Program Codes:
LAHIS.AA
Associate in Arts Degree
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The program in History at Middlesex explores ideas, institutions, and patterns of behavior that develop over time. We believe an understanding of the historical context of human existence is central to a liberal arts education. Studying history requires the ability to interpret texts and documents of great variety, and to develop critical evaluation skills.
Many Middlesex History majors pursue further study in related fields such as law and international relations. Double majors among historians are common, as history provides an excellent complement for training in many fields.
Below are required courses and recommended courses groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequsite or corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Familiarizes students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses and in the areas of business, science and the social sciences using exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics linear regression, probability and probability distribution, confidence intervals, and an introduction to hypothesis testing.
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test
Corequiste Exemption: Proficiency at the Level of Algebra II
Introduces the major topics, problems, and methods of philosophy and surveys the writings of major historical figures in the field. Topics of discussion include the nature of philosophy; the nature and limits of human knowledge; the scope and limits of human freedom; the differences between right and wrong conduct; the nature of the good life; and the meaning and value of human existence.
An examination of the logical experience through speech and images. Students will explore the elements of sound reasoning, the nature of arguments, and analyze rhetorical strategies and fallacies. The course enhances students’ critical thinking and promotes academic inquiry across all disciplines.
An examination of the principles that establish and justify a society and determine the rights and responsibilities of individuals. Students will consider the application of these principles to such issues as justice, human rights, political and social institutions, and the world community. The general theme of this course will center on the relationship between the development of civilization and the improvement of human beings (morally, socially, and politically).
Select SPE-121 or SPE-123. SPE-123 - Discussion and Debate is recommended.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Choose one 3-credit GE Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Take one of the following GE Sociology Courses - SOC-121, SOC-122, SOC-123 or SOC-131.
Examines developments in painting, sculpture and architecture from prehistory to the High Renaissance in Western art. Significant periods emphasized through slides and films. Field trips required.
Examines developments in painting, sculpture and architecture from the High Renaissance to the twentieth century in Western art. Significant artists and their contributions to techniques. Field trips required.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM). Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
The historical development of African civilizations from earliest times to the present. Focuses on the cultural, political, social and economic factors which shaped Africa and its people.
This course surveys the history of the African Americans in the United States from African origin to the present. Special attention will be given to the social, political, economic experiences and events that have helped shape the African-American community.
This course is designed to enable both women and men to understand the background of women in the Western World. Emphasis is placed upon the roles of women in various societies and upon the contributions made by women. Several women's movements will be studied in detail.
Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM). Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, AGD, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, CPT, DAN, DMA, EDU, ENG, FRE, FSC, GER, GLS, HCS, HED, HIN, HIS, IDC, ITA, JOU, LNC, MAD, MAT, MUS, PCP, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE.
HED-150 or HED-200 recommended.
Graduates of the Program will be able to::
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.