History HL

Expert's Insight: A VALUABLE 'FLEX' CREDIT FOR HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES The Likely Outcome: McMaster typically grants 6 units of unspecified History credit (HISTORY 1XXX) for IB History HL (grade 5+). Because IB History curricula vary by region (Americas, Europe, Asia), the university often assigns generic credit rather than a specific course code like HIST 1C03. Why This is Actually Good: Unlike generic science credits (which can be useless for Engineering/Science majors), generic Humanities credits are highly valuable: ✅ They count directly toward your Humanities/Social Science elective requirements ✅ They free up 6 units of space in your first-year schedule ✅ You can use this space to take courses from other faculties or pursue a minor Strategic Advice: For History Majors: You may still want to take specific first-year history courses (like HIST 1C03 or 1CC3) to build foundational skills, even if you have credit. Ask your advisor if HISTORY 1XXX satisfies your Level I program requirements. For Non-History Majors: This is a fantastic "banked" credit. It essentially fulfills your elective obligations before you even step on campus. Bottom Line: While it may not replace a specific prerequisite, this credit gives you schedule flexibility and breathing room in your first year. Claim it!

Expert's Insight: A HIDDEN GEM — YOU GET A 200-LEVEL HISTORY CREDIT The Good News: SFU awards 6 units for IB History HL: HIST 225 (3) + HIST 1XX (3). Threshold: Diploma students generally earn credit with 4+; Certificate/Partial students need 5+ (HL only). Why it's special: • Advanced Standing: You receive specific credit for HIST 225 (20th Century Europe) — a 200-level course. • Breadth Value: HIST 225 carries Breadth-Humanities (B-Hum). Reality Check (WQB): • HIST 225 is definitely B-Hum. • HIST 1XX is unassigned credit. It can count toward History credentials, but it doesn't automatically carry a Breadth designation—you may need to request a WQB review, so don't assume you've cleared "two breadth courses" instantly. Strategic Advice: • History majors: Big win—this is 6 units toward the 18 lower-division (100/200) History units, though you still need to meet any distribution/grouping rules in the major. • Non-majors: You get a real 200-level elective and at least 3 units of B-Hum. Verdict: Take the credit. It frees up 6 units and puts a legit 200-level course on your record.