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History

Overview

The Folsom Lake College history curriculum offers a study of history that contributes to cultural literacy and develops critical thinking and other useful skills while helping students understand today and plan for tomorrow.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A.-T. in History
  • A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Heritage Interpretation Certificate
  • Division Dean Dr. Rose Giordano
  • Department Chair Richard Mowrer
  • Phone (916) 361-6330
  • Email giordar@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in History

The Associate in Arts in History for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in History at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

This program has the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) Cal-GETC the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

All ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
HIST C1001 United States History to 1877 3
HIST C1002 United States History since 1865 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
List A: Select Two Courses from the following. (6 units)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
   or HIST 301 History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
   or HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
List B: Select one course from each Area, or any course in List A not already used. (6 units)
Area 1
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ARTH 325 Native American Art History (3)
ARTH 333 Introduction to Islamic Art (3)
ENGLT 330 African American Literature (3)
ENGLT 340 World Literature I (3)
ENGLT 341 World Literature II (3)
ENGLT 345 Mythologies of the World (3)
ENGLT 359 Prison Writings: The Rhetoric of Resistance (3)
ENGLT 360 Women in Literature (3)
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
FREN 411 Intermediate French (4)
FREN 412 Intermediate French (4)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HUM 320 Asian Humanities (3)
HUM 325 Arts and Humanities of the Islamic World (3)
HUM 370 Women and the Creative Imagination (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
PHIL 352 Introduction to World Religions (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
Area 2
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
ECON C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECON 307 Global Issues in the Political Economy (3)
ENGLT 303 Introduction to the Short Story (3)
ENGLT 305 Introduction to the Novel (3)
ENGLT 310 English Literature I (3)
ENGLT 311 English Literature II (3)
ENGLT 319 Introduction to English Epic Poetry (3)
ENGLT 321 American Literature II (3)
ENGLT 339 Postmodern American Fiction (3)
ENGLT 402 Introduction to Shakespeare and Film (3)
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322 Geography of California (3)
HIST 368 History of France (3)
HUM 300 Classical Humanities (3)
HUM 301 Introduction to the Humanities (3)
HUM 310 Modern Humanities (3)
HUM 332 American Humanities (3)
PHIL 300 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
PHIL 330 History of Classical Philosophy (3)
PHIL 331 History of Modern Philosophy (3)
PHIL 350 Philosophy of Religion (3)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
Total Units: 18

The Associate in Arts in History for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate the ability to conduct basic research of historical documents and publications, interpret primary and secondary sources, and utilize academic citations and formatting.
  • compose arguments, which evaluate evidence from historical sources and synthesize this evidence in support of a thesis statement and argumentative claims, reflecting writing competency at the college composition level.
  • explain historical developments incorporating perspectives of race, class, gender, and ethnicity.
  • explain major historical social, cultural, economic, technological, and scientific developments, their causes and effects, and their historical significance.
  • describe local and global historical political trends, attitudes, conflicts, and events—including both mainstream and reform efforts—and explain their historical significance.

Career Information

Given the general analytic skills developed in a history curriculum, career opportunities are diverse. While undergraduate study in history is an excellent preparation for law school and other professional schools, history majors have successful careers in health professions, local, state, and federal government, business, science, and information technology. People with advanced degrees in history typically seek employment as teachers and professors.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies in Social and Behavioral Science degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to academic studies. The purpose of the program is for students to gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of various social and behavioral sciences. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines.
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 319 Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3)
ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 330 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
BUS 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
   or ECON 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
BUS 345 Law and Society (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 363 Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
ECON C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
ECON 307 Global Issues in the Political Economy (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3)
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 351 Native American Policy and Law (3)
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322 Geography of California (3)
HIST 301 History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3)
HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST C1001 United States History to 1877 (3)
HIST C1002 United States History since 1865 (3)
HIST 314 Recent United States History (3)
HIST 319 American Environmental History (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368 History of France (3)
JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
KINES 416 Psychology of Sport (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3)
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

Certificate of Achievement

Heritage Interpretation Certificate

Heritage Interpretation involves conveying meaningful information about historical, cultural, and natural events or sites to a broad audience. One may have encountered interpretive prose in historical site markers, displays at parks or museums, and written park visitor guides. Park rangers, docents, and tour guides use oral and written interpretation skills. More recently, interpretive skills have been expanding into social media. Students completing this proposed certificate of recognition will be prepared to take an exam to be a Certified Interpretive Guide (C.I.G) from the National Association for Interpretation. Courses in this certificate may also be applied towards associate degree and/or transfer requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3) 3
   or ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
   or ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4) 3 - 4
   or BIOL 323 Plants and People (4)
   or BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
HIST 319 American Environmental History (3) 3
   or HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
ANTH 392 Principles of Heritage Interpretation (3) 3
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
ANTH 498 Work Experience in Anthropology (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 380 Natural History Field Studies: Coastal Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 382 Natural History Field Studies: Desert Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 384 Natural History Field Study of Forest Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 386 Natural History Field Studies: Marine Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 388 Natural History Field Studies: River Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 389 Natural History Field Studies: Wetland Ecosystems (1)
HIST 498 Work Experience in History (0.5 - 4)
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 14 - 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • pass the Certified Interpretive Guide exam offered by the National Association for Interpretation.
  • interpret information about a historical, cultural, or natural event or site to a diverse audience.
  • justify the importance of preserving historical, cultural, and natural resources.

