Social Justice Studies: African-American Studies Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)

PROGRAM CODE: 1A37580
Financial Aide Eligible

The Social Justice Studies: African-American Studies Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer curriculum is designed to provide an opportunity for the African-American Studies major to achieve an Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies: African-American Studies for Transfer (AA-T in Social Justice Studies: African-American Studies) which completes the first-and-second year requirements for transfer to a four-year public California institution. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those considering professional careers, completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for further academic study through upper-division course work. This curriculum specifically prepares the prospective transfer student for upper division coursework in African-American Studies or a similar major at a California State University (CSU) campus. Students should consult a counselor, the Transfer Center and the catalog of the transfer college or university to plan a specific program of study to meet the college or university’s requirements. Note: Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree for Transfer at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at all transfer institutions offering a Baccalaureate Degree. The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an "associate degree for transfer", a newly established variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. The AA-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AA-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree (unless the major is designated "high-unit" major). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students successfully completing the AA-T in Social Justice Studies: African-American Studies will acquire a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge base of the African-American experience in the United States. This degree will allow students to analyze historical themes and contemporary issues among African Americans while holistically developing a critical, intersectional understanding of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, and power in American society. The major prepares students for both transfer and graduate studies as well as careers that serve the African-American community in areas/fields such as public and business administration, human and health services, marketing and communications, research and education, politics and government, fine and performing arts and multicultural affairs. To earn an AA-T in Social Justice Studies: African-American Studies, students must complete: (1) a minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district, (2) earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis, A P(Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for a course in the major only if the P is defined to be equivalent to a C or better(3) the California State University General Education Breadth requirements (CSU GE-Breadth) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, (4) 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units, and (5) obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. This degree requires 18 units in the major in addition to other graduation requirements.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

OUTCOME 1: The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies: African-American Studies for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in African-American Studies or similar major. The program outcome goals for students completing the program are: Outcome 1: Summarize the key terminology, theoretical orientations, principles and methods used in the field of African-American Studies. Outcome 2: Identify and explain historical trends and common themes in African-American history from the era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present. Outcome 3: Identify the social, cultural, political, and economic concepts central to the experiences of African Americans.

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