History Learning Outcomes - History Program

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a B.A. in History would possess:

good understanding and knowledge of the history of North America.
good understanding and knowledge of global history in other regions of the world.
good knowledge and problem-solving skills in analyzing contemporary and historical events.
good communication skills in oral and written forms.
good skills in historical research, analysis, and presentations.

Course Learning Outcomes

HIST 211 World Civilizations: Origins to 1500

Compare and contrast ancient civilizations.
Interpret historical sources from different cultural backgrounds.
Trace the development and dispersal of major religions.
Evaluate the impact of the environment on human history.
Locate historical places on maps.
Trace the origins of intellectual ideas.

HIST 212 World Civilizations: Since 1500

Compare and contrast contemporary civilizations.
Interpret historical sources from different cultural backgrounds.
Trace the dispersal of human beings and their respective cultures.
Evaluate the impact of the environment on human history.
Locate historical places on maps.
Place global intellectual ideas (e.g., liberalism, Marxism) in their historical contexts.
Analyze complex ideas behind nationalism and modernity.

HIST 270 The United States to 1877

Compare and contrast Native American societies prior to and after contact with Europeans.
Consider the correlation between market capitalism and European exploration and colonization.
Explain the importance of religion in the history of the United States.
Analyze the causation of the United States’ war for independence.
Evaluate the development of the nation’s constitutional government.
List the phases of westward expansion.
Organize and express clearly the elements within the concept of Jacksonian democracy.
Explain evolution of gender prescriptions in the United States.
Detail the complexities of race as a construct within the society of the United States.
Examine the causes and consequences of the Civil War.
Communicate the successes and compromises of the era of Reconstruction.

HIST 271 The United States Since 1877

Evaluate corporate and technological growth in the United States.
Consider the correlation between economic growth and the rise of immigration.
Explain the social and political complexities of ethnic urban communities.
Compare and contrast labor unions.
Demonstrate the varieties of Progressive social reform.
Organize and express clearly the different approaches of Progressive political reform.

HIST 272 Constitutional History of the U.S.

To explain the historical origins and development of the U.S. Constitution.
To demonstrate critical thinking skills in dissecting, writing, and presenting major Constitutional cases and controversies.
To demonstrate analytical skills in synthesizing the impacts of significant Constitutional changes on society.

HIST 275 The United States to 1900

Describe major events in American history during the second half of the nineteenth century.
Write explanations of the causes and consequences of social/political conflicts and reforms.
Develop and improve reading, writing, and other communication skills in dealing with historical issues and documentation.

HIST 280 The Historian's Craft

Recognize the important distinction between primary and secondary source material.
Perform some of the basic research tasks in the historical discipline.
Express themselves in historical terms.
Write and present papers about the most prominent historical theories.
Communicate in oral and written modes.

HIST 310 History of the Mediterranean

Envision the Mediterranean as an important zone of cultural contact.
Interpret historical sources from different cultural backgrounds.
Analyze the interrelationship between a maritime universe and human society.
Present and write a research paper.
Trace the development of human society in a clearly delineated area.
Explore the development and transmittal of ideas through trade and warfare.

HIST 319 European History, 1871-1945

Examine the development of the European continent from the nineteenth century to the end of WWII.
Interpret sources from the time period.
Identify prominent ideologies (Liberalism, Fascism, Marxism).
Prepare a major research paper related to the historical topic.
Relate contemporary problems to their historical antecedents.

HIST 320 European History, 1945-Present

Examine the development of the European continent from 1945 to the Present.
Interpret sources from the time period.
Investigate the development of the European Union.
Prepare a major research paper related to the historical topic.
Analyze the economic and cultural foundations of contemporary Europe.

HIST 330 The History of Science: Nonwestern Origins and the Western Revolution

The overall timeline of scientific development from ~2000B.C. to the present.
The linkages between non-European science and Western technological development.
The historical and intellectual interdependencies of the major scientific disciplines.
The differences between various scientific methods and technologies, and the cultural origins of these differences.

