General Education Requirements

Associate in Arts General Education Requirements

The System Office of the California Community Colleges deems that the governing board of community colleges shall establish a general education program that symbolizes a successful attempt on the part of the college to lead students through patterns of learning experiences designed to develop certain capabilities and insights.

Among these are the ability to think and to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; to use mathematics; to understand the modes of inquiry of the major disciplines; be aware of other cultures and times; to achieve insight gained through experience in thinking about ethical problems; and, to develop the capacity for self-understanding. In addition to these accomplishments, the student shall possess sufficient depth in some field of knowledge to contribute to lifetime interest.

General education is designed to introduce students to the variety of means through which people comprehend the modern world. It reflects the conviction of colleges that those who receive their degrees must possess in common, certain basic principles, concepts and methodologies both unique to and shared by the various disciplines. College educated persons must be able to use this knowledge when evaluating and appreciating the physical environment, the culture and the society in which they live.

The Board of Trustees of the San Joaquin Delta Community College District has adopted Board Policy 6001 to define the philosophy of general education at Delta College:

General education is an integrated curriculum designed to prepare the student for better self-understanding and for the responsibilities of living in a global society. Essential elements of general education include critical thinking, effective communication and knowledge of the multiple dimensions of the modern world. General education provides a core of knowledge which enables the student to:

  • Develop new insights about the complex forces in the modern world.
  • Develop the ability to think and communicate clearly and effectively through the use of oral, written, and mathematical skills, and to understand and apply critical thinking and the modes of inquiry of major disciplines.
  • Become aware of other cultures and times.
  • Achieve a deeper understanding about the ethical choices individuals face in contemporary society.
  • Develop the capacity for self-understanding.
  • Examine the values inherent in proposed solutions to major social problems.

Each candidate for an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree shall complete no fewer than twenty-four (24) semester units of course work among categories I through V below. Courses that satisfy the major area requirement, or the general education course requirement may be used to meet either requirement, but not both. For students planning to transfer, refer to CSU and UC general education patterns.

NOTICE TO STUDENTS: Selection of courses from this list may be affected by one or more factors, including choice of major, university transfer requirements, or prerequisite or sequencing requirements. Failure to plan appropriately WILL adversely affect timely graduation and/or transfer. Students are encouraged to consult with a counselor to develop an individualized education plan. Counseling Office, Danner Hall, Room 205, (209) 954-5650.

  1. Natural Sciences (1 course minimum)
    • Animal Husbandry Science 010, or 010/010L
    • Anthropology 002 or 002/002L
    • Astronomy 001 or 001/001L
    • Biology 010, 011, 012
    • Chemistry 001A, 003A, 010
    • Family and Consumer Sciences 006
    • Geography 001 or 001/001L
    • Geology 001A, 010, 015, 016
    • Natural Resources 002
    • Physical Science 001
    • Physics 010
    • Plant Science 010, or 010/010L
  2. Social Science (1 course minimum from each group)

    Group A

    • History 017A, 017B, 027, 030A, 030B, 031, 034
    • Political Science 001

    Group B

    • Agriculture Business 012
    • Anthropology 001, 010
    • Child Development 021, 026
    • Economics 001A, 001B
    • Geography 002, 010
    • History 002A, 002B, 004A, 004B, 006A, 006B, 006C
    • Political Science 002, 003
    • Psychology 001
    • Social Science 030
    • Sociology 001A
  3. Humanities (1 course minimum)
    • Anthropology 004
    • Art 001A, 001B, 001C, 002, 002A, 003, 004
    • Civilization 003
    • Culinary Arts 016
    • Drama 010, 016A, 016B
    • English 030, 035, 037, 038, 039, 040A, 040B, 042A, 042B, 043C, 043D, 045, 046A, 046B, 047, 049, 052, 055, 057
    • Fashion 008
    • Foreign Language 001, 051-052
    • Horticulture 004
    • Humanities 003, 004
    • Music 001, 002A, 002B, 004, 007, 008
    • Philosophy 006, 045
    • Religion 014A, 014B
    • Sign Language 001
  4. Learning Skills (1 course minimum, from each group)

    Group A

    • Communication Studies 005
    • English 001A, 074A/B, 079, 079L

    Group B

    • Agriculture Business 013
    • Math 001, 010, 012, 013, 017A, 020, 022, 038A, 038B, 039, 082
    • Philosophy 030
    • Psychology 002

    Group C

    • Communication Studies 001A, 003, 008
  5. Awareness of Self and Society (1 course minimum)
    • Administration of Justice 021
    • Biology 030
    • Business 008, 020
    • Communication Studies 007, 011
    • Computer Science 011
    • Education 010
    • English 034
    • Family and Consumer Sciences 002, 003, 005, 023
    • Guidance 008
    • Health Education 001
    • Library 003
    • Mass Communication 001, 004
    • Philosophy 040
    • Political Science 005
    • Psychology 030
    • Sociology 001B, 027, 033

Effective -Fall 2007

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