{"id":7523,"date":"2021-12-06T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-06T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=7523"},"modified":"2021-12-07T11:26:18","modified_gmt":"2021-12-07T19:26:18","slug":"the-benefits-of-getting-a-history-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=7523","title":{"rendered":"The Benefits of Getting a History Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we continue to reflect on the past during our year-long Centennial celebration, it\u2019s more than an appropriate time to consider the importance of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We learn and grow as we chronicle the rich personal histories of our community through our Centennial Stories. Over the past year, we\u2019ve heard from alumni and faculty like school historian Chuck Hunter<\/a>, journalist Marcos Bret\u00f3n<\/a>, and former preschool teacher Herminia Villareal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These stories, along with our centennial celebration exist because as a society we see their profound value. In this vein, today we will be highlighting our Associate Degree for Transfer in History<\/a>. Let\u2019s explore this flourishing program, its importance, and the many benefits of pursuing a transfer degree in history at San Jos\u00e9 City College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery person has a history, and to truly know them, we must know their history.\u201d <\/p>SJCC History Department<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Pursue a History Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou study history in order to fully understand the complexities of this modern globalized world,\u201d states SJCC\u2019s history page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery person has a history, and to truly know them, we must know their history. This is also true about nations,\u201d SJCC continues<\/a>. \u201cTo know and learn from history, you must go far beyond the simple memorization of dates and events.\u201d This is why you should study history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This attitude toward history embodies its goals as a field of study. If we want to have any chance at improving our society, we can\u2019t start from square one with each generation. History empowers us to learn from the past so that we can understand the present and imagine a better future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How You Can Make an Impact as a History Major<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of a history degree is that you can truly make it your own, because history touches every subject and corner of society. No matter which route you choose, you\u2019ll be able to make an impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provide Visibility for Untold and Erased Histories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While some may argue that traditional history is a stagnant subject, this couldn\u2019t be farther from the truth. History is happening around us all the time, always evolving. Just like in technology or the sciences, we are constantly learning new ways to approach the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The past few years in the United States are full of examples. Many would agree that 2020 was the year that America confronted racism<\/a>, the year that we began to face our past. Ethnic Studies programs<\/a> around the country are closely tied to history programs and a huge part of efforts to achieve greater equity and social justice are linked to shining a light on the histories of oppressed minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are passionate about equity and social justice in any way, history is a great place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose from Diverse Careers for History Majors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since history is all around us, so are history jobs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to know history to understand how we got here and how we can make things better,\u201d said history faculty, Dr. Padma Manian, who completed both her bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in India then went on to get her Ph.D. at Miami University in Ohio. Manian has been teaching at SJCC since 1999. She has taught many successful students over the years, including SJCC’s own Board of Trustees Member, Omar Torres and Joan Danenberg<\/a>, a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhether it is law, politics, journalism, sociology, or indeed almost any other field, knowledge of history is essential,\u201d said Manian. These are just a few of the many possibilities when you major in history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, for anyone hoping to pursue a career in history education, this is also the perfect degree. No matter your strengths or interests, chances are they are compatible with a history degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The History Program at San Jos\u00e9 City College<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The History Department at SJCC<\/a> provides unique opportunities for students all over Silicon Valley. It may not be as old as the college itself, but it has certainly seen many changes over the years. Let\u2019s take a look at what it can offer you today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dr.
Dr. Padma Manian (far left) poses with history students at a Halloween celebration.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

An Interdisciplinary Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For bay area community colleges, it should be a prerequisite that history classes be as diverse as their student populations. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, but SJCC comes close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have some courses at SJCC that are not available in most community colleges,\u201d said Manian.  Over the years, the SJCC history department has made the effort to expand their course offerings beyond the usual courses in U.S. history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, SJCC also offers the following history classes: World History; Women in American History; African American History; History and Culture of the American Indian; and Western Culture. What\u2019s more, several ethnic studies courses are also accepted as fulfilling the requirements for the associate\u2019s degree in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valuable Preparation for Any Field<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similar to other humanities degrees, the requirements for any history major are quite rigorous. They will prepare students by teaching them valuable transferable skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStudents learn important skills like reading, writing and critical thinking that they can use in any career even if it is not history related,\u201d Manian said. They “take courses from a variety of disciplines to get a well-rounded education.” So if you decide to major in history you\u2019ll certainly have the upper hand when it comes to communication in any workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Degree with a Guarantee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like all our Associate\u2019s Degrees for Transfer (AD-T), the History Degree at SJCC<\/a> is part of the Degree with A Guarantee Program<\/a>. This means that when you finish your general and major requirements with a 2.0 or higher, you\u2019re guaranteed a spot at a select number of California State Universities (CSUs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to do a 2-year degree at SJCC first, you\u2019ll drastically reduce your education costs. Then you can transfer to the 4-year university with reduced debt and worry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to know history to understand how we got here and how we can make things better.”<\/p>Dr. Padma Manian, SJCC History faculty<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits of Getting A History Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many benefits to getting your AD-T in History at San Jos\u00e9 City College<\/a>. You\u2019ll learn about the real world implications of the past; unearthing untold stories; and practical skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also be able to start your higher-education off on the right foot by reducing your education costs before transferring to a 4-year university. With all of these benefits on your side, you can unleash your brilliance and make an impact in our society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in other transfer degrees at SJCC, check out our offerings in Sociology<\/a>, Spanish<\/a>, and Social justice: African American Studies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n