Associate in Arts - Intercultural Studies

at De Anza College USA

Students pursuing the Systems Programming A.A. degree learn computer programming fundamentals of both low-level and high-level languages and gain computing experience on both Windows and Linux platforms.

De Anza's Computer Information Systems (CIS) department has been a leading educational institution in Silicon Valley since the college was founded. Over the years it has developed a rich and diverse series of courses in many areas. Our courses meet the needs of both the transfer student and the industry professional. Students who take courses and earn degrees in the CIS department often go on to transfer to four-year universities in majors such as Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science and many other majors that required CIS courses.

Completion of the Art History A.A. degree provides students with a broad overview of the discipline of Art History from a global perspective. The program emphasizes visual literacy and research skills necessary for critical inquiry and analysis of art works, as well as knowledge of the technical processes of studio art relevant to the field of Art History.

De Anza's Art Department emphasizes the teaching of strong technical skills and nurtures each individual's originality in order to prepare students for global inclusiveness through creative engagement.

Our program is designed to train future vocational and avocational artists in the ability to communicate creative expression through craftmanship, concept and design lexicon. Our instructors are practicing professionals whose work reflects a dedication to the development of creative and conceptual styles, as well as abilities.

De Anza's Art Department emphasizes the teaching of strong technical skills and nurtures each individual's originality in order to prepare students for global inclusiveness through creative engagement.

The Graphic and Interactive Design program emphasizes the elements and principles of design in combination with the use of computers, software and other design peripherals to produce graphic design projects. Focus is placed on the creative integration and selection of type styles and images as they relate to the printed page, film/video output, web-based design, user interface design, and multimedia applications. The Graphic and Interactive Design program is designed to prepare students for the workforce.

The De Anza College Paralegal Studies Program was among the first paralegal studies programs to be initially approved by the State of California in 1984. Since then the program has continually provided a quality educational course of study that incorporates basic legal instruction along with practical training that graduates will need to successfully enter the work force. Our graduates are employed in private law offices, public agencies and corporate law offices.

The Paralegal Studies A.A. degree programs prepare students to work in the legal field as paralegals under the supervision of attorneys. Paralegal duties include performing factual and legal research, drafting legal documents and correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, assisting attorneys in pretrial work, including document discovery and analysis, and at trials and hearings, organizing and maintaining case files and coordinating the use of technology in legal work.

The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program prepares students to work as medical laboratory technicians in clinical laboratories, industry and biotechnology. The MLT curriculum combines classroom lectures, student laboratories and clinical training to foster the analytical and problem solving skills required in this profession.

The A.A. degree in Medical Laboratory Technology is a 24-month course of study (including summers) that prepares students for a career as a medical laboratory technician through classroom study and supervised clinical training. The MLT Program provides students with a quality education that complies with the established standards and guidelines of an accredited laboratory training program. Graduates of the degree program are eligible to sit for a state-approved national MLT certification examination.

The Journalism Department supports De Anza's core competencies in the following ways:

• Communication and expression: Students learn new rhetorical strategies and use their First Amendment rights to create and publish La Voz News, social media (@lavozdeanza) and videos.
• Information literacy: Students study and practice media literacy.
• Physical/mental wellness and personal responsibility: Students work cooperatively under deadline situations and take on leadership roles in a structured environment that prepares them for many media workplaces.
• Civic capacity for global, cultural, social and environmental justice: Students learn to: a) tell stories that show the diversity of De Anza College and the world, b) interpret cultural and environmental issues and c) present their ideas clearly.
• Critical thinking: Students analyze ideas, create and test models, solve problems and evaluate alternatives as they work hands-on to produce print, digital and video content.

The A.A. degree in Corrections/Probation provides the foundational education required for an individual's career entry into the criminal justice field, specifically correctional operations and probation/parole case investigations. The courses range from concepts of criminal law, evidence, investigation and reporting to criminology, aspects of social change, and corrections investigations.

The program has a proud history: It has been offered at the college since De Anza was established in 1967. Today, our classes cover the latest advancements in methodology and technology.

Our instructors have extensive professional experience as judges, police officers, correction and probation officers as well as attorneys. Our graduates are working for public and private agencies throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Our department mission is to inspire, excite and prepare our automotive technology students to achieve a valuable place in our local and global community.

We serve a diverse student population – including career-oriented students, lifelong learners and those who choose our program to enrich their own knowledge base.

Our focus is on integrity, personal achievement, service to our community and excellence in all we do.

The Film/TV: Screenwriting A.A. degree provides a foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in screenwriting for film or pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Film/ Television. Students are exposed to the craft and business of screenwriting. In order to fulfill the major requirements, students take each course in the screenwriting series, courses in cinema studies and media theory, and basic production courses.

We live in the age of the image, in a world of large and small screens. The Film/TV Department provides students with the critical skills to analyze media and the practical skills to create compelling content for spectators and screens of all sizes.

Integrating theory and practice, the Film/TV program at De Anza includes a comprehensive curriculum in Media Studies, Screenwriting, Film and Television Production, and Animation. We prepare you to transfer to a four-year university or to enter the workforce. 

The Intercultural Studies Department offers an interdisciplinary major leading to certificates, an A.A. degree, or transfer in Intercultural (Ethnic) Studies.  This major represents the joint commitment of the African America, Asian American and Asian, Chicanx/Latinx, Native American, and core Intercultural Studies areas, and provides a diverse curriculum whose educational objectives include the following:

• Develop a methodology emphasizing comparative analyses of the history, politics, social dynamics, and current  challenges and opportunities of historically marginalized communities of color;
• Develop the skills and capabilities to critically analyze information prevalent in the dominant  culture from the perspective of historically marginalized communities of color;
• Examine ethnicity theory, race relations theory, feminist theory, cross-cultural communications theory, peace/conflict/ reconciliation theory, healing and social transformation theory and practices, and explore the intersectional and multidimensional issues of racism, institutions, power as they relate to advocating for equity and social justice.

The major also examines the need for and role of multiracial alliances, economic class analysis, the role of healing in social change work, and provides expertise in areas that will allow students to develop the critical analysis, interpersonal capacities, and leadership and organizing skills to be responsive to the multidimensional needs of historically marginalized communities of color in the short term, and to also contribute to long-term systemic transformation for equity and social justice.