Majoring in History (2008 - )

These requirements are new. The change affects distribution requirements and should not cause any difficulty.

TO MAJOR IN HISTORY, students must complete 33 credits of courses (at least 18 at Rutgers). Of these, a maximum of 12 credits may be lower level courses (100 and 200 level courses), but no more than 6 credits can be counted from Western Civilization I and II (510:101 and 510:102) and Development of US I and II (512:201 and 512:202). 15 credits must be courses at the 300 to 400 level. Of the total 33 credits needed, at least 3 must be from the 510 geographical area, at least 3 must be from the 512 geographical area, and at least 3 must be from the 516 geographical area.  Students must take the department's core courses: 50:509:299 Perspectives in History (which students should take as soon as they can), and a Senior Seminar 50:509:480 or 50:509:481, the department's capstone course. Perspectives in History is a prerequisite for the Senior Seminar.  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.

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.

                                                                 Minimum Total Credits       33           Actual Credits Completed                     

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.)