Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts - Arts and Humanities

Merritt College's Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities program is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of liberal arts and sciences with an area of emphasis in Arts and Humanities. This program is an ideal choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) as the student can satisfy their general education requirements, plus focus on transferable course work that relates to majors at CSU or UC. Please consult with a counselor for specific information regarding intended majors at the specific colleges/ university of choice.

The courses in this program emphasize the study of cultural, literary, humanistic activities and artistic expression of human beings. Students will evaluate and interpret the ways in which people through the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation. Students will also learn to value aesthetic understanding and incorporate these concepts when constructing value judgments. Courses from Anthropology, Art, Ethnic Studies, English and Foreign Languages, Humanities, Music, and Philosophy are acceptable. Major emphasis is put on the Arts and artistic expression of human beings in this pattern. The Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities will prepare students for majors at four-year institutions in language arts, humanities, fine arts or music, among others.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: • Describe the connections between specific factors (i.e., politics, religion, science, etc.) of historical periods and the artistic styles that emerged from those historical periods in essays and/or oral presentation. Use and interpret formulas, graphs, and tables. • Critically analyze artistic styles and ideologies in essays, oral presentations and/or individual portfolio reviews. • Demonstrate cultural awareness, personal responsibility, and ethical behavior within a diverse society in their communication via essays, performance and/or group critiques.