Majoring in History (2005 - 2007)

These requirements are new. They apply to students who have chosen to major in history since the end of the spring semester of 2005.

TO MAJOR IN HISTORY, students must complete 42 credits of courses. These courses must include the basic departmental surveys, 510:101,102 (Western Civilization I and II), and 512:201,202 (Development of the United States I and II). They must also include 509:299 (Perspectives on History, which students are strongly urged to take no later than the sophomore year) and one senior seminar (50:509:481 or 50:509:482). These core courses are designed to teach the following skills: 1. how to analyze primary sources; 2. how to read secondary sources in a critical manner; 3. how to cite sourses properly; 4. how to write to the expectations of the discipline of history; 5. how to construct an historical argument; 6. how to evaluate the integrity, reliability, and usefulness of disparate sources; and 7. how to conduct independent research.

The remaining 24 credits should be distributed as follows: at least 15 (of the 24) at the 300-400 level, at least 3 (of the 24) in the 510  area (Europe), at least 3 (of the 24) in the 512 area (United States), and  at least 3 (of the 24) in the 516 area (African, Asian, Latin American and World History). Students who wish to major in history are advised that, because only a limited number of courses are offered in the evening, they may have to take day session and summer session history courses to complete their major requirements in a timely fashion.

Those students seeking certification in teaching should be aware that a requirement is to take a course from a selection dealing with human and intercultural relations. Several history courses may be counted for this purpose and for the history major.

Grades lower than C do not count toward fulfillment of the history major requirement.

If you have any questions about majoring in history or about transferring credit received for history courses taken at other schools, drop in and visit us in our offices. We would also be very happy to talk with you about what we have to offer and the ways in which our courses might fit into your plans for an interesting and profitable education. Our department secretary, Ms. Leona Pellot, is located in 349 Armitage and will gladly assist you.

Below is a chart based on the departmental form for major requirements which gives in outline form what courses are needed and their distribution to fulfill the major.

Courses may be counted toward both Major and General Requirements. However, no course may fulfill two categories of General Requirements. (If you use any course for both Major and General Requirements, be sure to count the credits only ONCE toward the degree total.)