This A.A.S. Degree in Pastry and Baking Arts provides comprehensive theory and practical preparation for students seeking entry-level baking and pastry positions in fine dining establishments, bakeries, or pastry shops. The core courses are designed to prepare students for positions as pastry chefs and bakers. Students will be able to continuously progress to more advanced pastry and baking skills and techniques as they prepare for entry level career positions in the hospitality industry.
Graduates will be able to:
General Education:
In addition to the program-specific outcomes listed above, students completing the Associate degree programs are required to demonstrate proficiency in the General Education learning outcomes. Specific outcomes may vary by program; please refer to the program requirements below.
A. Depending upon a student's placement or for transfer purposes, this program may have pre-requisite(s). See a pathway coordinator or student development specialist for advisement.
B. The culinary uniforms and knife kits are obtained through the Passaic County Community College Bookstore in Paterson. The knife kit from the bookstore is optional. The bookstore is located at 125 Broadway, Suite 104 in Paterson, NJ 07505 and their phone number is 973-247-9406. Books are assigned to individual courses and prices vary. Books and uniforms can be delivered to the Wanaque campus during the first week of the semester by making arrangements with the PCCC Bookstore.
C. Specific Board approved fees are associated with some but not all Culinary Arts, Baking, Pastry and Restaurant Management courses. Students should seek advice from the Office of Financial Aid to determine if course fees are covered.
D. It is recommended that students enroll in their first WI course upon completion of EN 101.
This course provides the knowledge necessary to function as a fluent computer user in today’s technological society. Topics include computer terminology, computer hardware and software
capabilities, what makes a computer powerful, the societal impact of computers, ergonomics, ethical computing behavior, information privacy, and computer security. Students complete projects encompassing Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as an 0information literacy project focusing on effective use of the Web. Students with no computing experience are encouraged to complete a computing keyboarding course (CIS 103) before taking this course.
Fall, Spring, Summer
This course introduces the student on how to achieve his or her goal in the Culinary Arts Program. A brief history of key figures and developments in culinary arts is also covered. Students will learn studying techniques, ethics, professionalism and image making. Students will develop marketability skills while learning what the industry requires of them and will begin to assemble their career portfolio, their certificates, and to build their resume.
MA 025A, ENR 040, DE 020, DE02
Fall
This course focuses on the stages of the writing process and includes a formal research paper. A variety of writing and reading assignments are designed to develop analytical and critical-thinking skills.
- General Education Course
College Level or with applicable co-requisite
Fall, Spring, Summer
This course covers the essentials for entering the food service industry as a working professional baker's assistant. It covers baking terminology, techniques and theories, proper knife handling,
cooking and baking methods, safe food handling, seasoning and tasting, production organization, and timing skills. Students are introduced and produce quick breads, yeast breads, cookies, pies and tarts, custards, creams, chocolates, tarts, and do beginning pastry work. This course is open to all non-majoring students but must obtain their uniform and knives.
MA 025A, ENR 040, DE 020, DE025
CU 102, CU 105, RM 101, RM 105
Fall
This course is designed to teach students sanitation and safety concepts in the operation of a food and beverage service establishment. Focus is on current laws, food-borne illnesses, safe storage of food, food protection in receiving, preparationand serving, pest control, accident prevention and crisis management. Students alsolearn about alcohol law, the prevention of intoxication, and handling issues that may arise in an establishment serving alcohol.
Spring 15 wk semester, Fall 15 wk semester
This course is designed to teach students Customer Service. Students will understand the importanceof customer-centric as they learn dining room maintenance, how to greet and seat customers, and provide customer service in a dining room setting. They will learn what it takes to exceed guest expectations and how to handle guest payments and recovery.
Spring 15 wk semester, Fall 15 wk semester
This course develops student prose by utilizing the writing process (drafting, revising and editing). Students are required to complete a process portfolio that includes 3-5 typed, revised, and edited MLA papers, reflective and low-stakes writing assignments, and at least one paper that demonstrates proper research techniques. All writing assignments must demonstrate and develop the writing process, critical thinking, and writing skills. Throughout the term, a variety of reading assignments and topics are introduced to develop interpretive and argumentative skills, while developing a critical understanding of well-crafted, professional prose.
- General Education Course
EN 101 - Composition I
Fall, Spring, Summer
This course covers some intermediate methods and techniques for entering the food service industry as a working professional baker or pastry chef in a restaurant or food service facility. Students expand their knowledge and skills obtained in PA 114 to create a variety of bakeshop items that are ready to serve or can be plated and served. Breads, pies and tarts, cakes, custards, puddings, pastry items, sauces, frozen desserts, healthful and gluten free desserts are created. Students learn menu development, costing, and plating techniques.
CU 102 - Introduction to Culinary Arts
CU 105 - Culinary Fundamentals
PA 114 - Baking Fundamentals
RM 101 - Sanitation and Safety in Food and Beverage Service
RM 105 - Dining Room Service
For A.A.S. in Culinary Arts students , the co-requisite is PA 118 and Career Certificate in Baking
RM 107 - Cost Control in Foodservice
Spring 15 wk semester
This course, lecture and lab, is designed for Pastry Arts majors and covers the essentials for entering the food industry as a working professional baker's assistant. This course serves as an intermediate exposure to the baking theory, terminology, food handling standards, kitchen operations, production organization and timing skills through extensive hands-on experience of classical and modern baking techniques.
