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Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Art History

The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to transfer to a CSU campus, while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field of Art History. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths.



The Associate in Arts degree in Art History for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. The Associate in Arts degree in Art History for Transfer (A.A.-T.) may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a C or better in these courses) and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education‐Breadth Requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ART 300 Drawing and Composition I 3
ARTH 302 Art: Stone Age Through the Middle Ages 3
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art 3
ARTH 310 Modern Art 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTH 333 Introduction to Islamic Art (3)
ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ART 304 Figure Drawing I (3)
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3)
ART 323 Design: Color Theory (3)
ART 327 Painting I (3)
ART 328 Painting II (3)
ART 336 Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 361 Printmaking: Survey (3)
ART 370 Three Dimensional Design (3)
ART 372 Sculpture (3)
ART 375 Figure Sculpture (3)
ART 390 Ceramics (3)
ARTNM 303 Graphic Design: Typography (3)
ARTNM 324 Digital Design (3)
ARTPH 300 Basic Film and Darkroom Photography (3)
ARTPH 305 Digital Photography (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 31
ART 304 Figure Drawing I (3)
ART 320 Design: Fundamentals (3)
ART 323 Design: Color Theory (3)
ART 327 Painting I (3)
ART 328 Painting II (3)
ART 336 Watercolor Painting (3)
ART 361 Printmaking: Survey (3)
ART 370 Three Dimensional Design (3)
ART 372 Sculpture (3)
ART 375 Figure Sculpture (3)
ART 390 Ceramics (3)
ART 420 Film Making (2)
ARTH 333 Introduction to Islamic Art (3)
ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art (3)
ARTNM 303 Graphic Design: Typography (3)
ARTNM 305 History of Graphic Design (3)
ARTNM 324 Digital Design (3)
ARTPH 300 Basic Film and Darkroom Photography (3)
ARTPH 305 Digital Photography (3)
ARTPH 345 Survey of Photography (3)
Total Units: 21

1Excluding any courses used to fulfill the degree requirements listed above.

The Associate in Arts in Art History for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • assess and evaluate the contributions of artists throughout history.
  • identify and evaluate works of art or architecture according to their appropriate style and time frame.
  • analyze and critique art and architecture within the context of their functions and meanings.
  • research and assess theoretical information concerning the meanings and purposes of art and architecture.
  • explain the history of cultures and civilizations and how art and architecture is a reflection of that history.

Career Information

Art historians with undergraduate degrees are placed as registrars, preparators, and curatorial staff in art museums and galleries; they can also be employed as art critics in mass media publications, such as newspapers and magazines. An advanced degree allows an art historian a wider range of possible career applications, including museums directorships, curators, instructors, preservationists, researchers, and auction house personnel.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in English Communication and Literature

This degree emphasizes verbal and written communication skills, and the study of literature. It offers a general background in communication skills which may be used in the work place. In addition to earning the degree, students who work closely with their counselor may also fulfill significant lower-division requirements of four-year colleges/universities in English Composition, Literature and Communication.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
ENGWR 301 College Composition and Literature (3)
   or ENGWR 481 Honors College Composition and Literature (3)
ENGWR 302 Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
   or ENGWR 482 Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
ENGWR 303 Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking Through Literature (4)
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
COMM 302 Persuasive Speech (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 321 Interpersonal Communication (3)
ENGLT 300 Introduction to Fiction (3)
ENGLT 304 Introduction to Poetry (3)
ENGLT 308 The Graphic Novel and Manga (3)
ENGLT 310 English Literature I (3)
ENGLT 311 English Literature II (3)
ENGLT 320 American Literature I (3)
ENGLT 321 American Literature II (3)
ENGLT 327 Literature of California (3)
ENGLT 335 Latino, Mexican-American, and Chicano Literature (3)
ENGLT 338 Native American Literature (3)
ENGLT 340 World Literature I (3)
ENGLT 341 World Literature II (3)
ENGLT 345 Mythologies of the World (3)
ENGLT 360 Women in Literature (3)
ENGLT 365 Introduction to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Literature (3)
ENGLT 370 Children and Literature (3)
ENGLT 378 Young Adult Literature (3)
ENGLT 380 Introduction to Shakespeare (3)
ENGLT 382 Introduction to Dramatic Literature (3)
ENGLT 392 Science Fiction and Fantasy (3)
ENGLT 403 Film Adaptations (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
A minimum of 3 additional units chosen from either of the groups of courses listed above.
Total Units: 18

The English Communication and Literature Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) one of the following: the ARC General Education, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply the elements of style in writing.
  • evaluate premises, both explicitly stated and implied.
  • maximize communication effectiveness by planning and adapting to specific audiences.
  • write analytically about literature.
  • examine fiction as a reflection of the authors' cultures and values.

A.A. in History of the Creative Arts

This degree provides an area of emphasis in the arts and humanities. It is intended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college/university to earn a baccalaureate degree.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
ARTH 300 Art Appreciation (3)
ARTH 302 Art: Stone Age Through the Middle Ages (3)
ARTH 308 Renaissance Tradition in Art (3)
ARTH 310 Modern Art (3)
ARTH 322 Art History of the Non-Western World (3)
ARTH 333 Introduction to Islamic Art (3)
ARTH 334 International Contemporary Art (3)
ARTNM 305 History of Graphic Design (3)
FASHN 330 History of Western World Fashion (3)
HUM 300 Classical Humanities (3)
HUM 301 Introduction to the Humanities (3)
HUM 310 Modern Humanities (3)
HUM 320 Asian Humanities (3)
HUM 326 Middle Eastern Humanities (3)
HUM 330 Humanities of the Americas (3)
MUFHL 300 Introduction to Music (3)
MUFHL 308 Introduction to Music: Rock & Roll (3)
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) (3)
MUFHL 311 Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present) (3)
MUFHL 315 Jazz History (3)
MUFHL 330 World Music (3)
RLST 301 Introduction to World Religions (3)
RLST 302 Introduction to Atheism (3)
RLST 310 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (3)
RLST 311 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
RLST 313 Introduction to Islam (3)
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre (3)
TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I (3)
TA 303 History and Theory of the Theatre II (3)
TA 306 Diversity in American Drama (1960 to Present) (3)
TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film (3)
TAFILM 302 History of Film (3)
TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film (3)
TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres (3)
Total Units: 18

The History of the Creative Arts Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • recognize the role of the arts in society.
  • analyze the influences of social, political, and ethnic issues on the arts.
  • compare and contrast styles of artistic expressions.
  • assess the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical environments in an artistic genre.

