The Humanities Department at American River College Program Review Presentation April 13, 2011

Program Description Humanities courses examine cultures and intellectual concepts, exploring literature, art and architecture, music, and philosophy in historical contexts. Some areas of study deal with a single subject; the humanities concentrate on the relationships among the various arts and ideas.

Program Description ARC offers one of the most diverse selections of courses of all community colleges: Introductory, Classical, Modern, American, Asian, Middle- Eastern, Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Atheistic, Special Topics. All courses fulfill GE transfer requirements and requirements for other ARC programs; some provide multi-cultural credits. Students can earn an AA degree in Humanities.

Program -- Strengths Extensive and diverse course offerings Broad staff training and experience, necessary to teach multiple disciplines and cultures Active involvement in the community with museums, theaters, churches, and mosques Strong student-oriented support: basic skills programs, clubs, and activities on campus

Program -- Challenges Reduced FTE and increased enrollment: crowded classrooms and fewer course offerings for students seeking degrees in humanities Aging equipment and facilities Students in need of basic skills (reading and writing); many with a lack of basic cultural knowledge FTE: 52 sections in 2005-06 to 45 in 2009-10 to 41 2010-11; Enrollment 1304 in 05-06 to1568 in 09-10. Avg per class: 25 in 05-06, 35 in 09-10.

Planning Implications What are the planning implications? Program Review objectives include the creation and development of an AA degree in Humanities, further curriculum development, and continuing outreach efforts. The Program Review and EMP list a large number of needed resources, especially media equipment: laptops, projectors, DVD players. The Humanities Department strongly supports further development of student support programs such as RAD, WAC, and Beacon.