A Liberal Arts major includes coursework from various academic disciplines. At VVC, the Liberal Arts major has three areas of emphasis to choose from: Arts & Humanities, Math & Science, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. These majors require a student to spend a significant amount of time on studies focused on one of these three areas of emphasis. Students planning to transfer into a major that is not available at VVC often choose to major in Liberal Arts because they can easily plan courses that meet their transfer requirements as well as this Associate of Arts major. Please work with a counselor to carefully craft the plan is that right for your goals.
Transfer
Please visit the VVC Transfer Center in Building 23 or schedule an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Associate in Arts Degrees
The Associate degree in Liberal Arts is designed for students who wish to have a broad knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences plus additional coursework in an Area of Emphasis. Within this major, students who plan on transferring to a university can typically satisfy both their general education requirements as well as many pre-major requirements for transfer. Consult with a counselor for information regarding your intended major and the specific college or university of your choice. Visit assist.org for more information. For a printable format for these majors please visit the Liberal Arts Majors document.
Requirements:
To earn this degree, complete the major coursework with “C” grades or better and all of the following graduation requirements: 60 minimum degree-applicable units (including a maximum 4 units of activity); 2.0 minimum overall GPA; 12 degree-applicable units through VVC; Information Competency; Global Citizenship; Kinesiology, and the VVC General Education pattern. Courses may count in one area only, either in the major or in a general education category. Courses counted in one AA/AS major may not be used in another AA/AS major.
- Choose an Area of Emphasis
- Complete a minimum of 18 units from ONE of the three areas of emphasis below
Liberal Arts: Mathematics/Science Emphasis (18594)
These courses emphasize the natural sciences which examine the physical universe, its life forms and its natural phenomena. Courses in Math emphasize the development of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills beyond the level of intermediate algebra. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies of science as investigative tools. Students will also examine the influence that the acquisition of scientific knowledge has on the development of the world‘s civilization.
Complete at least 18 units from the following, with at least one course in math and one in science, with at least two courses in any one subject.
AGNR 123 Introduction to Plant Science, AGNR 170 Environmental Science and Sustainability, AGNR 170L Environmental Science and Sustainabilty Laboratory, ALDH 125 Medical Aspects of Drugs & Alcohol, ANTH 101 Introduction to Physical Anthropology, ANTH 101L Physical Anthropology Laboratory, ASTR 101 Descriptive Astronomy, BIOL 100 General Biology, BIOL 107 Introduction to Human Biology1, BIOL 118 Principles of Heredity, BIOL 201 Biology of Cells, BIOL 202 Biology of Organisms, BIOL 203 Population and Environmental Biology, BIOL 211 Human Anatomy2, BIOL 221 General Microbiology, BIOL 231 Human Physiology, CHEM 100 Introductory Chemistry, CHEM 201 General Chemistry, CHEM 202 General Chemistry, CHEM 206 Introductory Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry, CHEM 207 Introductory Chemistry Iii: Biochemistry, CHEM 281 Organic Chemistry, CHEM 282 Organic Chemistry II; GEOG 101 Introduction to Physical Geography, GEOG 101L Geography 1 Laboratory, GEOG 130 Introduction to Weather and Climate2, GEOL 101 Physical Geology, HLTH 102 Contemporary Problems in Personal and Community Health, MATH 104 Trigonometry2, MATH 105 College Algebra / MATH 105H Honors College Algebra, MATH 120 Introduction to Statistics / MATH 120H Honors Introduction to Statistics, MATH 120S Introduction to Statistics With Skills Support, MATH 132 The Ideas of Math, MATH 226 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I / MATH 226H Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculus I, MATH 227 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II / MATH 227H Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculus II, MATH 228 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III / MATH 228H Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculs III, MATH 231 Linear Algebra, MATH 270 Differential Equations, OCEA 101 Oceanography, PSCI 101 Principles of Physical Science, PHYS 100 Introductory Physics, PHYS 201 Engineering Physics I-Mechanics, PHYS 202 Engineering Physics II - Fluids, Sound, and Thermodynamics, PHYS 203 Engineering Physics III Electricity And Magnetism, PHYS 204 Engineering Physics IV-Optics and Modern Physics, PHYS 221 General Physics I, PHYS 222 General Physics II; PSYC 109 Biopsychology, PSYC 215 Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences
| 2 | Course does not transfer to UC. |
Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities Emphasis (18595)
These courses emphasize the study of cultural, literary, and humanistic activities and artistic expression. Students will evaluate and interpret the ways in which people through the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and to 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
Complete at least 18 units from the following, with at least two courses in any one subject.
