As a field of study, History provides students with many of the necessary skills for a productive professional career and an intellectually fulfilling life. Toward these ends, the History major attempts to provide students with the ability to think and read critically and analytically, to form sound opinions and support them with logical arguments based on documentary evidence, to communicate ideas effectively, and to conduct historical research. The History major further attempts to provide students with a body of historical knowledge that will enable them to understand contemporary events of local, national, and global importance, as well as to understand and appreciate the various cultures and civilizations that make up the world community. Above all, the History major helps to provide students with the means for lifelong learning.

By combining the development of specific skills with the acquisition of a body of historical knowledge, the History major prepares students for successful careers in primary and secondary education (history and social studies), business and industry, and governmental service. The major also prepares students for graduate study in history, law, and other academic and professional fields.

Students of History are strongly advised to acquire reading proficiency in at least one foreign language. Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language is essential for all students who intend to apply to graduate school.

In order to assess the efficacy of student learning in the above areas, the history department has developed a list of learning outcomes by course-level. They focus on students' facility with historical knowledge, and measurements of their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum  

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Major Requirements (36 credits)
HIST-200	Read & Write History	4
Students are encouraged to take HIST-200 as early as possible in order to facilitate their historical analytical skills particularly for use in upper level courses.
The major also requires at least six upper-level courses (300- or 400-level), at least two of which must be taken at the 400-level. (24 upper-level credits total, 8 of which must be 400-level)		24
Select two history elective courses at any level		8
Students are required to take at least two courses (8 credits) in Latin American, African, Asian, and/or Native American History. At least one of the two courses must be an upper-level course.
*Students of History are strongly advised to acquire reading proficiency in at least one foreign language. Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language is essential for all students who intend to apply to graduate school.
Total Credits		36

Licensure as a Social Studies Teacher

Dual Major in Education

• Secondary Education

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Additional Major Requirements
Dual Major in Education
Secondary Education
Core Courses (28 Credits)
ISECON-104	Intro to Macroeconomics	4
ISENST-203	Globalization Culture & Place	4
ISPSYC-101	General Psychology	4
Select one of the following:		4
100- to 200-level Sociology course
ISANTH-110	Cultural Anthropology
ISPOSC-210	United States Politics	4
or ISPOSC-220	International Relations
Total Credits		20

History Honors Program

Motivated history majors may have the opportunity to engage in a more rigorous program of study that demonstrates their ability to incorporate and analyze a broad range of source materials. Students who meet the program requirements and high disciplinary standards as determined by the faculty of the History Department will graduate with Honors in History. The program will require students to engage in an intensive study of relevant primary and scholarly secondary sources, formulate an original argument, and achieve a high standard of performance.

Gateway

Any student who achieves a grade of at least AB (or A-) in HIST-200 Read & Write History is eligible to participate in the honors program. Completion of this course with the requisite minimum grade is required before any student can proceed to the second part of the program, contracting with faculty to achieve honors in individual courses.

Honors Courses

• Students can contract with individual History Department faculty members to make any HIST or IHHIST (300-400 level, see below) course into an honors course.
• Courses that are contracted to carry the honors designation will carry an additional workload agreed upon between the faculty member and the student. This additional course work can include: longer research papers; an annotated bibliography; required oral presentation in a forum outside of class; and/or additional sources.
• In order to earn the honors distinction for an upper-level course, contracting students must complete the agreed upon work and achieve a minimum course grade of an AB (or A-).
•  In addition to the gateway course (HIST-200 Read & Write History), students must earn honors in at least four upper-level courses (300- or-400-level), including at least one 400-level course.
• Information on honors contracts will be kept by the director of the History Department Honors Program. When a student completes the requirements to achieve the distinction of Honors in History, the director will convey this information to the Registrar’s Office.

Electives

Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.

Degree Requirements

120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level

Upon completion of the History B.A. degree, students will:

• Think and read analytically.
• Form sound opinions and support them with logical arguments based on evidence.
• Communicate ideas effectively.
• Conduct historical research.
• Provide students with a body of historical knowledge that will enable them to understand contemporary events of local, national and global importance, as well as to understand the various cultures and civilizations that make up the world community.

Upon completion of 100-level History courses students will:

• Demonstrate facility with a body of historical knowledge.

Upon completion of 200-level History courses students will:

• Demonstrate basic proficiency in critical reading and critical written evaluations of texts, as well as demonstration of proper citation and documentation.

Upon completion of advanced History courses students will:

• Demonstrate proficiency in critical reading and critical written evaluations of texts, as well as proficiency in analysis of historical theory and methods.

Upon completion of 400-level History courses students will:

• Demonstrate written interpretation of a variety of texts, proficiency in evaluation and use of historical methods and theory, and proficiency in oral presentations of students' written work and/or student critical discussions of texts.