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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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 to 45 in to ; Enrollment 1304 in to1568 in Avg per class: 25 in 05-06, 35 in

6. 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.