ANTH 106 Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology1, ART 101 Survey of Art History1, ART 102 Survey Art History1, ART 104 Film As an Art Form1, ART 105 Introduction to Art, ART 106 Art Concepts, ART 107 Art & Life of Greece1, ART 108 Art and Life of Italy1, ART 109 Survey of African American Art, ART 110 Introduction to the Arts of Africa, ART 112 Design I, ART 113 Design II, ART 114 Color Theory, ART 120 Acrylic Painting I, ART 122 Life Drawing I, ART 125 Drawing I, ART 150 Oil Painting I, CART 133 Digital Imaging, CMST 105 Intercultural Communication, ENGL 102.0 Composition and Literature / ENGL 102H Honors Composition and Literature, ENGL 109 Creative Writing2, ENGL 116 Authors of the Theatre3, ENGL 220 Modern Fiction, ENGL 225 Poetry, ENGL 230 Survey of American Literature 1600-18651, ENGL 231 Survey of American Literature 1865 to Present, ENGL 232 Chicanx and Latinx Literature1, ENGL 233 African American Literature, ENGL 234 Native American Literature1, ENGL 235 Children's Literature1, ENGL 240 World Literature Ancient-Early Renaissance1, ENGL 241 World Literature Renaissance-Modern1, ENGL 245 Survey of British Literature Early Medieval-Neoclassics, ENGL 246 Survey of British Literature Romantic Period to 20th Century1, ENGL 247 Shakespeare, HIST 103 World History to 15001, HIST 104 World History Since 15001, HIST 115 History of California, HIST 117 History of U.S to 1876 / HIST 117H Honors Us History to 1876, HIST 118 History of U.S From 1876 / HIST H118 Honors History of the United States From 1876, HIST 130 Latin American History to 18221, HIST 131 Latin American History From 18221, HIST 153 African American History, HIST 155 Women in U.S. History1; KIN 103 History and Appreciation of Dance1, MUSC 100 Introduction to Music, MUSC 101 Fundamentals of Music, MUSC 102 Music Theory I, MUSC 103 Music Theory II, MUSC 116 Music in America, MUSC 117 History of Jazz1, MUSC 118 Survey of Rock and Roll1, MUSC 202 Intermediate Theory-Chromatic Practice I, PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy, PHIL 108 Introduction to Ethics and Contemporary Moral Issues, PHIL 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought1,3, PHIL 117 Philosophy of Religion3, PHIL 120 History of Ancient Philosophy, PHIL 121 History of Modern Philosophy1, POLS 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought2,3, RLST 101 Introduction to Religious Studies1, RLST 105 Old Testament, Hebrew Bible, Religions of the Ancient Near East1, RLST 106 Introduction to the New Testament and Early Christian Literature1, RLST 110 Religions of the Middle East and the West1, RLST 111 Religions of South and East Asia1, RLST 115 Religion in America, RLST 117 Philosophy of Religion3, TA 101 Introduction to Theatre, TA 102 History of Theatre1, TA 104 Oral Interpretation of Literature, TA 107 Intermediate Acting, TA 110 Principles of Design for Theatre, TA 116 Authors of the Theatre3
Languages: ASL 122 American Sign Language I1, ASL 123 American Sign Language II1, ASL 124 American Sign Language III1, ASL 125 American Sign Language IV1, FREN 101 Elementary French1, FREN 102 Elementary French1, SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish1, SPAN 101A Fundamentals of Spanish 101A1, SPAN 101B Fundamentals of Spanish 101B1, SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish1, SPAN 103 Intermediate Spanish1, SPAN 104 Intermediate Spanish1
| 1 | Course fulfills the VVC Global Citizenship competency. |
| 2 | Course does not transfer to UC |
| 3 | Cross-listed courses are the same course listed under different departments ENGL 116 Authors of the Theatre = TA 116 Authors of the Theatre; PHIL 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought = POLS 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought; PHIL 117 Philosophy of Religion = RLST 117 Philosophy of Religion |
Liberal Arts: Social/Behavioral Science Emphasis (18596)
These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories and methodologies of the social and behavioral sciences. Students will learn about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussion to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate.
