Moorpark College General Education Philosophy Statement

An Associate Degree signifies more than an accumulation of units; it signifies the successful completion of a pattern of learning experiences designed to develop certain capabilities and insights that lead to the fulfillment of individual human potential. Therefore, in addition to the Basic Requirements for graduation relating to units, residency, and competency in reading, written expression, and mathematics, students must also satisfy General Education requirements as required by Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and by Ventura County Community College District Governing Board Policy.

The philosophy underlying “general education” is that no discipline is an isolated endeavor; instead, each relies upon and contributes to a common body of knowledge, ideas, intellectual processes, cultural traditions, and modes of perception. One’s understanding of a specific subject area is greatly enhanced and enriched by knowledge in and experience with other disciplines. Thus, the General Education requirements are designed to introduce students to the variety of means through which people comprehend the modern world and fulfill their potential and, in so doing, serve family, community, and society.

Students earning an Associate Degree in general education will complete the Moorpark College Institutional Student Learning Outcomes.

General Education Subject Areas and Objectives

The General Education requirements reflect the conviction that those who receive a degree must possess in common certain basic principles, concepts, and methodologies both unique to and shared by the various disciplines. College-educated persons must be able to use their knowledge to evaluate and appreciate the physical environment, the culture, and the society in which they live. In addition, they must have a good self-understanding and the capacity to adapt to an ever-changing and global environment through an ongoing intellectual curiosity and commitment to life-long learning. (Title 5; Section 55601).

To meet the objectives of general education:

Natural Sciences

Courses in the natural sciences are those which examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena. To satisfy the General Education requirement in Natural Sciences, a course shall be designed to help the student develop an appreciation and understanding of the scientific methods, and encourage an understanding of the relationships between science and other human activities. This category would include introductory or integrative courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, general physical science, geology, meteorology, oceanography, physical geography, physical anthropology, physics, or other scientific disciplines. 

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Courses in the social and behavioral sciences are those which focus on people as members of society. To satisfy the general education requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a course shall be designed to develop an awareness of the method of inquiry used by the social and behavioral sciences. It shall be designed to stimulate critical thinking about the ways people act and have acted in response to their societies and an appreciation of how societies and social subgroups operate. This category would include introductory or integrative survey courses in cultural anthropology, cultural geography, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology, or related disciplines.

Arts and Humanities 

Courses in the humanities are those which study the cultural activities and artistic expressions of human beings. To satisfy the general education requirement in the humanities, a course shall be designed to help the student develop an awareness of the ways in which people throughout the ages and in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and help the student develop aesthetic understanding and an ability to make value judgments. Such courses could include introductory or integrative courses in the arts, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, and religion.

Language and Rationality

Courses in Language and Rationality are those which develop for the student the principles and applications of language toward logical thought, clear and precise expression and critical evaluation of communication in whatever symbol system the student uses. English Composition - courses fulfilling the written composition requirement shall be designed to include both expository and argumentative writing. Communication and Analytical Thinking - courses fulfilling the Communication and Analytical Thinking requirement include oral communication, mathematics, logic, statistics, computer languages and programming, and related disciplines.

Health and Physical Education/Kinesiology

Courses in Health and Physical Education/Kinesiology should help students develop the understanding and the skills necessary to maintain a healthful life.

Ethnic/Gender Studies

Courses in Ethnic and Gender Studies should help students develop an awareness of the diverse historical roots and an appreciation of the cultural contributions of minorities and women; lead to an understanding of the causes and consequences of socioeconomic inequality based on race, sex or ethnicity; and explore ways of eliminating such inequities.