HIST 331 Narratives of the Working Class

Explain class structures in the U.S. and internationally.
Discuss issues of blue-collar and pink-collar employment and unemployment.
Analyze textual representations of working-class life.
Explain the historical development of class stratification.
Discuss issues of classism.

HIST 332 Dance in History

Evaluate and discuss dance in history within multicultural perspectives.
Show, through writing, discussion and oral presentation, an understanding of the course content and convey the key points of this course to an audience of their peers.

HIST 333 History of Southern California Chicana/o Art

Describe and analyze the connections between Chicana/o art, history and culture.
Evaluate the ways in which Chicana/o art, history and cultural issues can interact in various contexts.
Examine and describe from different perspectives the role of Chicana/o artists in contemporary culture, and their relationship to collectors, museums, and galleries.
Reflect in written and oral form on the various aspects of Chicana/o history and culture.
Analyze the educational implications of Chicana/o art and history within various institutions and reflect on possibilities for new projects.
Analyze how the art, history and the educational projects of cultural institutions are connected to what children learn in schools (California framework).
Apply the knowledge and information to presentations and papers.
Reflect in written and oral form on the various aspects of the Chicana/o tradition, its heritage and contemporary identity.

HIST 334 Narratives of Southern California

Evaluate the socio-economic modernization of Southern California from the late nineteenth century to the present.
Explain the contributions of immigrants and migrants on the region.
Analyze the nuances associated with the formation of identities.

HIST 335 American Ethnic Images in Novels, Film and Art

Describe and analyze the connections between the art, history, popular culture and other aspects of culture.
Describe and analyze subjective responses and objective reasoning in the assessment of images that permeate novels, film and art.
Critically examine from various perspectives how iconography and symbolism interact and define cultural identities.
Reflect in written and oral form on the various aspects of the ethnic images in novels, film and art.
Critically analyze the meaning of images within their original context as well as defined by literary, artistic and filmic practices.
Develop new ways of looking and thinking about images, texts, and film.
Formulate an interpretative level of analysis based on a comprehensive understanding of visual arts and literature.
Critically examine in comparative ways the formation of meanings in novels, films, and art.
Decipher symbols, cultural and artistic codes in art, film and novels.
Apply the knowledge and information in papers and presentations.

HIST 337 Music in History

Articulate key concepts regarding the history of music and music in history by incorporating multicultural perspectives.
Show, through writing, discussion and oral presentation, an understanding of the course content and convey the key points of this course to an audience of their peers.
Evaluate and discuss music in history within multicultural perspectives, including world music.
Discuss key points in the history of music in the world.

HIST 338 Theatre in History

Read and critically examine the history of the theatre.
Write successful essay exams and term papers on the subjects assigned.
Think critically and verbally articulate their ideas regarding the history of theatre and the theatre of history by incorporating multicultural perspectives.
Demonstrate, in writing and discussion, an understanding of the texts assigned.
Show, through oral presentation, an understanding of the course content and an ability to convey that understanding to an audience of their peers.

HIST 339 Business in China: Heritage and Change

Identify the historical and cultural origins of the Chinese business practices.
Analyze modern Chinese economic, financial, and business infrastructure through case method.
Communicate the genesis of China's modernization and its significance via written report.
Assess Chinese economic strengths and business opportunities.

HIST 340 History and Psychology of Nazi Germany

Demonstrate an understanding of psychological theory in relation to historical analysis.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of perspectives on the origin of abnormal behavior in Nazi Germany.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how pathological personalities relate to social and historical processes.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of individual differences in behavior, including those related to gender, ethnicity, and culture during the Nazi era.

HIST 342 Environmental History

Examine the interrelationship between the Environment and Human history.
Engage novel methodologies associated with the topic.
Analyze the historical transfer of plants, animals, and diseases into novel environments.
Prepare a major research paper related to the historical topic.
Examine the interrelationship between imperialism and the environment.

