This chapter describes the ways in which civic learning and democratic engagement are incorporated into community colleges' missions and strategic plans, professional development, curricula, and extracurricular programming.

While much discussion about student success as it relates to access, equity, and underpreparedness at the collegiate level is taking place nationally and statewide, a strong and specific concern prompted some of the faculty at Pasadena City College (PCC), a large urban community college located northeast of downtown Los Angeles, to address the…

Describes difficulties faced by faculty and administrators at Kentucky's Jefferson Community College in implementing the college's general education program. Highlights issues related to ensuring teaching competency, assessing the program's effects, and maintaining a balance between fidelity to the ideas of general education and accountability for…

Examines the eight models for general education programming presented in this volume, highlighting patterns found in the articles. Indicates that the programs emphasize communication skills, an appreciation for diversity, technological and mathematical literacy, the development of moral reasoning skills, and the improvement of student critical…

Reviews community college international education programs supported by the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) Title VI grants, international theme conferences, foreign curriculum consultants on campus, and exchange and travel abroad programs. Presents recommendations for starting or promoting the internationalization of the college curriculum.…

Provides references related to the most common learning goals mentioned in the eight general education programs described in this volume: civic education, communication, critical thinking, ethics, and international/intercultural education, along with mathematics, science, and technology. Includes a brief discussion of journals dealing with general…

The essays in this collection attempt to provide a conceptual framework for the process of occupational curriculum development. The collection includes: (1) "Federal Government Involvement in Technical Curriculum Development," by John G. Nealon; (2) "The Challenge of Curriculum Development: From Idea to Reality," by Judith F. Raulf and Marilyn C.…

Addresses the institutional context, goals, philosophy, external constraints, and assessment implications of the general education program at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Indicates that establishing faculty ownership of the program, anticipating faculty turf battles, making larger external connections, and appropriately restructuring the…

Looks at some of the key organizations and activities in the effort to revitalize the humanities at American community colleges. Reviews major projects undertaken by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges with National Endowment for the Humanities support and their success in increasing awareness of the humanities. (AYC)

Designed to assist program planners and administrators at community colleges in initiating a Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program or determining the future direction of one already in existence, this sourcebook provides 15 articles on various aspects of WAC theory and practice. The following articles are included: (1) "History of WAC and…

This collection of articles addresses the role of community colleges in serving the specialized interests of organized community groups. After introductory comments on the topic, Seymour Eskow discusses how societal changes necessitate a reexamination of the role of the community college and an increased orientation to community organizations.…

Uses New Jersey's curriculum requirements as an example to present a model for the planning, development, approval, and evaluation of occupational curricula. Describes the steps of a three-phase development process involving program identification, program documentation and approval, and program execution. Considers evaluation needs. (DMM)

Describes the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC), a statewide agenda for improving student transfer that inspired general education reform. Reviews the Minnesota Community College System, elements of the statewide reform movement, key principles of the MNTC and issues related to its implementation, and future challenges to education reform in…

Describes the Transfer Opportunities Program at Community College of Philadelphia, highlighting efforts to build (1) a coherent general studies curriculum; (2) a supportive academic environment that encourages students to take themselves seriously as learners; and (3) curricular bridges for students. Sees the curriculum as central to improving…

Discusses the general education core at Washington State's Shoreline Community College, which includes integrated studies courses and learning communities. Indicates that the college has established general education outcomes that guide the design of a coherent core of study for both academic transfer and vocational students. (MAB)