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Major in History

Per ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵpolicy, logistical information about the history major . We welcome any and all undergraduates in our courses and look forward to seeing you in the classroom. For those of you who want to declare your History Major, you can do so here!

FAQ

What is the difference between HIS 3002 and HIS 4936?

All History majors must take these two courses, which focus on research skills, practical experiences, professional development, or historical methods:

• HIS 3002: Methods & Materials: This course offers an introduction to the study of history. Students will be introduced to the history of history writing, the uses of primary sources and secondary sources, and the study of historiography. They will also learn about major trends in the historical profession and study the place of history in the public sphere. This course is designed for history majors and will serve as a springboard to HIS 4936.

• HIS 4936: Pro-Seminar: History majors will complete research papers in HIS 4936 Seminar courses. Students are also encouraged to work with the Office for Undergraduate Research to participate in their annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Students are further encouraged to attend or present research papers at conferences, such as the annual Phi Alpha Theta regional conference. Please note that all history majors are required to take one HIS 4936 course but, based on student interest, some majors can elect to take two of them to fulfill another major requirement.

Does the department offer internships related to history?

Yes! HIS 4940: Internship in History encourages students to take part in internships, and offers several for-credit opportunities within the major. Currently, the History department has a variety of internship partners available, including museums and historical societies. Potential internship activities can include working with collections, processing archival materials, research, leading guided tours, and building exhibits. Students will work closely with the undergraduate advisor and faculty coordinator to select internship opportunities.​ More information about our internships is available here.

What electives does the History Department recommend for its majors?

The History Department recommends that students take the following elective courses outside of the major:

• HUM 2593: Science in Cultural Context
• LIT 3410: Religious and Philosophical Themes

Additional hours can be profitably drawn from the following disciplines: Africana Studies, Anthropology, Classics, Economics, Geography, School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology, Women’s Studies, Literature, Humanities and Cultural Studies, and Art History. 

Will my AP/IB/Dual Enrollment history courses count for the major?

Yes, these will count.

Do I have to concentrate on one area of history?

No, you may wish to concentrate on one area but it is not mandatory.

What is the Pro-Seminar course about?

These are topics offered by Professors with expertise in that field. It is an intense course in which students use their analytical skills to write a major research paper.

How do I get a permit for the Theory?

Contact the History Department Undergraduate Advisor.

How do I get a permit for the Pro-Seminar classes?

Contact the professor who is teaching the class via email and ask for a permit. Once the professor has given you permission, you will receive an add code for the course.