Complete at least 18 units from the following, with at least two courses in any one subject.
AGNR 175 Sustainable Agriculture, Environment and Society1, AGNR 178 Agriculture Economics2, ANTH 101 Introduction to Physical Anthropology, ANTH 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology1, ANTH 103 Introduction to Archaeology, ANTH 106 Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology1, CHDV 100 Child Growth & Development, CHDV 106 Child, Family, and Community, CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice, CMST 105 Intercultural Communication1, ECON 101 Principles of Economics: Macro1, ECON 102 Principles of Economics: Micro1, ENGL 234 Native American Literature, GEOG 101 Introduction to Physical Geography, GEOG 102 Introduction to Cultural Geography1, GEOG 103 Geography of California, GEOG 104 World Regional Geography1, GUID 101 First Year Experience, GUID 105 Personal & Career Success, GUID 107 Learning Strategies and Study Skills2, HIST 103 World History to 15001, HIST 104 World History Since 15001, HIST 115 History of California, HIST 117 History of U.S to 1876 / HIST 117H Honors Us History to 1876, HIST 118 History of U.S From 1876/ HIST H118 Honors History of the United States From 1876, HIST 130 Latin American History to 18221, HIST 131 Latin American History From 18221, HIST 153 African American History, HIST 155 Women in U.S. History1, KIN 104 Psychology of Physical Performance2, PHIL 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought1,3, POLS 101 Introduction to Political Science, POLS 102 Introduction to American Government And Politics, POLS 103 State and Local Government2, POLS 110 Introduction to International Relations1,2, POLS 112 Introduction to Comparative Government And Politics1, POLS 113 Politics of Middle East and North Africa1, POLS 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought1,3, POLS 206 Introduction to Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management1, PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology, PSYC 110 Developmental Psychology, PSYC 121 Human Sexuality and Intimacy, PSYC 204 Social Psychology, PSYC 213 Abnormal Psychology, RLST 113 Religion and Society1, RLST 115 Religion in America, SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology1, SOC 102 Social Problems, SOC 103 Introduction to Marriage and Family2, SOC 107 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity1
| 1 | Course fulfills the VVC Global Citizenship competency. |
| 2 | Course does not transfer to UC |
| 3 | Cross-listed courses are the same course listed under different departments ENGL 116 Authors of the Theatre = TA 116 Authors of the Theatre; PHIL 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought = POLS 114 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought; PHIL 117 Philosophy of Religion = RLST 117 Philosophy of Religion |
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program. For the IGETC program, PLOs link to the college's Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
1. Communication: Read and write analytically including evaluation, synthesis, and research; deliver focused and coherent presentations.
2. Computation: Apply complex problem-solving skills using technology, computer proficiency, decision analysis (synthesis and evaluation), applications of mathematical concepts and reasoning, and the analysis and use of numerical data.
3. Creative, Critical and Analytical Thinking: Apply procedures for sound reasoning in the exercise of judgment and decision making; demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a respect for learning; solve problems through analysis, synthesis, evaluation and creativity; identify, evaluate and appropriate use of multiple sources of information.
4. Social and Personal Responsibility: Evaluate the relationship between natural, social and economic systems and the significance of sustainability; demonstrate responsible attitudes toward cultural diversity, citizenship, personal contribution to local and international communities, and the effect of human actions on the environment.
5. Information Competency: Students demonstrate information competency and critical thinking skills through their ability to effectively locate, retrieve, evaluate and utilize use library and information resources within the guidelines of academic standards to meet collegiate and personal information needs.
Forthcoming, 6: Health and Human Flourishing: Synthesize educational aims into a holistic approach to the many facets of human flourishing; apply principles of physical, psychological and emotional health and fitness; demonstrate scholarly skills that support intellectual virtues for life-long learning; embrace concepts of fiscal responsibility; and define goals that extend beyond oneself.