Majoring in History

Students should start with one or more 100-level courses, which introduce students to the study of significant historical topics or themes through the use and interpretation of primary source materials and historical arguments. Students should then proceed to traditional survey courses at the 200 level or advanced courses at the 300 or 400 level. Majors should take HS 261, History as Art and Science, in the sophomore year, and HS 490, Senior Seminar, or 491, Senior Thesis, in the senior year. Seniors are also required to take an exam on their general level of achievement in the major.

In consultation with their adviser, students majoring in history develop a thematic, regional, or chronologically-based concentration suiting their interests within the framework of a balanced program. Majors are urged to seek experiential learning opportunities that may involve internships through the department at a local historical society or course- or service-related travel components. Pertinent courses from other departments may be included in the major program upon the written approval of the student's major advisor. Foreign language study beyond university core requirements and/or statistics are recommended for students who plan to do graduate work in history.

Students who combine a history major with a second major or a minor or concentration complementing their interests--and with an experiential learning component or internship--put themselves in excellent positions to enter careers in law, business, secondary education, social service professions, non-profit organizations, or graduate study in history.

Major Requirements

39 credit hours, at least 18 of which must be at the 300 and 400 level. At least 20 hours must be taken in residence. One 100-level course, HS 261, and HS 490 or 491 are required.

At least two courses in each of the following areas must be taken:

• American;
• European; and
• Asian, African, or Latin American.

In addition, students must include in their program 2 courses which concentrate on a period before 1800, and 2 which concentrate on post-1800 history.

Elective courses in the major should be selected to focus on a region or a theme to be pursued in the Senior Seminar or Senior Thesis. AR 291 (Justice and Democracy in a Global Context) also counts toward the major in History.

For students working toward licensure in secondary education, careful and early planning in consultation with the Department of Education and the academic adviser is essential. These programs may entail work beyond the normal four years. For students in the Integrated Social Studies teaching licensure program, 12 hours at the 300 and 400 level satisfy major requirements.