History, B.A.

The history major includes a number of core courses in global, US history, geography, government, sociology, psychology, and the American economy. As a discipline in the liberal arts and humanities, history encourages students to think critically, to argue logically, and to examine the values of their society and those of other societies.

History majors must meet the following requirements: a cumulative GPA of 2.5 from all colleges attended; and a 2.5 GPA in history content courses. History majors seeking teacher certification must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all professional coursework for all colleges attended.

These standards apply to admission into the major as well as to graduation. History majors must complete 39 credit hours in history coursework, 21 hours of which must be in upper-division courses (300 level or above). History culminates with a senior capstone course that gives students an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills by conducting an independent research project.

Baccalaureate Degree and Residency Requirements

All requirements for an undergraduate degree are listed under the Academic Policies and Regulations section in this catalog. These requirements include a graduation requirement of at least one course in religion or theology.

General Education Requirements

The 42 credit hours of general education requirements are presented in the General Education section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement in the major or a course requirement in another discipline.

Learning Outcomes

Students of history demonstrate knowledge of basic texts, theories, ideas and movements of US and world historical development.   
Students of history demonstrate the ability to analyze the methodologies and used by historians to evaluate texts, theories, ideas and movements.   
Students of history understand the process, nature and causes and change over time, and will be able to weigh the effects of economic, social, religious and ideological factors on both continuity and change in both contemporary settings.   
Students of history develop historical comprehension, expressed orally and in, in identifying central questions expressed in historical narratives, reconstructing in historical passages, drawing upon data in historical maps and charts, sources in historical literature.   
Students of history demonstrate mastery of research methods by producing an of historical scholarship that demonstrates knowledge of primary and, critical thinking, the ability to interpret sources, and the ability synthesize sources and documents, and knowledge of pertinent historiography, all guidelines of the American Historical Association.   
History students are prepared to succeed in their profession or in graduate studies.

Course Requirements for the Major

HST 103 - Introduction to Western Civilization I: Prehistory to 17th Century Credit(s): 3
AND
HST 104 - Introduction to Western Civilization II: 17th Century to the Present Credit(s): 3
HST 105 - United States to 1865 Credit(s): 3
AND
HST 106 - United States History Since 1865 Credit(s): 3
HST 293 - Special Topics Credit(s): 3
HST 366 - Trends That Shaped the Modern World Credit(s): 3
HST 494 - Special Topics Credit(s): 1-3
HST 496 - History Capstone Credit(s): 3

History Electives

15 semester hours selected from 300/400 courses, including at least two courses in US history, at least one course in European history, and at least two courses in non-Western history.