The Humanities Department at Community College of Philadelphia offers students the most valuable workforce skill of all: the ability to think and communicate clearly. Whether you are immersed in modern African American history or the classics of ancient philosophy, our professors emphasize power skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, efficiency and cultural fluency. We offer degree programs in Black Studies and Liberal Arts, proficiency certificates in Religious Studies and more, an innovative honors program, and extensive coursework in history, philosophy, and gender studies. Job markets are always changing. The need for disciplined and creative thinkers endures. 

Department Head

Joel Tannenbaum

Summer 2025 Office Hours: 3-19-25 to 3-21-25 only: Wednesday 10:00am-3:30pm (BR-21); Friday 9:00am-2:30pm (BR-21)

Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Campus)
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Campus)

Office: (Bonnell Building) BR-21G 
Telephone: 215-751-8655

Programs

Black Studies

Coordinator: Boi-Lucia Gbaya-Kanga,

Summer 2025, Office Hours: Please email to schedule an appointment

Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (By appointment--virtual or on campus)
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (On campus)
Wednesday, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. (Virtual)

Office: BR-40
Telephone: 215-751-8499

Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts - Social/Behavioral Science

Coordinator: John Joyce,

Summer 2025, Office Hours: Can be reached by email to schedule an appointment, for Zoom as well.

Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. by appointment

Office: B1-06
Telephone: 215-751-8687

Liberal Arts - Honors

Coordinator: Michael Loughran,   

Summer 2025,  

Tuesday - Thursday, 10:20 - 11:20 a.m. & 2:20 - 3:20 p.m.

Office: M3-02
Telephone: 215-751-8240

 Certificate

Religious Studies

Coordinator: David Prejsnar,

Summer 2025, Office Hours:

If a different time outside of office hours is needed, please email, day before, for an appointment.

Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Zoom by appointment
Tuesday & Thursday, Jan 13 to Feb 8: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. & After Feb 10: 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in BR-25A
Wednesday, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Zoom by appointment

Office: BR-25A
Telephone: 215-751-8644

Events and Activities

Each semester the Department sponsors a number of College-wide events and activities, often bringing scholars to campus for public lectures and coordinating student trips to sites with historical, religious or cultural significance. Check back here regularly for updates on upcoming events and news about past events.