HIST 349 History of Business and Economics

To read and write explanations of North American economic growth and development.
To demonstrate critical thinking skills in writing and presenting historical economic analysis.
To demonstrate analytical skills in synthesizing and comparing the economic models of Canada, US, and Mexico, and in explaining the significance of the continental economy of North America.
To establish a learning community through participations in activities of group-project discussions, preparations, and oral/written/electronic presentations.

HIST 350 Chicana/o History and Culture

Identify and analyze indigenous civilizations that existed in North America prior to the European conquest.
Record the historical migration of peoples and commerce within North America, that being present-day Mexico and the United States Southwest, prior to the European invasion.
Discuss the astronomical, technological, mathematical, and agricultural developments of early Native American civilizations.
Compare the religious worldviews of the various indigenous North Americans, the Spanish, and of Euro Americans, and how this came to affect social relations between these peoples.
Illustrate within the context of the cultural syncretism of European and indigenous peoples, how European America political, commercial, and legal values and institutions came to influence Chicana/o culture.
Analyze the nature of the historical dynamics of social stratification between Chicanas/os and European Americans beginning from the United States’ conquest of the Southwest in 1848 to the present.
Study the factors of class, culture, and race that shaped relations between European Americans, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and Chicanas/os in what is today the United States from the period of the European conquest to 1995.
Examine the Chicana/o family and the effect of political economy on gender roles.
Appraise the expansion of the Chicana/o culture into the Southwestern part of the United States and the early nineteenth century intrusion of the dominant culture into this area.
Analyze/examine the role western institutions have had on the Chicana/o and how the Chicana/o has historically reacted; zoot suit riots, Texas blowout, and L.A. walkouts.

HIST 351 History of African Americans

Describe the African cultures and societies from which people of African descent came.
Evaluate the origins of the slave trade and the influence of slavery and racism in American society.
Develop explanations of how African Americans created different social, economic, political, and cultural strategies in order to challenge oppression.
Write analyses of various ideological views in the African American community from the American Revolution to the present.
Discuss the intersections of race, class, gender in shaping African American culture.
Describe the influence that African Americans have had on defining and redefining American democratic institutions.
Evaluate the history and experiences of people of African descent in the United States.

HIST 360 History of Colonial Latin America

Describe the location and culture of the indigenous people of Mesoamerica and South America.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics of colonization based on primary and secondary sources.
Appraise the role of Spanish and Portuguese colonial administration on life and society.
Develop explanations of the principal forces that contributed to continuity and change in Latin American cultures since conquest.
Critically evaluate and discuss the divergent paths as well as common patterns in colonial histories of the Latin American region.
Discuss the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, and gender in shaping Latin American cultures over time.

HIST 361 History of Modern Latin America

Describe the evolution of Latin American regions and countries since colonial times.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics that changed Latin America based on primary and secondary sources.
Develop explanations of the principal forces that contributed to continuity and change in Latin American cultures.
Critically evaluate and discuss the divergent paths as well as common patterns in national histories of the Latin American region.
Discuss the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, and gender in shaping Latin American cultures over time.

HIST 365 Themes in World History

Conceptualize global approaches to history.
Interpret historical sources from different cultural backgrounds.
Evaluate cultural exchanges.
Evaluate the impact of the environment on human history.
Develop lesson plans for future teaching assignments.
Relate world history to their future teaching chores.

HIST 366 Oceans of World History

Visualize the existence of supra-national connections.
Interpret historical sources from different cultural backgrounds.
Evaluate cultural exchanges.
Evaluate the impact of the environment on human history.
Present and write an extensive research paper.

HIST 369 California History and Culture

Describe the location and culture of California’s Native American Indian peoples.
Compare and contrast the forces behind the Spanish, Mexican, and American geographic exploration and settlement of California.
Appraise the significance of the mission system under Spanish and Mexican rule.
Describe life and society of California as a Mexican territory.
Evaluate the causes and consequences of the Mexican American War of 1846-1848 as it relates to California.
Assess the demographic, economic, environmental, and social impact of the Gold Rush on the development of California as a state.
Evaluate California’s policies toward racialized minority groups.
Analyze the regional and hegemonic development of California’s railroads and their impact on the state’s economies.
Examine California’s political growth in the 20th century.
Compare California’s progressive movement to that of the nation at large.
Consider the defining characteristics of California gubernatorial administrations under the governments of Mexico and the United States.
Compare the geographic, cultural, and economic similarities and differences between northern and southern California.

