Book Description

Specific facets of the collegiate function of the community college are analyzed in this book. Chapter 1 defines the collegiate function as an amalgam of the liberal arts curriculum and efforts to promote student transfer. Chapter 2 focuses on the liberal arts curriculum, pointing to patterns in enrollments and courses offered in the disciplines of science, social science, mathematics, humanities, composition, and fine and performing arts. Enrollment trends between 1975 and 1986 are analyzed for each discipline. Chapter 3 considers the scope of liberal arts-related activities in the noncredit area, outlining the difficulties in integrating continuing education offerings into the credit curriculum. The community college faculty's role in shaping the liberal arts curriculum is the topic of chapter 4, which draws on data from seven national studies to reveal trends in faculty characteristics. Chapter 5 introduces the transfer function as reflected in the intentions and behavior of students, and explores answers to questions concerning the number of students transferring, the number seeking to transfer, and the post-transfer experience. Chapter 6 presents data on the use of tests to screen entering students, and summarizes arguments for and against statewide uniformity in test administration. Services that support the liberal arts curriculum and student transfer, such as orientation, advising, remedial studies, and honors programs, are explored in chapter 7, while chapter 8 looks at examples of interinstitutional cooperation designed to promote student transfer. Finally, chapter 9 offers recommendations for strengthening the collegiate connection. A detailed examination of the five liberal arts disciplines, and 125 references are included. (MPH)