History, B.A. (E, A)

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The History Major is designed to give students both a broad background in American, European, and Global history and the ability to choose specialized courses from a wide-range of upper-division electives. Students become acquainted with historical research and writing and with historical thought through the sophomore-level seminar, The Historian’s Craft, HIST 295 , and the Senior Seminar, HIST 495 . The History Major prepares students to think critically about change and continuity in a variety of societies and cultures in order to help them to understand our increasingly global, cosmopolitan, and diverse world. It offers courses organized along thematic, geographical, or temporal lines that provide students with historical perspectives and insights into the world and the forces and events that shaped it. Students receive the opportunity to read analytically, think critically, and write effectively. A major in history helps you hone skills that employers want most in their workers–critical thinking and communication. The History Major is a 40-credit program consisting of four 100-level courses chosen from a menu of six and HIST 295 and HIST 495 along with a selection of courses from each of the program designation groups: United States, Europe, and Global.

REAL Curriculum

This major fulfills the E and A areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students develop an understanding of the diverse ideas present in humanistic inquiry and the expression evident in historical sources. This occurs through the acquisition and application of knowledge, research and analytical skills, and critical reflection of primary and secondary source evidence. Students develop cultural and behavioral analysis competencies by examining the interaction of cultures, behaviors, and beliefs. This occurs through thinking critically and analytically about historical issues themes, personalities, and events. Students need additional majors and/or minors to fulfill the R and L areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

REAL Foundational Requirements

Foundational Writing (3 credits)

ENGL 111 - Principles of College Composition (GE)

Foundational Math (3 credits)

REAL Cornerstone Requirements

Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The History major can include up to 27 credits of writing intensive courses dependent on courses chosen.

General Education Requirements

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The History major includes 12 general education credits.

Major Requirements (46-48 credits)

B.A. Requirements (6-8 credits)

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of the B.A. language requirements described in the undergraduate catalog. History majors, particularly those planning graduate work in history, are strongly urged to pursue a B.A. degree.

Required Courses (7 credits)

HIST 295 - The Historian’s Craft (to be taken in sophomore year)(C or better required)
HIST 495 - Senior Seminar (to be taken during the senior year)(C or better required)

World History Requirements (6 credits)

Students must choose two.

US History Requirements (6 credits)

Students must choose two.

Additional History Requirements (21 credits)

3 courses from Group US (United States)
2 courses from Group EU (Europe)
2 courses from Group GL (Global)

(Students may not count any one course for more than one group)

Group US courses include:

Group EU courses include:

Group GL courses include:

Other Requirements

Completion of a senior writing project (to be completed as part of HIST 495 ).

Additional Degree Requirements

To graduate with a major in History, a student must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all courses taken with a HIST prefix. A grade of “C” or better is required in HIST 295 and HIST 495 .

Open Credit Hours (72-74 credits)

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.

Total Credits Needed for Degree 120

Additional Information

The History Department offers a departmental honors program. History majors will be granted the award of Honors in History upon graduation if they meet the following criteria: GPA of 3.5 or higher in all courses taken with a HIST prefix; Earn a B or higher in HIST 295 (not a B-); Earn an A or A- in HIST 495 .

Students wishing to teach History at the secondary education level (Grades 6-12) must declare a Social Science Teaching major. To strengthen credentials as a history teacher, students should consider a double major in both Social Science and History.

Students wishing to earn academic credit for an internship in history should consult with the Department of History’s Internship Coordinator.