Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts - Cross Cultural Studies

Merritt College's Associate in Arts Liberal Arts: Cross-Cultural Studies program is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of liberal arts and sciences with an area of emphasis in Cross-Cultural Studies. 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 an intended major at specific colleges.

These courses emphasize the perspective, concepts, theories and methodologies typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences with particular emphasis on an understanding of cross-cultural interactions between peoples of difference cultures. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics of discussion will stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their and other societies and will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. Courses from Anthropology, Art, Child Development, Communication and English, Environmental Management, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Human Services, Music, Psychology, Spanish, and Sociology are acceptable. The AA degree in Liberal Arts: Cross-Cultural Studies will prepare students for majors at four-year institutions in the social sciences such as anthropology, sociology, or ethnic or cultural studies, among others.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: • Critically analyze social and political phenomena based on social constructs of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and identity. • Articulate the values, experiences and contributions of historically marginalized populations. • Demonstrate cultural awareness, personal responsibility, and ethical behavior within a diverse society in their communication.