views critical thinking and reflection about distinctively human issues to be central to human existence and well-being. Students who are able to think and articulate viewpoints clearly and in an informed fashion not only enhance their own lives, but contribute significantly to interpersonal relationships and social existence, including in the realm of political, economic, cultural, and social institutions.

The associate in arts in philosophy for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. The associate in arts in philosophy for transfer is consistent with the mission of the community college to assist students in achieving a seamless transfer to the CSU system. In order to earn the degree, students must: • • Complete 60 CSU-transferable units. • Complete the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, including the Area 1C requirement for Oral Communication. • Complete a minimum of 18 units in the major. • Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. • Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required for the major.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer.

Students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a “C” grade or higher. Some courses in the major satisfy both major and CSUGE/IGETC general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once toward the 60 unit requirement for an associate degree. Some variations in requirements may exist at certain four year institutions; therefore, students who intend to transfer are advised to refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor.