History

The history major exposes students to key issues in the history of the United States, Europe and areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Students will develop the critical interpretative skills needed to assess both primary and secondary sources in the complex task of thinking about the past. Students will master a set of research skills that help them develop their own historical arguments. Significant emphasis is laid on effective written communication reflected in the cogency of arguments and use of evidence.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Complete the distribution requirements of the major (6 credits in AMH, 6 credits EUH, 6 credits in AFH, ASH or LAH) with minimum grades of C, as graded by department rubric.
• Complete HIS 3942 and HIS 4930 with minimum grades of C, as graded by department rubric.
• Complete 35 credits in history, including at least 26 at the 3000/4000 level, and all with minimum grades of C, as graded by department rubric.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Acquire and apply basic research skills learned through use of print and electronic resources of the library and web.
2. Critically assess and interpret primary and secondary sources.
3. Identify a historical research topic related to the focus of the research seminar, develop knowledge of the topic through research, and create historical arguments using evidence effectively with clear purpose.
4. Produce an effectively written analytical research paper based in research of primary sources, framed within the secondary literature and offering a coherent historical argument supported by evidence.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Skills-set exam
• Capstone statement for final project