Degree
Bachelor of Arts with a major in HistoryMission
The objectives of the Department of History and Philosophy are to bring the study of the past to bear on the present, to demonstrate that knowledge and experience are dependent upon particular historical contexts, to expose students to a variety of cultures in historical context, to assist students to develop research and writing skills, to enrich students' appreciation and enjoyment of the richness of human endeavors, and to prepare students for a productive and rewarding professional life following the completion of their studies.
Major Description
The major and minor in History offer students the opportunity to study the past in connection with the present. All course offerings acquaint students with various ways of thinking about the past while helping them to develop a suite of skills for the 21st century. Required classes introduce students to the nature of history, push them to develop research skills, and familiarize them with various historical arguments while a wide slate of electives provide an opportunity to look more specifically at a range of times and places. There are opportunities to develop museum exhibits, to create podcasts, to develop independent research projects, and to collaborate with faculty.
Curricular Requirements
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| 42-46 | |
| Program Required Courses | |
| HIS 150 - Telling Tales of the Past | 3 |
|
HIS 290 - Topics in History Research Methods* |
3 |
| HIS 222 - U.S. History: Contact Through the Civil War | 3 |
| HIS 223 - U.S. History: Reconstruction to the Present | 3 |
| HIS 395 - What Really Happened? Debating the Past | 3 |
| HIS 450 - Senior Capston | 3-6 |
| History Electives At least six elective history credits must be completed at the 300 and 400 levels |
15 |
| 33-36 | |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | variable |
| Minimum Required Total Credits | 120 |
*Students may take as many research methods courses as they would like beyond the required class, doing so is encouraged.
Students wishing to pursue teacher certification in Social Studies can complete a double major with History and Secondary Education OR a major in Secondary Education and a concentration in History.
For more information, see the Secondary Education catalog page.
Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.
Academic and Technical Standards
A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all history courses used toward the major.
A minimum grade of C must be achieved in HIS 290 to be used toward the major.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the history program, students will be able to:
- Apply and utilize the range of skills and historical methodologies it takes to decode the historical record because of its incomplete, complex, and contradictory nature.
- Recognize the provisional nature of knowledge, the disciplinary preference for complexity, and the comfort with ambiguity that familiarity with history requires.
- Create historical arguments and narratives.
HuMed
If you are an exceptional undergraduate student aspiring to a career in medicine, the SWAGÊÓƵ HuMed program provides the opportunity that spans your junior and senior years as an undergraduate and your four years in SWAGÊÓƵ’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. SWAGÊÓƵ HuMed makes it possible for you to deepen your learning in English/History/Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities while you prepare for a career as an osteopathic physician. View HuMed Requirements.
During your years as an undergraduate in SWAGÊÓƵ’s College of Arts and Sciences, you complete the requisite coursework in the natural sciences to prepare for your graduate education, while earning a Bachelor of Arts in English/History/Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities. As a HuMed student, you are not required to take the MCAT for the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Instead, the College of Osteopathic Medicine requires that you take the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude test (UKCAT). You have an assurance of acceptance contingent upon fulfilling the HuMed curricular requirements and passing the interview process.
Minor
A student in another department may, with the permission of the department chair, earn a minor within the department upon the completion of 18 hours of course work in History.
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Transfer Credit
Admissions
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the SWAGÊÓƵ for the 2020-2021 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication May 1, 2020.
The SWAGÊÓƵ reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.