B.A. in History

Program Outcome Goals

A graduate of the History Major will have:

• An ability to identify, locate, analyze, differentiate and interpret primary and secondary source data

• Proficiency in communicating historical research in multiple forms of expression

• Fluency in the language of the discourse of historical analysis

• A broad knowledge of both world and U.S. historical geography

• An understanding of how human interaction with nature shaped history

• A broad knowledge and a select mastery of key people, trends and events in world and U.S. history

• Proficiency in understanding how past actions have influenced the direction of current events, as well as how current conditions have shaped our understanding of the past

• An awareness of the skills needed for future endeavors and careers arising from and enhanced by the study of history

Concentrations

• American History. Provides an in-depth exploration of the major themes in U.S. history from the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century to the present. These include the settlement of the colonies, the struggle for independence, the development of the new nation and divisions leading to Civil War, as well as the rise of America as an economic and political leader in the 20th century. Individual courses will also cover specific economic, political and social/cultural issues as they relate to the overall development of the nation Students taking this concentration will also have the opportunity to take courses in a second history concentration or outside discipline that will provide a well-rounded liberal arts educational experience. View program plan (PDF).

• History: Interdisciplinary Studies. The Thematic and Interdisciplinary Studies concentration provides a student with focused historical interests the opportunity to shape a unique course of study that draws on courses from all areas of history as well as the insights of a variety of liberal arts disciplines. With the advice and consent of the history faculty, students in this concentration will be allowed to examine phenomena across geographic and chronological parameters, as well as the opportunity to examine history through the study of literature, politics, film or religion. Students will thus receive a unique understanding of the forces that shape history that can only be achieved through this multi-disciplinary approach. At the same time, this concentration allows students to take courses in an additional history concentration or outside the discipline that will provide added depth to the course of study. View program plan.(PDF)

• Western Civilization. Focuses primarily on the history of Europe from antiquity to the present. Courses in this concentration cover both specific topics, such as the histories of Greece and Rome, as well as broader period studies, like medieval Europe and Europe in the 20th century. At the same time, these courses will present European history in the overall context of world history especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Students taking this concentration will also have the opportunity to take courses in a second history concentration or outside discipline that will provide a well-rounded liberal arts educational experience. View program plan.(PDF)

• World History. Offers a holistic examination of the histories of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Course offerings include focused in-depth histories of specific regions and periods as well as thematic courses that give a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of history across the globe. Students taking this concentration will also have the opportunity to take courses in a second history concentration or outside discipline that will provide a well-rounded liberal arts educational experience. View program plan.(PDF)

• Teacher Certification.
  View program plan.(PDF)