A.A. in Language Studies

This degree provides an area of emphasis in communication skills in both English and foreign languages. It is intended for students wishing to develop communication skills for the workplace. Students who work closely with their counselors can use this area of emphasis to prepare for majoring at a four-year college in world languages as well as any other majors which require proficiency in one or more world languages.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ENGWR 300 College Composition (3)
   or ENGWR 480 Honors College Composition (3)
ENGWR 301 College Composition and Literature (3)
   or ENGWR 481 Honors College Composition and Literature (3)
ENGWR 302 Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
   or ENGWR 482 Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
ENGWR 303 Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking Through Literature (4)
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
COMM 362 Mediated Communication Experience (3)
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 121
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I (4)
DEAF 312 American Sign Language II (4)
DEAF 314 American Sign Language III (4)
DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV (4)
DEAF 318 American Sign Language V (4)
GERM 401 Elementary German I (4)
GERM 402 Elementary German II (4)
GERM 411 Intermediate German (4)
GERM 412 Intermediate German (4)
ITAL 401 Elementary Italian (4)
ITAL 402 Elementary Italian (4)
ITAL 411 Intermediate Italian (4)
ITAL 412 Intermediate Italian (4)
RUSS 401 Elementary Russian (4)
RUSS 402 Elementary Russian (4)
RUSS 411 Intermediate Russian (4)
RUSS 413 Russian for Heritage Speakers I (4)
RUSS 415 Russian for Heritage Speakers II (4)
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
SPAN 402 Elementary Spanish II (4)
SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 413 Spanish for Native Speakers I (4)
SPAN 415 Spanish for Native Speakers II (4)
Total Units: 18

1These 12 units must be completed in a single language.

The Language Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • write expository and argumentative papers.
  • synthesize ideas and develop conclusions.
  • examine the connection between culture and communication.
  • engage in conversation and written correspondence in a language other than English.

A.A. in The Individual and Society

This degree provides an area of emphasis in the effects of culture, religion, ethnicity, and gender on individuals living in a global society. It is designed for students wishing to work more effectively with others in the workplace. Students who work closely with their counselor can use this area of emphasis to prepare for majoring at a four-year college in Psychology, Sociology, Ethnic Studies, Women's Studies and Child Development.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 319 Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3)
ANTH 320 Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory (3)
ANTH 330 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 333 American Indians of California (3)
ANTH 334 Native Peoples of North America (3)
ANTH 336 Anthropology of Sex, Sexuality and Gender (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 481 Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3)
HSER 330 Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
   or PSYC 365 Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
PSYC 300 General Principles (3)
PSYC 305 Psychology Applied to Modern Life (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 342 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSYC 354 The Psychology of Family Life and Intimate Relationships in a Diverse Society (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 359 Stress Management and Health (3)
PSYC 361 Psychology of Women in a Multicultural Society (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 373 Child Psychology (3)
PSYC 374 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
   or GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
PSYC 415 Studying in London: Psychological Elements of British Life and Culture (3)
PSYC 480 Honors General Principles (3)
PSYC 481 Honors Abnormal Behavior (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 309 Self and Society (3)
SOC 318 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 325 Chicano Culture (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Aging (3)
SOC 342 Gender Relations in American Society (3)
SOC 350 Sociology of Popular Culture (3)
SOC 480 Introductory Sociology - Honors (3)
Total Units: 18

The The Individual and Society Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • examine human diversity in relation to psychological theory.
  • identify the consequences of ethnocentrism and gender bias on social interactions.
  • analyze the influence of culture, family, society, and environment on an individual's development.
  • analyze patterns of social problems which are based on ethnic and cultural differences in the United States.

Certificates of Achievement

CSU General Education Certificate of Achievement Certificate

This certificate is designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) campus. Completion of this certificate ensures that the student has met the lower division General Education requirements for all CSU campuses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 39 units from the following: 39
Students must complete a minimum of 39 units used to satisfy the CSU General Education requirements. See the CSU General Education patterns listed in the American River College (ARC) catalog or consult with an ARC counselor.
Total Units: 39

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the values of a culture as expressed through its art or language.
  • demonstrate effective expository and persuasive writing skills.
  • develop a reasoned solution to a problem.
  • evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology.
  • evaluate the methods of inquiry and evidence used in the behavioral and social sciences.

Intersegmental General Education Transfer (IGETC) Certificate of Achievement Certificate

This certificate is designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) campus. It ensures that the student has met the lower division General Education/Breadth requirements for all CSU and UC campuses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 34 units from the following: 34
Students must complete a minimum of 34 - 37 units used to satisfy either the UC or CSU IGETC certification requirements. See the IGETC pattern in the American River College (ARC) catalog or consult with an ARC counselor.
Total Units: 34

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the values of a culture as expressed through its art or language.
  • demonstrate effective expository and persuasive writing skills.
  • develop a reasoned solution to a problem.
  • evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology.
  • evaluate the methods of inquiry and evidence used in the behavioral and social sciences.