The Department of History and Government offers a sound foundation for historical inquiry, for a meaningful analysis of the lessons of history, and for an understanding of the principles of government.
It has designed its program to help students achieve the following more specific competencies: to develop a sense of chronology; to appreciate the interrelatedness of knowledge by concurrently studying politics, culture, economies, geography and social systems; to understand current events in a global and historical context; to acquire flexibility and interpersonal skills through the study of diverse cultures; to develop skills in oral and written communication, research, and critical reasoning; to establish familiarity with historiography, historical sources, and a variety of teaching methods; to achieve success in graduate or professional school and realize a lifetime of meaningful work. Students taking upper division history courses acknowledge that the department has the right to keep papers to assess progress through the student’s college career.
Requirements for the history major consist of 30 hours in history above the 100-level (exceptions to this rule may be made with the approval of the department’s chairperson). History majors must take 211, 212, 399, 400; any two of the following: 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, and one course from 440, 450, 460, 480, 490. The remaining 12 hours in history should be chosen by the student with the help of his/her adviser and the chairperson of the department. History majors may count only one Winter Term course approved for history credit toward the major. If a student takes more than three Winter Terms, two Winter Term courses approved for history credit may count toward the major.
The Department of History and Government also offers a major in Social Studies. The Social Studies major is designed for students seeking teacher certification in social studies. The requirements for the Social Studies major follow. History: 22 hours above the 100-level, including 211, 212, two courses from the sequence 309-316, 399, one 400-level course in non-western history, and two electives. Social Sciences: 15 hours, consisting of BA 221, BA 222, GO 231, PY 201, and SO 101. Students seeking teacher certification in social studies also must take courses in the Department of Education that satisfy the Secondary Education Program requirements.
A minor in history consists of 15 hours beyond the basic requirement. Options include concentration in either American history or European history. The American option: 211 and 212, plus nine hours to be chosen from 220, 401, 403, 404, 407, 409, 413. The European option: three courses from 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316 plus two additional courses from 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 319, 330, 340, 350, 480.
Most 300 and 400 level courses are offered alternate years. Variations on minor options may be permitted with departmental approval. The Department of History and Government will grant the designation “Honors in History” to those students meeting the following requirements:
• Having a contract committing to the program filed with the student’s adviser and the registrar during the junior year.
• Maintaining a grade point average of 3.6 or above in history.
• Completing a minimum of 24 hours in history including HS399 and 400.
• Receiving from the department faculty a designation of “Honors” on the seminar paper completed for HS400.
• Presenting the HS 399 or HS400 paper at a national or regional meeting or the equivalent.
