Pre-History, A.A. (General Transfer)

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Academic Program Code: 540

The purpose of studying history is to better understand the complex cultures as well as the historical systems and events that have driven the past, produced the present, and guide the future of our world. This crucial discipline reveals human connections across time and place; it teaches us about past human experiences and their influence upon our present lives. It encompasses every dimension of human interaction, including social life, economics, gender, culture, philosophy, conflict, and politics. Students of history study individuals, communities, and nations from every conceivable perspective, and they employ all the techniques of the humanities and social sciences to raise important questions and probe for answers about how our world has developed over time. In particular, this discipline is about analyzing evidence in order to better understand the causation and significance of historical phenomena. In this way, history leads us to better understand the complexities and problems of our modern world. Only after we understand the historical causation of a problem can we hope to solve it effectively. In the process of carrying out this crucial field of study, students trained in history develop the critical skills of research and analysis, creative methods for recognizing patterns in information, and techniques for effective and persuasive writing. This combined skill set will enhance students' marketability and success in any professional career.

This program is designed to offer a clear pathway for students wanting to transfer into a bachelor's degree program in history at a senior institution. Among the jobs graduates can consider are: advertising executive, analyst, archivist, broadcaster, campaign worker, consultant, congressional aide, editor, foreign service officer, foundation staffer, information specialist, intelligence agent, journalist, legal assistant, lobbyist, personnel manager, public relations staffer, researcher, teacher, educator, researcher, communicator or editor, information manager, advocate, or even a businessperson. By declaring this Pre-Major, students are on track to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree from GRCC and transfer to a 4-year college or university to major in history.

General Education Courses

Select a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work from the General Education course list. Course work must be selected as directed in the areas below.

English Composition and Communciations

EN 101 - English Composition I Credit Hours: 3
Select one (1) course from the list below.
EN 102 - English Composition II Credit Hours: 3
COM 131 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking Credit Hours: 3
COM 135 - Interpersonal Communication Credit Hours: 3

Humanities

Select two (2) Humanities General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas. Only one (1) Foreign Language course can be used for the Humanities requirement.

Humanities General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course
Humanities General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Social Sciences

Select two (2) Social Sciences General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas.

Social Sciences General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course
Social Sciences General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Natural Sciences

Select two (2) Natural Sciences General Education courses from two (2) different subject areas; one (1) must be a lab.

Nat Sci Lab/Non Lab General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course
Nat Sci Lab General Education - Elective Credit Hours: varies by course

Mathematics

Select one (1) Mathematics General Education Elective.

Mathematics General Education - Elective (Must meet MTA requirements) Credit Hours: varies by course

General Education Total Credit Hours

30 (minimum)

Program Courses

HS 102 - Western Civilization Since 1500 Credit Hours: 4
HS 160 - U.S. History Through Reconstruction Credit Hours: 3

Program Elective Courses

Select five (5) Elective courses from the following.
HS 101 - Western Civilization to 1500 Credit Hours: 4
HS 120 - World History to 1500 CE Credit Hours: 3
HS 121 - World History since 1500 CE Credit Hours: 3
HS 161 - U.S. History From Reconstruction to the Present Credit Hours: 3
HS 215 - The Modern World Credit Hours: 3
HS 220 - Plagues, Spells, and Pills: The History of Medicine and Disease Credit Hours: 3
HS 225 - History of Gender and Sexuality Credit Hours: 3
HS 230 - The History of Latin America Credit Hours: 3
HS 251 - African-American History and Culture Credit Hours: 3
HS 285 - History of American Foreign Relations Credit Hours: 3
HS 290 - History of Russia and East Europe Credit Hours: 3
HS Elective - (min. of 3) Credit Hours: 3
HS Elective - (min. of 3) Credit Hours: 3

If you are planning to attend Central Michigan University, take HS 101, HS 230, HS 161

If you are planning to attend Eastern Michigan University, take HS 120, HS 121, HS 161

If you are planning to attend Western Michigan University, take HS 101 , HS 161 , and HS 120 or HS 121

If you are planning to attend Grand Valley State University, take two from HS 101 , HS 120 , HS 121 , HS 161 , HS 230 . Take two from HS 215 , HS 220 , HS 225 . Take HS 251 or HS 285 .

If you are planning to attend Ferris State University, take HS 120 , HS 121 , HS 161 , HS 230 , and HS 290 .

Open Elective Courses

In addition to the above coursework, you will need to take other GRCC courses to complete your degree. For maximum transferability, all courses should be selected based on your identified program or major at the 4-year transfer institution that you plan to attend. If you are seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree, a foreign language is often required. The number of elective credit hours that you will need to complete this Pre-Major will depend on the number of credit hours that remain in order for you to reach the 60 credits needed to graduate. For assistance in developing an academic plan, please see a GRCC advisor or faculty member.