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History

The history program emphasizes an understanding of the development of civilization and an appreciation of social, economic, political, and cultural components. Students gain a basic familiarity with historical methods and reasoning. The associate degree is designed as a path to a bachelor’s degree in history and is a pre-professional track for students ultimately pursuing a law degree.

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Career Opportunities

  • Anthropologist
  • Archivist
  • Museum Worker
  • Editor
  • Geographer
  • High School Teacher
  • Sociologist
  • Author
  • Pre-Law
  • Public Service

A few top JWCC transfer schools

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Suggested Pathway for History (AA)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
PHL 101 Introduction to Philosophy Details 3
A study of recurrent, persistent human principles and problems such as the validity of knowledge; the nature of truth; the nature of identity, free will and determination; moral and aesthetic values; and religious belief systems. IAI: H4 900
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 222 Sociology of Diversity Details 3
This course will focus on the social construction of race and its impact on racial identities and relations. The historical structural foundations of racial inequality in contemporary society will be addressed as well as group relations of other minority groups, including religious and sexual minorities. Students will explore the social implications of difference with particular reference to issues of race, ethnicity, religion, class and gender. Key components of cross-cultural theories, methods and research as they relate to living and working in a multicultural society will also be examined. IAI: S7 903D.
Prerequisites: (none)
HIS 101 Western Civilization I Details 3
A survey of political, social and economic history of the Western world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures beginning with a study of the early Middle Eastern civilizations of Mesopotamia and progressing through the civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Europe of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation. IAI: S2 902.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
CSC 100 Computer Literacy Details 1
An introductory course in the history, characteristics, and significance of computers, including basic hardware and software components and a survey of applications. For persons with little or no background in computers who desire a general knowledge of computers or a foundations course on which to build a strong background in computing. Some "hand-on" experience.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901R
Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
BIO 105 Human Biology Details 3
This is an introductory course emphasizing the biology of human beings, including human organization from the atomic level to the biosphere, basic anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and human interactions with the environment. Selected topics of discussion will include how science works and its impact on the human condition, biotechnological advances and ethical considerations, human wellness and disease, and the impact humans have on the environment. IAI: L1 904
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
PHL 201 Major World Religions Details 3
An introductory survey of selected teachings, practices and institutions of major Eastern and Western religions. May include the role of history; appreciation for forms of expression; and criticism of their origins, rituals, and forms of religious knowledge and destiny. IAI: H5 904N
Prerequisites: (none)
PSC 110 Introduction to Political Science Details 3
Survey of major concepts and approaches employed in political science. IAI: S5 903.
Prerequisites: (none)
HIS 102 Western Civilization II Details 3
A continuation of History of Western Civilization I. A survey of the political, social and economic history of the Western world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures beginning with the Renaissance and Reformation and progressing to the present. IAI: S2 903.
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SCI 100 Environmental Geology Details 4
An introductory study of forces that continually shape the surface of the earth, including examination of geological formation processes and our impact on the environment. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours. IAI: P1 905L.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSC 101 American Government Details 3
Fundamentals of federal, state and local governments with emphasis on national government, including the Constitution of the United States. IAI: S5 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
HIS 111 World History I Details 3
Cultural, economic, and political developments throughout the world from ancient times through the 16th century. IAI: S2 912N.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 231 American Literature I Details 3
Major American writers, 1620-1865. IAI: H3 914.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or consent of department
Fourth Semester Details
ENG 232 American Literature II Details 3
Major American writers, 1865 to present. IAI: H3 915.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or consent of department
Various ECO 101 / SOC 111 Details 3
ECO 101 or SOC 111.
ECO 101 Principles of Macroeconomics Details 3
Introduction to the major areas of modern economic theory and public policy, including fiscal policy, international trade and finance, economic growth and development, and contemporary macro-economic problems. IAI: S3 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 111 Social Problems Details 3
This course describes social problems facing the United States today and identifies how these problems impact and are impacted by our institutions and culture. Students will learn how to interpret social problems by looking at them through the lens of sociological theory. The course examines the causes of various social problems, the effects of these problems on society and possible remedies or policies. IAI: S7 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
HIS 112 World History II Details 3
Cultural, economic and political developments throughout the world from the 17th century to the present. IAI: S2 913N.
Prerequisites: (none)
HIS 222 U.S. History Since 1945 Details 3
This course surveys the social, political, and cultural history of the United States from 1945 to the present. Using traditional secondary sources and cultural artifacts, the course encourages students to think critically about the relationship between political developments and the broader strains of a dynamic and contested American culture.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Electives Details 4
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.