History majors develop a familiarity with different parts of the world and different moments in the past. Eleven total course units are required for the major: one survey course unit in any HIS 100-level course (recommended for new majors); three foundational course units in HIS 210 (mandatory first semester) and then HIS 220 and HIS 230, a minimum of seven-course units at the 300 and 400 levels (mandatory two 400-level Readings Seminars and 499 Senior Capstone Research Seminar or HIS 498 Senior Honors Capstone Seminar). At least two courses at the 100-400 level must be in pre-modern (before 1500) history. These requirements apply to all history majors, including those seeking teacher certification.
The requirements for the major consist of 11-course units
Gateway Courses (1 course unit)
- One 100 level history course
Foundational Courses (3 course units)
- HIS 210: Craft of History
- HIS 220: Early World History and Geography
- HIS 230: Modern World History and Geography
Major Options/Concentrations (7 course units)
Option One: Geographic Breadth
- At least three courses, distributed in separate regions, in Africa, East Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, South Asia, and World Topics. One geographic region must be United States. One geographic region must be Non-Western/ The Global South (Africa, East Asia, Latin America, Middle East, South Asia) (3 course units)
- 300/400 level elective courses until a total of seven 300-400 level courses are taken (1 course unit)
- Two Readings Seminars (HIS 450-466)* (2 course units)
- Senior Capstone Research Seminar (HIS 498 or 499) (1 course unit)
*Readings Seminars may be used to fulfill region requirements.
Option Two: Thematic Field
(Theme should be selected and/or approved by the end of the second semester Sophomore year.)
- At least three 300/400 level courses selected from a listed theme option or from an approved self-designed theme option. Possible themes: Atlantic World; Global Migration and Islamic World, Religion and History, Revolutionary Movements, Gender and History, Cold War, and Ancient Civilizations (3 course units)
- One 300/400 level Elective course (1 course unit)
- Two Reading Seminars (HIS 450-465)* (2 course units)
- Senior Capstone Research Seminar (HIS 498 or 499) (1 course unit)
*Readings Seminars may be used to fulfill region requirements.