History
AA-T Social Sciences · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
History is the study of the people and events of the past, especially their social and political effects. History ranges from the study of wars, religion, technology, industrialization and urbanization to social movements, political movements and cultural developments. Students in history courses learn more than dates, names, and events. They also learn how to interpret, debate, and draw conclusions. History majors acquire a broad perspective on the human experience and appreciate how the past shaped the present. A history degree is an excellent general preparation for careers in education, law, historical research, historical preservation, the national and state park systems, government, journalism, media, and communication. The Associate in Arts in History for Transfer, also called the History AA-T Degree, prepares students to transfer to CSU campuses that offer bachelor’s degrees in history. Students earning the History AA-T degree will be granted priority for admission as a history major to a local CSU, as determined by the CSU campus to which the student applies. This degree requires students to complete 60 CSU transferable units including completion of Cal-GETC and 18-20 units in the major with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Title 5 requires that students must earn a “C” (or "P) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. There are no additional graduation requirements. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:
- Identify diverse cultural histories and their impact on race, gender, and class including their influence on human and societal development.
- Distinguish the difference between primary and secondary sources and utilize and interpret the sources to compose conclusions about historical trends.
- Explain and analyze the chronology, importance and connection of major eras and milestones in U.S. and World history from ancient times to the present, including the ability to identify important events and persons in U.S. and World history and their historic significance.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST C1002 | United States History Since 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 003 | History of World Civilization I | 3 |
| orHIST 005 | History of Western Civilization I | |
| HIST 004 | History of World Civilization II | 3 |
| orHIST 006 | History of Western Civilization II | |
| Select 2 courses, one course from each area (6 units): | 6 | |
| Area 1 - Diversity Course (3 units) | ||
| Any Core course not already used | 3 | |
| ENG 021 | Latinx Literature | 3 |
| ENG 022 | Intro to African American Literature | 3 |
| ENG 024 | Native American Literature | 3 |
| PS 002 | Introduction to Comparative Governments | 3 |
| PS 004 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| SOC 014 | Introduction to Race & Ethnicity | 3 |
| SOC 015 | Mexican American Culture & Society | 3 |
| Area 2 - History Course (3 units) | ||
| ANTH 002 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| HIST 021 | California History | 3 |
| HIST 023 | Latin American History | 3 |
| GS 010 | Global Studies | 3 |
| Required Subtotal | 18 | |
| Cal-GETC | 34 | |
| Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units) | ||
| DEGREE TOTAL | 60 | |
- Units for the major may be double counted for Cal-GETC, confer with a Counselor.
- Elective units to reach 60 unit total must be CSU transferable, confer with a Counselor.
Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (SB 1440).