Degree Programs

The Major

The Bachelor of Arts

Students who major in history will personalize their program of study by declaring a thematic focus, tying together coursework and laying the foundation for a capstone project of original historical literature while engaging in historiographical debates. All majors will complete the following requirements:

I. Foundation Courses

Four courses, ideally to be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

HIST 101 World History to 1450
HIST 102 World History since 1450
HIST 121 American History to 1877
HIST 122 American History since 1877

II. Theories and Methods course

 HIST 290 Seminar in Historical Theories and Methods

III. Electives

A minimum of six courses to be completed, drawn from a pool of seven geographic regions. Only one course can be taken in each geographic region represented by (1) Africa, (2) Asia-Pacific, (3) Europe, (4) Latin America, (5) Middle East, (6) United States/North America (7) Comparative/Trans-Regional (HIST 272 America and Asia and HIST 274 Vietnam count as Asia-Pacific regional courses). At least one of the six courses must be in a chronological era before 1900 and at least one of the six courses must be from a chronological era after 1900. At least two of the six courses must be at the 300 level.

IV. Capstone Experience 

HIST 490 Capstone Research Seminar

The Minor

Students who minor in history complete three foundation courses in World History and American History as well as at least four elective courses. History minors also complete HIST 290, Theories and Methods. The critical thinking and research skills developed in the History minor complement any number of major programs in the humanities as well as the natural and social sciences and prepare students for a wide range of careers. Students minoring in history must complete the following requirements, usually in the sequence outlined. 

I. Foundation Courses

Three of the four foundation courses, ideally to be completed by the end of the sophomore year:

HIST 101 World History to 1450
HIST 102 World History since 1450
HIST 121 American History to 1877
HIST 122 American History since 1877

II. Theories and Methods course

HIST 290 Seminar in Historical Theories and Methods

III. Electives

A minimum of six courses to be completed, from at least five of the following categories: (1) Africa, (2) Asia-Pacific, (3) Europe, (4) Latin America, (5) Middle East, (6) United States/North America (7) Comparative/ Trans-Regional (HIST 272 America and Asia and HIST 274 Vietnam count as Asia-Pacific regional courses). At least one of the six courses must be in a chronological era before 1900 and at least one of the six courses must be from a chronological era after 1900. At least two of the six courses must be at the 300 level.

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