History

Given that history is the study of the human past, college-level history is valuable for any major. It's especially helpful with figuring out what subject and majors interest you.

Why study History?

Have you ever wanted to ...

better understand the world around you?
better understand the people around you?
better understand why people behave the way they do?
learn more about other cultures?
learn more about history than dates, names and wars?

You'll learn aspects of history that fit with just about every subject:

The origins of social work
The birth of the field of psychology and its impact on society
The evolution of business and capitalism
The labor history of the United States (mining, agriculture, machines)
The progression of science
The advancements of medicine
The innovation of technology
The history of Latin America, the United States, Western Europe, the Middle East and much more!

Degree in History

ARTS & SCIENCES DIVISION

Associate in Arts Degree

This two-year transfer program leads to an Associate of Arts Degree. The curriculum is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in various areas of history. It provides students with the background in history and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year institution. Students should check with the institution to which they are transferring or an advisor for any other requirements.

► Total = 64 Hours

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

CSCI 1101 Introduction to Computers (3)
ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I ¹ (3)
HIST 1101 Western Civilization I ¹ (3)
Elective (3)
Elective – Science with Lab (4)

Second Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

ENGL 1102 Rhetoric and Composition II (3)
GEOG 1101 Introduction to Geography (3)
HEA 1101 Health Education (2)
HIST 1102 Western Civilization II (3)
PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology or
SOCI 1101 or Introduction to Sociology (3)
Elective – Humanities (3)

Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

ANTH 1101 Cultural Anthropology (3)
COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
HIST 2101 American History I (3)
MATH 1111 Statistics¹ (4)
Elective – Fine Arts (3)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

ENGL 2106 Intermediate Composition (3)
HIST 2102 American History II (3)
Elective – Fine Arts / Humanities (3)
Elective – Humanities (3)
Elective – Science (3)

¹ Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

Program Outcomes

History

Identify basic historical concepts and time periods.
Apply sound historical research and writing skills.
Analyze various historical texts, interpretations and perspectives.
Identify the events of the past that have impacted history.
Develop, articulate and write their personal historical perspective on history.

History Brochures

History Brochure

Articulation

Articulation agreements document a pathway between Rend Lake College and the following schools for the academic program(s) listed.

McKendree University

McKendree University - Articulation Agreements

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Articulation Agreements

Transfer Information

Rend Lake College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Rend Lake College has been accredited since 1969. Voluntary accreditation is an activity of great importance to Rend Lake College and the community it serves. The process ensures that RLC is accountable – that our programs are effective and that we are delivering on our guarantees of educational quality.

Students who graduate with an Associates in Science (AS) or an Associates in Arts (AA) have the ability to transfer to institutions that will allow them to continue towards a goal of a Bachelors degree (BA or BS).

Rend Lake College works with other institutions to allow for an easy transition to a four-year university. Some of the Universities that have this working relationship are:

Headlines

Filmmaker to be featured during Diversity Week

Ellen Esling INA, IL (Oct. 15, 2021) -- Join filmmaker Ellen Esling in the RLC Theatre on Tuesday, October 19, at 9:30 a.m. She will present two of her works dealing with issues that impact the health and well-being of rural communities. She will also discuss her interests as a filmmaker, her process, and her work. Esling received her Media Arts MFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where...
Poet Laureate of Illinois to hold reading during Diversity Week

Angela Jackson INA, IL (Oct. 15, 2021) -- Angela Jackson, Poet Laureate of Illinois, will present a reading as part of Rend Lake College's Diversity Week. Jackson will speak in the RLC Theater on Monday, Oct. 18, at noon. Born in Greenville, MS, Jackson is the fifth of nine children. She moved to the Southside of Chicago with her family when she was young. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree...
RLC Diversity Week to celebrate Diwali Festival of Lights

INA, IL (Oct. 15, 2021) -- Rend Lake College will pay special tribute to the Indian holiday Diwali during a presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 20, in the RLC Theater from 1-2 p.m. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale’s Indian Student Association President Mandeep Redhu and crew will delve into the history of Diwali, the cultures that celebrate the holy festival, what the festival represents, and also...
Diversity Week at RLC October 18-22

INA, Ill. (Oct. 14, 2021) — During Diversity Week, cultural and international themed events are offered with the purpose of increasing awareness, understanding and inclusivity. The events are open to all students, faculty and staff and range from film showings to guest speakers and performers. This fall's lineup includes 30 film viewings, six live events and one virtual option. Diversity Week...
Brouwer receives 2021 RLC Foundation Outstanding Faculty Award

RLC History Professor Nathan Brouwer is pictured here next to Paul Revere's grave. Brouwer was recently named the 2021 RLC Foundation Outstanding Faculty award winner. (Click for larger image) INA, Ill. (March 25, 2021) — It’s not often Rend Lake College History Professor Dr. Nathan Brouwer doesn’t know what to say. But learning he’s the RLC Foundation’s 2021 Outstanding Faculty Award winner...
RLC hosts Emmy-winning storyteller Bobby Norfolk

INA, Ill. (Feb. 4, 2020) — Acclaimed entertainer Bobby Norfolk brought his storytelling skills to the Rend Lake College Theatre on Monday when he performed “Henry ‘Box’ Brown and Tales of the Underground Railroad.” Bobby Norfolk performs "Henry 'Box' Brown and Tales of the Underground Railroad" onstage in the RLC Theatre. Henry Brown escaped slavery by shipping himself in a box from Virginia to...

Faculty & Staff

Andrea Banach

Dean of Arts & Sciences Division

Phone Extension: 1258

Building: North Oasis

Office: 145

M.S. Eastern Illinois University | B.S. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Dr. Nathan Brouwer

History Professor

Phone Extension: 1792

Building: North Oasis

Office: 151

2010 PHI THETA KAPPA FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD | PhD Southern Illinois University Carbondale | M.A. & B.A. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Faith Blair

Administrative Assistant | Arts & Sciences Division

Phone Extension: 1263

Building: North Oasis

Office: 134

A.S. Business Administration, Southeastern Illinois College A.A. Business Administration, Southeastern Illinois College

Arts & Sciences Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1263
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Arts & Sciences
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Arts & Sciences

Getting Started Is Easy As 1 - 2- 3!