Undergraduate Programs in History

 

Two options are offered for the History major: Option A and Option B.  History Major Checklist. A Minor in History is also offered.

In some respects, the two options are similar: Both necessitate students fulfill the university’s Essential Studies requirements. Both require students to complete 39 hours in History, and that among those 39 hours are History 240 and History 440, a variety of 100-level classes, and a certain number of upper-division elective courses. In addition, both options aim to impart to students research, analytical, and communication skills. Finally, both options lead to a B.A. with a major in History.

Option A, with its slightly greater emphasis on upper-division History courses and foreign language skills, is designed primarily for those who plan to enter professional school (e.g., graduate school or law school). Students are required to complete 39 hours in History. Twelve of those hours must come from the department’s 100-level introductory classes. Option A students also must take History 240 and History 440, as well as 21 hours of History electives (15 of which need to be 300- and 400-level courses). Finally, Option A requires students demonstrate Level IV proficiency in a foreign language.

Option B, with its slightly greater emphasis on introductory courses and supplemental work in related disciplines, is designed primarily for those who want to enter government service, business, or teaching at the secondary level. Option B students are required to complete 39 hours in History. Twelve of those hours must come from the department’s 100-level introductory classes. Option B students also must take History 240 and History 440. They must also complete 21 hours of History electives (15 of which must be 300- or 400-level classes, and 12 of which must form a concentration in either World History or American History). Finally, Option B students are required to take specific courses from other departments, including Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, and Sociology.

When taken in conjunction with the Teaching and Learning program in Secondary Education, Option B satisfies the requirements for teacher certification in the Social Sciences. Prospective teachers should seek an advisor in the College of Education and Human Development in addition to their advisor in the History department.

  Minor in History:

MINOR IN HISTORY
Required 20 credits, at least 6 must be in upper division courses, including:
9 hours from:..................................................................................................... (9)
Hist 101...........Western Civilization I........................................ (3)
Hist 102...........Western Civilization II....................................... (3)
Hist 103...........United States to 1877......................................... (3)
Hist 104...........United States since 1877.................................... (3)
History electives.............................................................................................. (11)

RELATED FIELD CONCENTRATION IN
INTELLECTUAL HISTORY, MINOR ONLY
Required: 20 credits Upper Level work approved by the chairs of the History or Philosophy
Departments.
Such courses as follows may be used:
Hist 330..................The United States: Social and Cultural 19th Century......... (3)
Phil 300..................Classical Greek and Hellenistic Philosophy....................... (3)
Phil 301..................Medieval Period.................................................................. (3)
Phil 302..................Renaissance to Enlightenment............................................ (3)
Phil 303..................Kant and the Nineteenth Century Philosophy.................... (3)
Phil 304..................Twentieth Century Philosophy............................................ (3)
Phil 309..................American Philosophy.......................................................... (3)
Art 210, 211...........Art History I and II............................................................. (6)
Art 410...................History of Art: Selected Subjects........................................ (3)