Academic Programs and Services

Liberal Arts – African American and African Diaspora Studies Option

The Liberal Arts degree program is for liberal arts students planning to transfer to baccalaureate programs or professional schools after study at Community College of Philadelphia; for students seeking a non-specialized associate’s degree; for students planning to enter certain select programs at a later date; and for students undecided about their long-term educational goals. Students are expected to consult with an academic advisor or counselor upon entry to the program and in subsequent semesters. Transfer planning should begin early so that the student can gain the most benefit from the curriculum. Students who follow the Liberal Arts curriculum and plan to attend a specific four-year college after graduation should choose elective courses that duplicate as closely as possible those in the first two years of the program of that college.

The African American and African Diaspora Studies Option is appropriate for students who desire to study the African Diaspora and to prepare for leadership and scholarship roles while pursuing a liberal education and qualifying to transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical analysis of arguments and evaluation of an argument’s major assertions, its background assumptions, the evidence used to support its assertions, and its explanatory utility.
• Communicate effectively through written and oral means and through other forms as appropriate.
• Explain the chronology and geographic contours of the African diaspora.
• Explain the social, economic and political origin and impact of the African diaspora both on the nations of Africa as well as the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Program Entry Requirements:
Students are typically required to take the College’s placement tests at their time of entry. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as a part of their degree program.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To qualify for the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Liberal Arts, a student must complete a minimum of 61 credit hours as prescribed and attain a grade point average of 2.0 (“C” average).

Download a printable degree description (PDF File) that includes a recommended course sequence grid.