The History Major

Students who major in History (associate degree) take five history classes to broaden their background and understanding of U.S. History and World Civilizations, studying time periods and the cultural, political, economic and religious influences on humankind. Through research and analytical writing, students develop the skills required to transfer as a History major or into a related course of study that requires this background. The College offers three-course survey sequences in U.S. History and World Civilization, as well as a Special Topics class every spring semester showcasing faculty research and interests, and exposing students to a specific topic within the field of study and completing the capstone project required of all graduating History majors.

Through the course of study in the Associate Degree in History, students will be provided an opportunity to learn how to:

 • understand the difference between primary and secondary source materials and engage in critical analysis of primary historical sources.
• critically assess the relationship between a culture’s social structure, political institutions and ideologies, religious beliefs, and economic conditions.
• demonstrate general understanding of major historical developments (for example, industrialism, globalization, social and scientific revolutions) and their role in shaping today’s world.
• acquire heightened rhetorical, analytical, and intellectual skills by developing proficiency in writing about history and constructing well-supported argumentative essays.
• recognize that history reveals the universal aspects of the human condition while likewise providing the evidence of wide-ranging diversity among global human populations. Students of history should develop an appreciation for both of these realities.

Students who enroll in this major usually have developed an appreciation of history in high school. They are constantly interested in studying how events of the past have formed the present and serve to shape the future. History majors thrive on understanding the relationship between cause and effect, and applying that understanding to culture and civilizations. History majors love to study the lives of Presidents and world leaders, wars and conflicts, great civilizations. They are passionate about news, information, and the world of ideas. History majors at Dean generally transfer into history, political science, or government majors. History majors often pursue law degrees in graduate school.

History is a versatile major and can lead into career opportunities as an educator, researcher, communicator or editor, information manager, advocate, or business professional. History majors can usually find jobs as an advertising executive, analyst, archivist, broadcaster, campaign worker, congressional aide, consultant, editor, foreign service officer, foundation staffer, information specialist, intelligence agent, journalist, legal assistant, lobbyist, personnel manager, public relations staffer, researcher, teacher...the list can be almost endless.