HISTORY
What is History?
Etymology: Middle English histoire, historie, from Anglo-French estoire, histoire, from Latin historia, from Greek, inquiry, history, from histōr, istōr knowing, learned; akin to Greek eidenai to know
History is the study of the past. It is by nature an extremely broad discipline that includes an analysis of individuals and groups, events and phenomena, long-term trends, short-term trends, institutions, societies and cultures. In fact, most historians use a variety of methodologies to create accounts and interpretations of virtually every subject imaginable, and often connect their studies to other fields both inside and outside of the social sciences. The value of studying history, of course, is that it helps us to understand who are today and where we came from. In addition, by studying we can develop an understanding of the human experience as lived by the various individuals and groups both inside and outside of our own societies.
If I major in history what kind of job can I get?
History majors commonly become lawyers, teachers, professors, museum professionals, journalists, and archeologists. History provides a solid foundation for those wishing to work in business, politics and public policy. History is also an excellent major for anyone hoping to get a teaching credential in the Social Sciences.
If I receive an AA degree in history can I transfer to a four-year college?
The History Department at Cañada College offers a broad variety of courses intended to prepare students for transfer and for global citizenship. In history classes, students deepen their knowledge of the past while improving their reading, writing and research skills. Our courses meet many general education requirements in addition to providing the classes necessary for History majors.
Courses
HIST 100 HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION I
Description: This course surveys the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean Region in the ancient, medieval and early modern eras. Topics include: the Mesopotamians, Ancient Egypt, the Hebrews, Greece, Rome, the development and spread of Christianity, Europe during the medieval, Renaissance and Reformation periods, and the Age of Exploration.
HIST 101 HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION II
Description: Survey of the history of the Western world from the 1500s until today. Topics include the creation of modern nation states, the development of modern political philosophies and economic systems, wars, and major religious, artistic and intellectual movements. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding contemporary global issues.
HIST 201 U.S. HISTORY THROUGH 1877
Description: A survey of U.S. History from pre-Columbian times to 1877. Topics covered include indigenous cultures, European exploration and colonization, the American Revolution and development of the Constitution, slavery, the creation of U.S. political, economic and social institutions, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.
HIST 202 U.S. HISTORY FROM 1877 TO THE PRESENT
Description: U.S. History from 1877 until today. The Gilded Age, the Western Frontier, the Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, the World Wars, the Cold War, Vietnam, the Sixties, Watergate, Presidents Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, recent events. Also included is an examination of diverse communities and political, economic, intellectual, artistic and social trends.
HIST 242 AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
Description: This course addresses the African-American experience in the context of United States history beginning in medieval Africa, continuing through the history of the slave trade, institutionalization of African American slavery and the abolitionist reform movement. The role of African-Americans in the Civil War, Reconstruction years, Jim Crow period, Harlem Renaissance, Depression years and World War II and the “modern civil rights movement” is studied with emphasis on the means for change used by various Black and White leaders. Concurrent with a study of “the past,” students also examine current state and national issues, like the affirmative action debate, which influence Black-White relations in America today. Completion of HIST 201 or 202 is recommended.
HIST 245 RACE, ETHNICITY AND IMMIGRATION IN THE U.S.
Description: This course surveys the social, economic and political histories of the diverse ethnic and cultural groups that make up the U.S., including indigenous peoples, African Americans, European Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, other groups. Historical constructions of race and the roles of race, ethnicity, and immigration in shaping U.S. culture are examined.
HIST 246 HISTORY OF LATINOS IN THE U.S.
Description: Explores the history of Latino peoples living in what is now the United States. Peoples of Mexican, Central American, South American, and Caribbean ancestry are considered. Issues addressed include the formation of Latino communities and identities in the United States, U.S. foreign policy, immigration, and civil rights issues.
HIST 247 WOMEN IN U.S. HISTORY
Description: Explores the roles and experiences of women in U.S. History. The course examines women’s contributions to the social, political, and economic development of the United States, as well as the challenges to full equality that women have faced. The impact of class, race, ethnicity, and sexuality on women’s experience is also considered.
HIST 422 MODERN LATIN AMERICA
Description: The history of Latin America from independence to the present. Individual countries are studied with an emphasis on political, economic, and social events within countries. The role of the United States is examined, especially in relation to Central America and the Caribbean. Cultural ties that bind Spanish-speaking peoples of the U.S. to Latin America are studied also.
HIST 451 FAR EASTERN CIVILIZATION AND HERITAGE I
Description: A broad survey of the historical and cultural development of China and Japan. Emphasis is placed on the religious, philosophical, and artistic development of these countries within the historical context and how, within these traditions, these countries meet the challenge in the present. Attention is also given to the way in which Asian-Americans adjust and identify themselves with their cultural legacy in their new environment.
HIST 452 FAR EASTERN CIVILIZATION AND HERITAGE II
Description: Continuation of a broad survey of the cultural achievement of China and Japan from the 13th Century to the present. Emphasis is placed on the old cultural traditions, foreign invasions, influences, and the intended colonialism of foreign countries. Modern political development and nationalism are discussed with an attempt to show their ramifications on contemporary Asian-Americans.
Note: In the near future we hope to offer World History I & II, Middle Eastern History, and African History.
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