Professors Baskes, Chen, Flamm, Gingerich, Spall
Associate Professors Arnold, Terzian

Learning Objectives

Successful majors will:

1. learn to research, analyze, and interpret a diverse array of historical sources;
2. acquire a familiarity with various historiographical traditions, genres, and schools;
3. develop and refine methodological techniques including source identification, evaluation, and location;
4. acquire historical knowledge in both breadth and depth;
5. develop skills in critical analysis and effective written communication.

 

Major Requirements

The history major requires a minimum of eleven courses. To ensure breadth of knowledge, the department requires that majors complete at least two courses from each of the three departmental areas: America, Europe, and Pacific Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East. To ensure depth of knowledge, no more than three courses at the 100-level (only two of which may come from any one field) may count toward the required eleven. To ensure temporal knowledge, all majors must complete ONE of the following courses: HIST 110 , HIST 111 , HIST 322 , HIST 334 , HIST 341 , HIST 342 , HIST 343 , HIST 260 , HIST 346 , HIST 350 C , HIST 350 D , HIST 261 , HIST 262 , or an appropriate independent study, honors, or topics course.

All majors must also complete HIST 250  (Historical Inquiry) with a C- or better, preferably in the sophomore year, and HIST 493  (Historical Research) in the junior or senior year. Students who have a strong interest in a particular topic, wish to earn departmental honors, or plan to attend graduate school may submit a research proposal for a two-semester independent project. The research proposal must be submitted for departmental approval no later than week twelve of the spring semester of the junior year and have the endorsement of the full-time member of the Department of History who will supervise the independent project.

The department will also accept successful completion of departmental honors requirements in lieu of HIST 493 . Students interested in post-graduate study in history should consider the junior track for departmental honors so that the project can be completed before graduate school applications are due.

Exemptions. Scores of 4 or 5 on the American History Advanced Placement test may be honored as credit for HIST 113  or HIST 114  (but not both). For scores of 4 or 5 on the European History Advanced Placement test, credit is given only for HIST 112 . For scores of 4 or 5 on the World History Advanced Placement test, credit is given for HIST 120 . World history counts as an elective but not an area distribution.

Students successfully completing A-levels will receive one credit to be applied to the appropriate departmental area to be determined by the department.

History Major for Teachers

Students intending to qualify for teacher licensure in integrated social studies (Grades 7-12) may pursue the history major for teachers. This program requires eight history courses including HIST 250  (Historical Inquiry). To ensure breadth of knowledge, students must successfully complete at least two courses from each of the three departmental areas: American, European, and Pacific Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East. Students must also complete all requisite professional education courses (including student teaching) as well as all integrated social studies licensure cognate courses in order to fulfill this major. Contact the education department for complete details and list of requisite courses.