History Major

Major Requirements

A history major is planned in consultation with a student’s advisor and comprises no fewer than 40 nor more than 48 history credits. These credits may include up to four internship credits (HIST 624 ) if approved by a history department member, and four independent study credits (HIST 614 ) carried out under the supervision of a member of the department. Preceptorship in history credits (HIST 634 ) may not be counted among the first 40 credits for the major but may be a supplement to them up to a maximum total of 48 credits. Courses completed for college credit prior to matriculation at a collegiate level institution, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, may not be used in completion of a major. Except with consent of the department, the major will include no more than eight introductory level course credits and no more than eight history credits taught by faculty outside the department. All history majors are required to take HIST 379 - The Study of History , which examines the different approaches and analytical frameworks of historical scholarship. Prospective majors are strongly encouraged to take “The Study of History” during their sophomore year. In addition, students who declare after August 1, 2010 must also take a second 300-level History course. All history majors are also required to take HIST 490  in the fall of their senior year, an advanced study seminar in which a major research paper is written. A history major must take 4 credits in each of three geographic areas. The department normally offers courses in the following geographic areas: United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, East Asia, and Middle East/Islamic World. In addition, a history major must take at least four credits in courses that deal primarily with the history of a period prior to 1800, and at least four credits in courses that deal primarily with the period since 1800, and all students who declare after August 1, 2012 must take at least four credits in global and/or comparative history. The college senior capstone requirement is to be met by completion of HIST 490  during the fall of the senior year.