History Department
Rio Hondo’s History Department includes courses focusing on the histories of the U.S., the World, Mexico, Latin America and California along with the study of specific groups within U.S. society. We understand the study of history is useful in providing a base from which students can gain and improve critical thinking, reading and writing skills. These skills will prepare students for career advancement, transfer to a four-year institution and/or completion of an Associate of Arts degree.
As a department our courses offer students exposure to primary sources in a majority of class sessions, participation in active learning, which includes group work, presentations and other creative projects and flexibility in choosing from a wide range of course offerings at different times and through different venues. A major in History at the undergraduate level will additionally provide students with a base for other career directions, such as law, in which critical thinking, reading and writing skills are essential.
Why is the study of history important?
The History department at Rio Hondo College believes that the study of history leads to a greater understanding of the past, present, and is the best predictor of how we can respond to the future. Through the study of the near and distant past, students will examine how multitudes of groups and individuals have responded to the issues of their day. In many respects, the issues of the past have much semblance to contemporary issues. As 21st century global citizens, we can take guidance from historical actors, examining what strategies were successful and which were not, and devise strategies for responding to our current reality. Studying history isn’t just the study of past events, people, and places, it is the study of how people of past have perceived, experienced and responded to the world around them. It is also an examination of how the past continues to shape our lives today. In that vein, we are not so different from the people of the past, and through the study of history this becomes more apparent to students. The past is still alive and it is instrumental in understanding who we are as a society.
What is an Associate of Arts in History for Transfer Degree?
The Associate in Arts in History for Transfer (AA-T) Degree is intended to meet the lower division requirements for History majors (or similar majors) at a CSU campus that offers a baccalaureate degree. The Associate in Arts in History for Transfer Degree is designed to enable students to explore a broad understanding of the social, political, cultural and economic events and forces that have shaped our nation’s past, present and future. In addition to studying the history of the United States, history majors will study other civilizations and cultures gaining a broader perspective and better understanding of the contemporary world. Through a diverse curriculum, students learn to gather, synthesize, analyze and interpret historical evidence, building a strong foundation that prepares students to either transfer to a four-year college or succeed in numerous career paths, such as teaching, law, business administration, journalism and public service. For a full listing of course requirements, for completion go the AA-T Degree in History, visit the Degree and Certificate section of the College Catalog.
What are some careers available to history majors?
There is a commonly held misconception that history majors are limited to careers in teaching and research. Teachers and researchers are vital contributors to the history profession and address important needs of today’s society however, History majors can accomplish the same or similar objective while taking a different, and equally important career path. Below is a list of careers available to History majors, compiled by the American Historical Association (for more information, click on the titles):
Historians as Educators Elementary Schools, Secondary Schools, Postsecondary Education, Historic Sites and Museums.
Historians as Researchers Museums and Historical Organizations, Cultural Resources Management and Historic Preservation, Think Tanks
Historians as Communicators Writers and Editors, Journalists, Documentary Editors, Producers of Multimedia Material
Historians as Information Managers Archivists, Records Managers, Librarians, Information Managers.
Historians as Advocates Lawyers and Paralegals, Litigation Support, Legislative Staff Work, Foundations
Historians in Businesses and Associations Historians in Corporations, Contract Historians, Historians and Nonprofit Associations.
What is the History Department currently work on?
The History department seeks to make the study of history relatable and relevant to the modern student. The department strives to accomplish this by offering a variety of new events and courses to connect all Rio Hondo students to the past. The history faculty has recently launched the “History Lunch Pail Panel,” an ongoing series aimed at engaging students and invited guests in conversations about the past. Students are invited to come hear and contribute to a variety of discussions on history related topics, examine how these topics impact us today, and share their own perspectives. The history department is also proud to announce that a variety of new courses will soon be offered including, History of Science and Technology (offered as an upper division course), History of Latin America Since 1821, Black American Experience until 1865 and Black American Experience since 1865. Lastly, the “History Club” is currently gearing up to offer a wide variety of exciting and fulfilling events. Membership to the history club is open to all Rio Hondo students. You don’t have to be a history major to participate in and enjoy all that the club has to offer.
For more information about the History Club click here!
For more information about the history department, contact a member of the History department at (562) 908-3431
Full Time Faculty:
Joaquin Duran
Irma Valdivia
Abbie Perry
Ea Madrigal
