The study of history fosters a critical approach to the human past, an acquaintance with past and present issues of social justice, and an awareness of human diversity. History courses provide an opportunity for students to gain knowledge of the human past and present in order to locate themselves and others in a historical, social, and intellectual context. History courses also convey an appreciation of history as an academic discipline with its own rules of inquiry.
Students who major in history learn to to analyze historical problems from several perspectives, to use primary sources and historical literature critically and effectively, and to employ historical perspectives and sources appropriately in the construction of oral and written accounts of the human past. History majors acquire both general knowledge of the human past and more detailed knowledge of a concentration within the field of historical inquiry.
The history department offers major and minor programs in history. Students with a strong academic background may, with the department’s consent, substitute courses at the 200 or 300 level for the required 100-level history courses within concentrations.
200-level and 300-level courses are only open to students after successful completion of ENGL 102 or with the consent of the department. 100-level history courses are not open to juniors or seniors without consent of the department.
Only history courses above 200 may be intensified. Such course intensifications require a substantial research paper or other independent project(s) for the fourth hour of credit.
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