CU 102 - Introduction to Culinary Arts
CU 105 - Culinary Fundamentals
PA 114 - Baking Fundamentals
RM 101 - Sanitation and Safety in Food and Beverage Service
RM 105 - Dining Room Service
PA 116 - Restaurant Bakeshop
RM 107 - Cost Control in Foodservice
Spring 15 wk semester
This course is designed to teach students how to control foodservice costs by doing forecasting and budgeting, determining menu prices, controlling food costs in purchasing, receiving, storage, and issuing. Students will learn to project restaurant revenue and how to manage buffets and banquets.
CU 102 - Introduction to Culinary Arts
RM 101 - Sanitation and Safety in Food and Beverage Service
RM 105 - Dining Room Service
Spring 15 wk semester
This course introduces students to the biochemical basis of nutrient action. Topics include the structure, function and metabolism of the three primary nutrients—carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, as well as the interaction of various enzymes, vitamins, and hormones on food metabolism. Physiology of nutrient deficiencies and study in methods of research in nutrition are also covered. Laboratory experiments include chemical analysis of major nutrients, measurement of kilocalories, metric units, and percentages of nutrients.
- General Education Course
MA 022 - Mathematics Fundamentals for Liberal Arts
OR
MA 025 - Accelerated Algebra
OR
MA 025A - Algebra A
OR
MA 025B - Algebra B
OR
Test Placement
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
This course prepares students for effective public speaking presentations. Students research, organize, write, and deliver a variety of speeches designed to inform, persuade, motivate, and entertain in diverse public settings.
Supportive lab services are available to support students for the mastery of the art of public speaking. The lab will provide opportunity for engagement, one-on-one coaching, mentoring and tutoring that will foster innovations in speaking publically, professionally and personally. Materials used inthe lab will be comprised of the OER textbook and supplemental materials found on the Libguides.
College Level or with applicable co-requisite
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
This course is designed for Baking and Pastry Arts majors and covers the essentials for entering the food industry as a beginning working professional Baker or Pastry Chef. Advanced exposure to baking theory, terminology, and food handling standards, kitchen operations, production organization and timing skills through extensivehands-onexperience of classical and modern baking techniquesaretaught. The course covers batter-based desserts, health-conscious desserts, gluten-free baking, lollipops, frozendesserts, and savory desserts.
PA 116 - Restaurant Bakeshop
PA 118 - Intermediate Baking
RM 107 - Cost Control in Foodservice
RM 201 - Catering
RM 205 - Foodservice Human Resources Management and Supervision
Fall 15 wk semester
This course is designed to introduce students to all the information that they need to set up and run a successful on or off premise catering business from restaurants and tented events to food trucks. This course covers launching the business, establishing pricing, setting up a kitchen, staffing, and marketing. Students will understand how to plan events, organize service, develop menus, prepare food, and how to manage the dining room and beverages service.
RM 107 - Cost Control in Foodservice
RM 205 - Foodservice Human Resources Management and Supervision
Fall 15 wk semester
This course focuses on Human Resources and Supervision topics as they relate to the restaurant industry. Students will learn how to recruit employees, understand the process of employee orientation, training, and how to evaluate performance. They will learn how to install professional development programs and work-shift standards while ensuring a lawful workplace. Employee compensation and benefits as well as managing a safe healthy workplace will also be covered.
RM 107 - Cost Control in Foodservice
RM 201 - Catering
Fall 15 wk semester
This course is a study of the basic concepts in social interaction, analyzing aspects of the immediate culture, defining and evaluating the individual behavior in inter-group relations, social organization and processes, and elements of social control and deviance in a changing society.
- General Education Course
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Course Code : ARB 101
Course Description :
This course focuses on the basics of the Arabic language. The four basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are introduced. Students will practice pronunciation of the alphabet and vocabulary. Group work and discussion on Arabic culture and tradition are an integral component of this course. This course assumes no previous knowledge of the Arabic language.
- General Education Course
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring
Course Code : ARB 102
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of Elementary Arabic I. The four language skills—listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing—continue to be developed.
- General Education Course
Prerequisites :
ARB 101 - Elementary Arabic I
OR
Permission of the instructor
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : FR 101
Course Description :
This course is a foundation in the basics of French. Grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary are introduced within a natural context. Emphasis is on speaking, reading, and writing simple ideas, in addition to recognizing and responding to culturally appropriate behaviors in everyday situations.
- General Education Course
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring
Course Code : FR 102
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of FR 101 with greater emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction includes grammar drills, conversation, reading, and guided composition. Reading selections focus on different aspects of French civilization and culture.
- General Education Course
Prerequisites :
FR 101 - Elementary French I
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : FR 201
Course Description :
This course offers a systematic study of the language with particular attention to grammar review, vocabulary growth, conversation, and reading comprehension. Student participation in the language laboratory is required.