HIST 370 United States Colonial History

Describe the location and culture of the indigenous people of North America.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics of colonization based on primary and secondary sources.
Appraise the role of Spanish, Dutch, English, and French colonial administration on life and society.
Develop explanations of the principal forces that contributed to continuity and change in North American cultures since conquest.
Critically evaluate and compare the divergent paths as well as common patterns in colonial histories of different regions of North America.
Assess the impact of the Atlantic slave trade on the economy, culture, and politics of North America.
Discuss the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, and gender in shaping North American cultures over time.

HIST 371 The Founding of the United States

Describe the political and economic factors that led to the independence movement in the English colonies.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics of revolution based on primary and secondary sources.
Explain the philosophical ideals of the founders of the nation, as well as their breach in practice.
Critically evaluate and compare the roles of different sectors and individuals in the revolutionary process.
Explain the institution-building process undertaken by the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention.
Discuss the different phases of the military aspect of the revolutionary war.

HIST 372 United States Industrialization and Progressivism

Evaluate corporate and technological growth in the United States.
Consider the correlation between economic growth and the rise in immigration and urban centers.
Explain the social and political complexities of ethnic communities and urban politics.
Compare and contrast labor unions.
Demonstrate the varieties of Progressive social reform.
Organize and express clearly the different approaches of Progressive political reform.
Consider the regional similarities and differences of Progressivism.
Analyze the experiences of racial minority populations and women during the eras of industrialization and Progressivism.

HIST 373 American Labor History

Distinguish major stages of the experiences of working men and women in American history.
Write analyses of the successes and failures of a variety of labor movements.
Develop explanations of the unique characteristics of the working people’s experience and identity.

HIST 374 United States Since 1945

Understand the problems that framed the peace process of World War II.
Explain the elements of the United States’ policy of Containment.
Compare and contrast the presidencies from Franklin Delano Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan.
Examines the causes of the United States’ escalating involvement in Vietnam.
Consider the significance of student movements of the Sixties and Seventies.
Analyze the movements of racialized minorities, women, and gays and lesbians.
Detail the forces that led to an environmental consciousness in the nation.

HIST 380 History of the Pacific Islands

Explain the development of civilizations in the Pacific Islands.
Evaluate cross-cultural contact between Oceanic and Euro-American Agents.
Interpret different modes of historical understanding.
Prepare a major research paper related to the historical topic.
Compare colonial and postcolonial developments in Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

HIST 391 Traditional China

Describe the evolution of Chinese traditions from ancient times to the Ming Dynasty.
Write analyses of the philosophical, political, social, and cultural foundations of Chinese society.
Develop explanations of the forces that contributed to the continuity and transformation of China.

HIST 392 Modern China

Describe the major social and political changes of Chinese society from the Chin Dynasty to 1949.
Write analyses of the ways in which China dealt with domestic and international crises.
Develop explanations of the forces that contributed to the continuity and transformation of modern China.

HIST 393 Contemporary China

Describe the dramatic changes of Chinese society since 1949.
Write analyses of the ways in which China dealt with domestic and international crises.
Develop explanations of the forces that contributed to the continuity and transformation of contemporary China.

HIST 394 Traditional Japan

Describe the evolution of Japanese traditions from ancient times to the Tokugawa Dynasty.
Write analyses of the philosophical, political, social, and cultural foundations of Japanese society.
Develop explanations of the forces that contributed to the continuity and transformation of Japan.

HIST 395 Modern Japan

Describe the evolution of Japanese society from the Meiji Restoration to the present.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics that changed modern Japan.
Develop explanations of the ways in which Japan dealt with domestic and international challenges/crises.