Career Information

Students completing this certificate along with additional coursework may be prepared to seek jobs as an interpretive guide or Interpretive Specialist at parks, museums, historical sites, and cultural centers; K-12 educator; river guide; or in the hospitality industry. This certificate may also fulfill some of the transfer requirements for a bachelor's degree in Public History, Cultural Resources Management, or Natural Resources Management.

History (HIST) Courses

HIST 301 History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 3B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID HIST 170
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course portrays the development of European Civilization from its origins through the Reformation, ending around 1550, with particular emphasis on the interplay of social, economic, and political forces. The focus is on the role played by cultural developments and political philosophies in shaping European society and its legacy in the world.

HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 3B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID HIST 180
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course portrays the development of European Civilization from the age of Absolutism, beginning in 1500, to the present with particular emphasis on the interplay of social, economic, and political forces. The focus is on the role played by cultural movements and political ideologies in shaping European society and its legacy within the world today.

HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 110 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 3B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID HIST 150
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of the development of world civilizations from antiquity to 1500 CE, with particular emphasis on the dynamic interaction and comparison of peoples and cultures. The focus is on the roles played by social, political, economic, cultural and religious forces in shaping the major world civilizations and the legacy of these civilizations within the world today.

HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 110 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 3B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID HIST 160
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of the development of the major civilizations of the world from the 16th century to the present, with particular emphasis on the dynamic interaction of peoples and cultures. The focus is on the role played by social, political, economic, cultural and religious forces in shaping the major world civilizations and the legacy of these civilizations within the world today.

HIST C1001 United States History to 1877

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID HIST 130
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as HIST 310 History of the United States (To 1877).

This course is a historical survey of the United States, from Indigenous North America to the end of Reconstruction. The course also introduces students to historical reasoning skills. This course covers the time period from first inhabitants to the end of Reconstruction in 1877.This course underscores the continuity of the American experience and emphasizes the roles played by cultural, economic, intellectual, political, and social institutions in American history, with an eye toward understanding the history of multiple ethnic groups in a comparative framework. The course covers the entire area now included in the United States of America. Relationships within the region as well as external powers will be covered.

Credit may be earned for History C1001 or History C1001H, but not for both. Formerly known as HIST 310. Not open to students who have successfully completed HIST 310.

HIST C1002 United States History since 1865

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID HIST 140
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as HIST 311 History of the United States (1865 - Present).

This course is a historical survey of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the present. The course also introduces students to historical reasoning skills. This course covers the time period from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the present day. This course underscores the continuity of the American experience and emphasizes the roles played by cultural, economic, intellectual, political, and social institutions in American history, with an eye toward understanding the history of multiple ethnic groups in a comparative framework. The course covers the entire area now included in the United States of America. Relationships within the region as well as external powers will be covered .


Credit may be earned for History C1002 or History C1002H, but not for both. Formerly known as HIST 311. Not open to students who have successfully completed HIST 311.

HIST 314 Recent United States History

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ENGWR 101 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement into ENGWR 300.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course reviews those events that constitute our country's history from 1945 to the present, ensuing against the background of a "world setting." While the emphasis tends to be on political developments, the course also covers broad economic, social, and cultural patterns. It includes coverage of California state and local government.

HIST 319 American Environmental History

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the past interactions between human society and the natural world in what is now the United States. Issues to be discussed include Native American resource management, the ecological effects of the arrival of Europeans in the "New World," resource exploitation in the industrial era, cultural constructions of nature, and the preservation, conservation, and environmental movements. In the context of the historical influence of nature upon human society and the impact of human society upon nature, the course covers broad political, social, and cultural patterns and conflicts. In the same context, it also includes multicultural interpretations of the California and Sierra Nevada foothill experience which may entail field trips.

HIST 331 Women in American History

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 110 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers a survey of U.S. women's history, including the origin and development of the nation's political, social, economic, and intellectual institutions, from pre-contact indigenous societies to the modern era. The diverse roles and contributions of European American, Native American, African American, Mexican American, and Asian American women are emphasized throughout the course.

HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 110 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 3B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of the history of California with an emphasis on the evolution of the state as a multicultural society, beginning with Native Californian cultures and continuing to the present. Above all, the course evaluates the historical experiences and dynamic interaction of Native American, Hispanic American, Asian American, African American, European American, and other cultural groups. Field trips to local sites of historical significance may be included.

HIST 368 History of France

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 110
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 3B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course surveys the cultural, political, and economic history of France from Roman Gaul to the present. It examines the origin and development of French artistic, political, economic, and intellectual institutions, their influence on French society and culture, and France’s role in Europe and the wider world.

HIST 495 Independent Studies in History

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

HIST 498 Work Experience in History

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:30 - 300 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Student must be in a paid or non-paid internship, volunteer opportunity, or job related to career interests.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of History. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. Students must complete 37.5 hours of related paid work experience, or 30 hours of related unpaid work experience, for .5 unit. An additional 37.5 hours of related paid work experience or 30 hours of related unpaid work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and ability to store data files. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

HIST 499 Experimental Offering in History

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog