History

Department Description: Our goal is to promote the understanding of the historical past. Studying history gives individuals the skills and perspective needed to think about and understand the complex world in which we live. Courses in history will ask and answer questions about why and how the world’s people, institutions, ideas, economies and cultures developed and changed over time. History students will read current scholarship, engage in discussions, view films and documentaries, and research topics of interest.

Department Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and apply alternative explanatory systems or theories.
• Identify and communicate alternative explanations for contemporary social issues.
• Identify the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral sciences use to investigate the human condition.
• Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods or cultures.

Special Department Information: College-level reading and writing skills will help students be more successful in all history courses.

Transfer Opportunities: History courses fulfill a number of requirements for the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, as well as Central Lakes College graduation requirements. Students who plan on majoring in History at a fouryear institution would be well-advised to take both the US and World History survey courses. This will be good preparation for upper division work in whatever area of history you might choose to make your area of concentration.

Career Opportunities: A liberal arts degree in history can open the door to a multitude of careers. Education, Journalism, Business and Law are just a few of the professions employing individuals with history degrees. Listed below are some of the possible career categories. Visit www.historians.org/jobs/index for more information.

Career Titles: Educator, Researcher/Writer, Archivist, Records Manager, Information Manager, Legislative Staff, Foundation Staff, Editing and Publishing, Lawyers and Paralegal, Museum Curator