HIST 396 East Asia: Then and Now

Describe the evolution of the three East Asian societies from ancient times to the present.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics that changed East Asia.
Develop explanations of the principal forces that contributed to the continuity and transformation of East Asia.

HIST 401 United States Immigration History, 1840-1945

Evaluate the modernization of emigrant nations from 1840 to the 1945.
Explain the impact of economic, political, and social forces influencing emigration.
Compare and contrast of the experiences of immigrants from various nations.
Examine the transformative process of immigrant groups.
Explain the response of the people of the United States to the presence of immigrants during varying periods of time and social situations.
Analyze the significance of immigrant cultural expression by way of the arts, religion, and politics.

HIST 402 Southern California Chicana/o History and Culture

Evaluate the modernization of the Borderlands from 1845 to the 1930s.
Explain the impact of the Great Depression on Southern California Mexican communities.
Compare and contrast of the experiences of Mexican agricultural communities.
Examine the Zoot-suit phenomenon as a symbol of cultural transformation.
Consider the role on the farmer workers movement on Southern California society.
Analyze the significance of cultural expression in the region.
Detail the similarities and differences among student movements.

HIST 403 The American Intellectual Tradition

Describe the major stages of intellectual tradition in American history.
Write analyses of individual thinkers, ideas, and the interactions between ideas and society.
Write comparisons of conflicting values and ideas and develop explanations of shifting ideological emphases.

HIST 412 Law and Society

Describe the origins of the law and the emergences of various legal institutions and systems in world civilization.
Write analyses of the roles and functions the law played in society.
Develop explanations concerning the interrelationships between the law and other institutions in society.

HIST 413 World Religions and Classical Philosophies

Describe the emergences of some of the major religions and philosophical schools in world history.
Write analyses of the roles and functions those religions and philosophies played in shaping history and society.
Develop explanations that compare basic characteristics of different religions and philosophies.

HIST 414 Women in History

Describe the roles women played in history.
Write analyses of the changing social issues, attitudes, and movements involving women.
Develop explanations concerning the evolutions of the concept of gender and gender equality in modern time.

HIST 415 Society and Radicalism

Describe the historical circumstances under which different forms of radicalism emerge.
Write analyses of the reasons for successes or failures of radicalism.
Develop explanations of the impacts and roles radicalism had in history.

HIST 420 History of Mexico

Describe the location and culture of the indigenous peoples of Mexico.
Evaluate the impact of Spanish exploration and conquest in Mexico.
Appraise the role of Spanish colonial administration on life and society.
Explain the context of Mexican Independence from Spain.
Detail the phases of Mexico’s early nationhood.
Explain the costs and process of Mexico’s modernization.
Critically evaluate the phases of Mexico’s earth 20th century Revolution.
Understand the transformation of Mexico since the Revolution.

HIST 421 Revolutionary Mexico, 1876-1930

Evaluate the modernization of Mexico.
Consider the making of the regime of Porfirio Diaz.
Appraise life and society in modern Mexico.
Detail the Liberal critique and overthrow of El Porfiriato.
Examine the failure of democracy and dictatorship in revolutionary Mexico.
Explain the costs and process of Mexico’s modernization.
Critically evaluate Mexican society and culture during an Age of Violence.
Compare and contrast the presidencies after the Revolution.
Cultural expressions and opposition.
Explain the context Mexican student activism during the 1960's.
Consider the institutionalization of the Revolution.

HIST 430 Tradition and Transformation: Literature, History and Cultural Change

To communicate, in oral and written forms, a cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural understanding.
To analyze the genres, styles, and historical context of the literary, films, and visual art material.
To write explanations of the changes and conflicts in cultural and cross-cultural transformations.

HIST 436 Psychology and History of East Asian Warrior Cultures

Compare and contrast different psychological and historical perspectives related to Asian warrior cultures.
Discuss psychological aspects of typical traditional Asian warrior culture values (such as duty, enlightenment, honor, loyalty, and discipline)
Demonstrate the role of self-awareness in Asian warrior cultures throughout different historical periods.
Demonstrate an understanding of beliefs, values, and interactions with others in relation to traditional Asian warrior cultures.
Discuss within the historical context of Asian warrior cultures, how to reflect on experience and find meaning in it.

