History Program Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts with a major in History (37 credits)

An introduction to the basics of historical research and writing. The most important goal of the course is to help students produce a clearly written research paper, with footnotes and a bibliography. A primary source paper and other writing assignments will prepare the students for the achievement of this goal. Class discussion will revolve around analysis of various types of primary sources, secondary sources, journal articles, issues of interpretation, and research methods. The course will also include several research trips to libraries, archives, historical societies, or local history collections. Writing process. Prerequisites: at least one of the following: HIS 103, 104, 105, 125, 126 or 127; or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
Focus on a theme in history such as World War I, the industrial revolution, or the Enlightenment. These topics will be approached from a variety of perspectives (economic, political, or social for example) and from the viewpoint of many national histories. Class meetings will include discussion of course readings, research methods, and the historiography related to the theme of the course. Students will write a research paper on some aspect of the course topic utilizing a variety of primary and secondary sources and present their research to the class. Prerequisites: Senior history majors or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course
  • Four 3 credit 100 level courses.
  • Six electives at the 200 level or above; two must be non-U.S.; two must be 300 level; courses can count towards two requirements.

Bachelor of Arts with a minor in history

An introduction to the basics of historical research and writing. The most important goal of the course is to help students produce a clearly written research paper, with footnotes and a bibliography. A primary source paper and other writing assignments will prepare the students for the achievement of this goal. Class discussion will revolve around analysis of various types of primary sources, secondary sources, journal articles, issues of interpretation, and research methods. The course will also include several research trips to libraries, archives, historical societies, or local history collections. Writing process. Prerequisites: at least one of the following: HIS 103, 104, 105, 125, 126 or 127; or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course
  • Three 3 credit, 100-level courses.
  • Three upper division electives, one of which must be at the 300 level, one of which must be non-U.S. 21 credits.