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Transfer majors 
Earn your Associate in Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution to study history. You’ll take core classes along with courses in American, Latin American, Chinese and Middle Eastern history.
Harper College is an ideal place to study history. Course offerings cover the globe and will give you an understanding of and appreciation for the major events that shaped the world we live in today. All classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors who are highly skilled in the field of history.
This program is a convenient and affordable way to begin your college education by earning the first two years of your bachelor’s degree. Academic advisors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.
This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative history baccalaureate major recommendations. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| FYS 101 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
Description: Please note: FYS sections are specific to a student's Area of Interest (AoI); please make sure that you are registering for the correct one. Thank you! Focuses on developing critical thinking and information literacy skills to make better-informed decisions regarding college and career planning. Special emphasis is given to the questions, methods, and career and college options relating to an area of academic or thematic interest. Additional information about material to be covered will be available with pre-registration materials each time that the course is offered. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| HST 111 | American Experience to 1877 | |
Description: Surveys the American experience through the pre-revolutionary period, the expansion westward and the Civil War. Special stress is placed upon the social, economic, cultural, political and constitutional development of the United States. IAI S2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| HST 112 | American Experience Since 1877 | |
Description: Surveys the end of Reconstruction to the present, with primary stress on political and economic development. Also includes social, intellectual and cultural phases, expanded role of government in national affairs and the participation of the United States in international relations. IAI S2 901 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| HST 121 | History of Mexico, Central and South America + | |
Description: Surveys the political and constitutional history of the principal Latin American nations. The course will cover movements leading to independence and social and economic events which are pertinent to relationships with the United States. IAI S2 920N Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Humanities and Fine Arts 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
Description: Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| HST 141 | History of Western Civilization to 1650 | 4 |
Description: Stresses political, social, cultural, economic and technological developments from prehistoric times and concludes with the last manifestation of essentially medieval ideology; i.e., the Protestant Reformation. IAI S2 902 Lecture Hours: 4 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| or HST 142 | or History of Western Civilization Since 1650 | |
Description: Continues HST 141. Commences with the emergence of modern times, i.e., the development of royal absolutism and the beginnings of the modern nation state and concludes with the 20th century and the modern world. IAI S2 903 Lecture Hours: 4 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Physical and Life Science 3 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
Third Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| HST 231 | History of the Middle East to 1453 + | |
Description: Surveys the Ancient Near East and Middle East from its origins in Ancient Summer up to 1453. Emphasis will be placed on social, political, economic, religious and military institutions. The process of change and broad continuities will be examined in relationship to the historical evolution and growth of the region. IAI S2 920N Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| HST 241 | History of China: Earliest Time through Ming Dynasty + | |
Description: Surveys the history of China from prehistory to the end of the Ming Dynasty. Major emphasis is placed on the evolution and growth of the Imperial system and forces that shaped its continuation and growth. IAI S2 920N Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| HST 245 | The World Since 1945 + | |
Description: Surveys the history of the world from 1945 to the present with major emphasis on historical issues and events that have global impact. IAI S2 913N Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Humanities and Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Physical and Life Science | 4 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| HST 232 | History of the Middle East 1453 to Present + | |
Description: Surveys the history of the Middle East from 1453 to the present. Emphasis is placed on social, political, economic, religious and military institutions that shape the region. The establishment of colonial rule is highlighted along with the struggle for independence, modernization and development. IAI S2 920N Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| HST 242 | History of China: From the Ching Dynasty to Present + | |
Description: Surveys the history of China from 1644, the Ching Dynasty, to the present. The content will stress the evolution of China from a period of strength and unity to one of disunity and change during the revolutionary times of 1911-1949. Special emphasis will be placed on the establishment of the Communist government in 1949 to the present. Economic modernization, role of foreigners and cultural advancements will also be highlighted. IAI S2 920N Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| HST 243 | Far East in the Modern World + | |
Description: Studies history of East Asia since 1800. The traditional cultures of China and Japan, the Western impact and the Asian response will be covered. IAI S2 920N Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | ||
| Humanities and Fine Arts 2 | 3 | |
| Major Discipline and Transfer Elective | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 59 | |
This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.
Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
Select at least one course from Humanities and one from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
Select one Physical and one Life Science course. At least one must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
For more information about studying history at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.