American History, AA

Students majoring in history at the lower division level concentrate on learning how to use the skills of critical thinking to identify basic historical themes, but more importantly to analyze the nature in which these themes interact within any given society to determine its values, legitimize its authority, and perpetuate its existence. Thus the major is appropriate for students who wish to acquire an understanding of the ideas that have shaped the culture of this country, or for students who wish to transcend their own cultural limits and, by a study of other societies in other ages, to open their eyes to the diversity of the human environment. History majors develop an ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, and the capacity to think clearly and analytically. Therefore, students anticipating careers in law, education, communications, and governmental affairs may find the history major especially beneficial. The versatility of the major makes it appropriate for students whose career decisions may be uncertain or indefinite. The major is also designed for transfer students intending upper division study in history and related areas.

History majors at Irvine Valley College may elect an emphasis in American or European history. In either case, students should also complete history courses in areas outside their field of emphasis. The faculty of the School of Humanities recommends that history majors not select a history course to meet the humanities requirement for general education, but explore related subjects in the humanities that may be of interest to them.

Complete the following courses:

HIST 20 AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH THE CIVIL WAR 3 Units
HIST 21 AMERICAN HISTORY SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 3 Units
WR 2 COLLEGE WRITING 2: CRITICAL THINKING, WRITING 4 Units

Complete one of the following courses:

HIST 1 THE HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS TO 1500 3 Units
HIST 2 THE HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS SINCE 1500 3 Units
HIST 10 WESTERN CIVILIZATION: BEGINNINGS TO THE REFORMATION 3 Units
HIST 11 THE WEST AND THE WORLD SINCE THE RENAISSANCE 3 Units

Complete two of the following courses:

HIST 24 AMERICA AFTER THE BOMB: 1945 TO THE PRESENT 3 Units
HIST 51 WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY 3 Units
FILM 40 MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY 3 Units
LIT 22 AMERICAN LITERATURE TO TWAIN 3 Units
LIT 23 AMERICAN LITERATURE: TWAIN TO THE PRESENT 3 Units
PS 1 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 3 Units

Total Units Required: 19

Recommended Electives:

LIT 22 AMERICAN LITERATURE TO TWAIN 3 Units
LIT 23 AMERICAN LITERATURE: TWAIN TO THE PRESENT 3 Units
PHIL 1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PHIL 5 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PHIL 10 ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PHIL 11 MODERN PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PS 1 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 3 Units
PS 14 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 3 Units
RD 174 Critical Reading
Any humanities course

To earn the associate degree:

See Earning an Associate Degree for associate degree graduation requirements.

To transfer:

Courses required for the associate degree major at IVC may not be the same as those required for the major at a four-year school. If you plan to transfer, consult a counselor to identify the courses needed for the major at your transfer school and to develop a plan that will best meet your goals. View more information about transfering at Transfer to a Four-Year Institution .

Catalog and Student Handbook

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