The Department of History endeavors to give students an acquaintance with, and an appreciation for, our historical heritage and seeks to enable them to see the relationship between causes and effects in the historical development of their own and other countries and of civilization at large. Furthermore, the study of history is intended to assist the student’s development of critical thinking, including the analysis and evaluation of historical evidence and the ability to integrate and interpret such data. History has proven to be a useful preparation for careers in the business, legal, ministerial, military, and other public service professions, as well as a preparation for continuing study in graduate history programs. The Department offers the student majoring in history ample freedom in the selection of upper-level courses within the department and, with 33 hours of general electives, among courses off ered by other departments.

From within the department, students majoring in history are required to take the following courses: HIST 202 (Survey of American History Since 1865); HIST 259 (ST: Survey in European History); HIST 279 (Survey of Nonwestern or Latin American History); HIST 203 (Introduction to the Discipline History); one course from Group I (300-level European); one course from Group II (300-level American); one course from Group III (300-level Non-Western or Latin American); and one course from Group IV (Military). Students will also have to take one of the following: capstone seminars: HIST 443, 444, 445, or 446 and an internship: HIST 498. In addition, students are required to take two additional courses as history electives. Courses that meet group or history elective requirements must be 300 level or above.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the History program will achieve the following outcomes:

• Use of evidence – Students will collect and organize historical evidence to support an argument
• Historical Context – Students will provide historical context to support historical arguments
• Evidence Analysis – Students will analyze historical evidence to critically analyze historical events
• Writing Mechanics – Students will demonstrate effective use of the mechanics of written communication

Major Academic Map

Click here to view the Academic Map for this major, which shows the courses and sequence.