HIST 442 The African Diaspora

Evaluate the African impact on other regions of the world.
Interpret historical sources involving different media (art, literature, music)
Trace the routes of the African dispersal.
Compare and contrast the institution of slavery throughout history.
Prepare a major research paper related to the historical topic.
Appraise the processes of identity formation in diasporic communities.
Identify the tensions between nationalism and individuals in diaspora.

HIST 445 Chicano Child and Adolescent

To build an awareness of the powerful historical social experiences, realities, and cultural influences on the daily lives of Chicano/Mexicano children and adolescents.
To construct a historical knowledge base focusing on key people, events, periods, and policies affecting children and adolescents.
To analyze cultural manifestations within multiple social systems including migration and immigration systems, schooling practices and policies, work and health contexts, community and household structures, linguistic and communication issues, ritual and religious rites, and the arts.
To develop knowledge of contemporary issues related to language and culture in community and schooling contexts.
To develop students’ writing proficiency by applying both expository and analytical writing skills into weekly reflective writing and summative writing projects which integrate course topics and objectives.
To construct pertinent cultural knowledge of Chicano/Mexicano students which impact K-12.educational experiences.
To incorporate linguistic and culturally relevant lessons into classroom practices allowing for meaningful connections to Latino students, their families, and local communities.
To make personal connections to K-12 students, their families, and community-based personnel.
To engage in a community-based setting serving Chicano/Mexicano students.

HIST 451 History of Africa Since 1800

Describe the location and culture of a variety of African peoples.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics that changed Africa.
Explain the principal forces that contributed to continuity and change in African cultures.
Critically evaluate and discuss divergent paths as well as common patterns in African nations.
Discuss the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, and gender in shaping African cultures and nations over time.

HIST 452 History of Southern Africa Since 1600

Describe the location and cultures of the indigenous peoples of southern Africa.
Write analyses of the social, political, and economic dynamics that changed southern Africa.
Evaluate the role of British, Afrikaner, and Portuguese peoples on life and society.
Explain the principal forces that contributed to continuity and change in southern African cultures.
Discuss the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, and gender in shaping southern African cultures over time.

HIST 470 People and Everyday Life in Early America

Describe the life styles of ordinary peoples in early America.
Write analyses on a variety of social issues, such as race, gender, ethnicity, work, religion, and social control.
Develop explanations of the evolution of colonial life and of the roles average people played in society.

HIST 490 Special Topics

Analyze a historical topic in greater depth.
Prepare a detailed paper based on the topic.
Present their findings to their peers.
Discuss readings in class.

HIST 491 Historiography

Trace the origins of the historical discipline.
Evaluate different perspectives in the study of history.
Write a short paper each week about different historical theories.
Prepare a major research paper examining a particular theoretical orientation in history.
Compare and contrast individual historian’s contributions to the discipline.

HIST 492 Internship/Service Learning

Apply theoretical knowledge to practical settings.
Perform tasks associated with the historical discipline (e.g., research, archiving)
Improve their standing in the local community.
Increase their opportunities for graduate school or post-baccalaureate employment.

HIST 494 Independent Research

To be able to report findings from reading and research of historical materials.
To be able to describe and explain historical events and their contexts.
To be able to analyze historical trends and significance.
To be able to apply the reading, writing, analytical, and research skills into other areas of social and academic activities.

HIST 497 Directed Studies

To be able to report findings from reading and research of historical materials.
To be able to describe and explain historical events and their contexts.
To be able to analyze historical trends and significance.
To be able to apply the reading, writing, analytical, and research skills into other areas of social and academic activities.

HIST 499 Capstone in History

Express themselves effectively in written and oral communication.
Work in teams.
Demonstrate knowledge competence at each stage in formulating a historical topic.
Choose a topic and restate it in narrative and historical terms.
Support conclusions with reasoning and evidence.
Complete a well-defined project topic.