- General Education Course
Prerequisites :
FR 101 - Elementary French I
FR 102 - Elementary French II
OR
at least two years of high school French
Semesters Offered :
Offered periodically
Course Code : SP 101
Course Description :
This course uses a comprehension-based proficiency approach to the acquisition of Spanish. Pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar are presented audio-visually in a natural, culture-based context through the continuous story line of Destinos, a Spanish soap opera. Students practice speaking, writing, and reading skills while developing a high level of listening comprehension. In addition to language skills, students develop cultural knowledge and awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. This course is for those students whose native language is not Spanish.
1 hour laboratory
- General Education Course
Semesters Offered :
Fall, Spring
Course Code : SP 102
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of Spanish 101 with greater emphasis placed on developing oral communication. Through the Destinos soap opera format, students increase their Spanish language skills and knowledge of Hispanic cultures. This course is for those students whose native language is not Spanish and have had two years of High School Spanish or SP 101.
- General Education Course
Prerequisites :
SP 101 - Elementary Spanish I
Semesters Offered :
Spring
Course Code : SP 108
Course Description :
This course is intended for students who speak Spanish at home and want to improve their formal grammatical knowledge of the language. Emphasis is placed on strengthening students’ reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. Problematic points due to English interference receive special attention.
Semesters Offered :
Offered periodically
Course Code : SP 109
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of SP 108, intended for Hispanic students who speak Spanish and want to improve their formal knowledge of the language. Reading, writing, and vocabulary skills continue to be developed through selected readings in Spanish and Latin American literature
Prerequisites :
SP 108 - Spanish I for Native Speakers
Course Code : SP 201
Course Description :
This course is intended for those students who have completed Spanish 102 and wish to continue improving their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. Pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary are presented audio-visually in a natural, culture-based context. Special emphasis is placed on developing more advanced conversational skills through continued exposure to the Destinos soap opera, diverse classroom activities, and authentic realia.
- General Education Course
Prerequisites :
SP 102 - Elementary Spanish II
The prerequisite may be waived with 3 years of High School Spanish or permission of the Department.
Semesters Offered :
Fall
Course Code : SP 202
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of SP 201 with emphasis on developing more advanced listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. The materials used include the Destinos soap opera, films, authentic realia, and relevant field trips.
- General Education Course
Prerequisites :
SP 201 - Intermediate Spanish I
The prerequisite may be waived with 3 years of High School Spanish or permission of the Department.
Semesters Offered :
Spring
This kitchen laboratory course expands on the techniques introduced in Culinary Fundamentals, and prepares the student for an introductory level position in the food service industry in Garde Manger. Intermediate knife skills, food fabrication, kitchen sanitation, and classic techniques in making soups, salads, charcuterie items, sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, and breakfast cookery are accomplished. Recipe comprehension, cooking methods, and techniques will be stressed.
CU 102 - Introduction to Culinary Arts
CU 105 - Culinary Fundamentals
PA 114 - Baking Fundamentals
RM 101 - Sanitation and Safety in Food and Beverage Service
RM 105 - Dining Room Service
CU 109 - Culinary Cooking Methods
PA 116 - Restaurant Bakeshop
RM 107 - Cost Control in Foodservice
Spring
This course, lecture, and lab is designed for Pastry Arts majors and covers the essentials for entering the food industry as a working professional baker's assistant. This course serves as an intermediate exposure to baking theory, terminology, food handling standards, kitchen operations, production organization and timing skills through extensive hands-on experience of classical and modern baking techniques. A 135-hour practicum plus weekly 50-minute seminar (supervision) must be completed.
For students in the Certificate of Achievement in Baking, the pre-requisite is PA 116.
For the students in the Career Certificate in Baking, the pre-requisite is PA 118.
For students in the A.A.S. in Pastry and Baking Arts, the pre-requisite is PA 218.
Spring 15 wk semester, Fall 15 wk semester
This course is designed for Baking and Pastry Arts majors and covers the essentials for entering the food industry as an entry level working professional Baker or Pastry Chef. Advanced exposure to baking theory, terminology, and food handling standards, kitchen operations, production organization and timing skills through extensive hands-on experience of classical and modern baking techniques are taught. The course covers petit fours, frais and mignardises; caramels, bonbons, and marshmallows; tortes, gateaux and international cakes; special occasion cakes, and in-store retail pastry. Students participate in a final dessert buffet presentation.
PA 216 - Advanced Pastry and Baking I
RM 201 - Catering
RM 205 - Foodservice Human Resources Management and Supervision
PA 212 - Baking Internship
RM 207 - Foodservice Purchasing
Spring 15 wk semester
This course is designed to teach students inventory and purchasing and provides students with marketable skills for a career with the Restaurant and Foodservice industry. Students will learn purchase quality and quantity requirements, how to select vendors, how to make pricing decisions and how to establish effective procedures for ordering products. Purchasing ethics and establishing vendor relationships, and purchasing follow-up will also be covered.
RM 201 - Catering
RM 205 - Foodservice Human Resources Management and Supervision
Spring 15 wk semester