Program Codes:
LAPHI.AA
Associate in Arts Degree
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The program in Philosophy at Middlesex promotes curiosity, knowledge, and the study of disciplines that help individuals to live the "good life". Philosophical studies enhance imaginative, interpretative, analytical, critical, and communicative capacities. Majors acquire intellectual abilities crucial for self-fullfillment, responsible participation in public ilfe, and success in a wide range of careers - including law, business, education, journalism, medicine, and public service.
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequiste or corequsite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Introduces the major topics, problems, and methods of philosophy and surveys the writings of major historical figures in the field. Topics of discussion include the nature of philosophy; the nature and limits of human knowledge; the scope and limits of human freedom; the differences between right and wrong conduct; the nature of the good life; and the meaning and value of human existence.
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. This course covers basic sociological theories and methods of social research, with special attention to the following topics: culture, values and norms, socialization, social structure, deviance, stratification, social institutions and differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, gender, age and class.
An introduction to the study of social problems in American society. Emphasis is given to social problems related to stratification and inequity of social groups and institutions. Students will analyze social problems from general, theoretical, and research-based point of view, as well as investigate why particular issues become defined as "problems".
Choose one course designated in the course described as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
A study of the basic theories, methods, and problems of ethics and morality. Students will apply ethical principles and problem solving models to examples taken from everyday life.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Survey of politics as a concept and political science as a professional discipline. Specific emphasis is placed on development of democratic institutions and values, and the comparative role of public opinion and citizen participation in modern representative democratic systems. Historical and recent United States federal elections are used as case studies.
A comparative global study of the development of the modern nation-State. Emphasis is placed on the effects of globalization on countries' political culture and governing institutions. Case studies come from Europe, North America, Latin America, The Middle East, and Asia.
An examination of the logical experience through speech and images. Students will explore the elements of sound reasoning, the nature of arguments, and analyze rhetorical strategies and fallacies. The course enhances students’ critical thinking and promotes academic inquiry across all disciplines.
Choose one 3-credit GE Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
An examination of the principles that establish and justify a society and determine the rights and responsibilities of individuals. Students will consider the application of these principles to such issues as justice, human rights, political and social institutions, and the world community. The general theme of this course will center on the relationship between the development of civilization and the improvement of human beings (morally, socially, and politically).
Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, DAN, EDU, ENG, FRE, GER, GLS, HCS, HES, HED, HIN, HIS, ITA, JOU, LNC, MAD, MAT, MUS, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE.
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.