European 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.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Identify multiple causes of events and historical processes and will be able to describe and analyze historical contexts of events, ideas and/or social and cultural practices.
Comprehend and criticize established scholarly methods in investigating and interpreting the past.
Locate, interpret, and analyze primary and secondary sources relevant to research questions.
Analyze and interpret primary sources (texts, artifacts, images, etc.).

Complete 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
WR 2 COLLEGE WRITING 2: CRITICAL THINKING, WRITING 4 Units

Complete one of the following courses:

HUM 2 THE CULTURE OF ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME 3 Units
HUM 3 THE CULTURE OF MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE EUROPE 3 Units
HUM 22 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, AND ISLAM 3 Units
PHIL 10 ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PHIL 11 MODERN PHILOSOPHY 3 Units

Total Units Required: 19

Recommended Electives:

ARTH 25 ART HISTORY SURVEY I: WESTERN 3 Units
ARTH 26 ART HISTORY SURVEY II: WESTERN 3 Units
ARTH 29 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURY ART 3 Units
ARTH 30 RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE ART 3 Units
ARTH 31 MEDIEVAL ART 3 Units
LIT 20 SURVEY OF BRITISH LITERATURE TO 1776 3 Units
LIT 21 BRITISH LITERATURE FROM BLAKE TO THE PRESENT 3 Units
LIT 43 INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE 3 Units
LIT 46 ETHNICITY IN LITERATURE OF THE UNITED STATES 3 Units
PHIL 1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PHIL 5 POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY 3 Units
PS 4 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE 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 transferring at Transfer to a Four-Year Institution .

Catalog and Student Handbook

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