History, B.A.

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The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in history prepares students to be critical thinkers with a broad and sophisticated skill set developed through the study of the past. Students who complete the BA will have intensely studied a range of periods, events, and cultures. In doing so, they develop the ability to analyze, judge, and engage with complex information and ideas. In addition, students learn how to identify and find evidence to construct arguments, identify and explain continuity and change over time, and build excellent written and oral communication skills in the process. Easily paired with many majors, the history program is an excellent choice for students who are interested in various careers related to law, government, education, and businesses of all types.

Oral Communication Requirement

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in History a student must successfully complete HST 290 .

Applied Learning Requirement

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for a B.A. degree in History a student must successfully complete at least two research-intensive 400-level seminar/special topics courses. Individual conferences with faculty, independent research, and the production of a substantial piece of historical writing are required. Students are also encouraged to work with the faculty in designing independent study and research opportunities.

Requirements for a Major in History for the B.A. Degree

Comprises 16 hours of core classes (HST 100-HST 199 and HST 290 ) and 27 hours of advanced classes (HST 200-HST 400).

Core Courses (16 Credit Hours)

16 hours are required. All students must take HST 290 and choose 12 hours from HST 100-HST 199.

Core classes applied to the major must include:

1) At least one general survey course in each geographical area

European

Global

U.S.

2) At least one course treating the period before 1500

Advanced Classes (27 Credit Hours)

27 hours in history at the 200-400 level are required. 21 hours must be 300-400 level. No more than 3 hours of HST 291. Must include at least 6 hours at the 400 seminar level (excluding HST 491 and HST 498). No more than 6 hours of HST 491 and HST 498 can be counted toward the major. Students completing departmental honors in history may apply 3 hours of HST 499 towards the 400 level seminar requirement.

Majors are required to complete at least one 300-400 level course treating each of the following areas: 1) Europe, 2) the United States, and, 3) Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East or other globally-themed histories.

Total Credit Hours: 43

Additional Information

An overall “C” (2.00) average is required in all History courses applied toward the major, and a grade of “C-” or better is required in each course applied toward the major.