The History department offers a B.A. in History for undergraduate students. In the History major, students take a mix of larger survey classes, upper-level classes on more specific topics and several required seminars teaching skills in historical research and critical analysis. Students have many choices of courses and are encouraged to develop areas of interest. The History major is designed to develop skills in critical thinking, research and writing.
Social Science Subject Matter Program for the Single Subject Credential
History majors interested in teaching social studies at the middle school or high school level may combine their major program with the Single Subject Social Science Subject Matter Program to meet requirements for entering a Single Subject Credential Program. View Social Science Subject Matter Program for Secondary School Teachers (.pdf) for more information. The departmental advisor also can provide assistance in coordinating the completion of both the major and the subject matter program simultaneously. See also the disclosure statement regarding Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing.
Student Learning Outcomes
Completion of the degree in History will provide students with knowledge of the political, economic, social and intellectual development of the world’s principal civilizations, notably United States civilization, Western civilization and the civilization of one other area of the world. Included also are the principal personalities, events, ideas and relationships that are the basis of historical studies, as well as a knowledge of various historical methods and historiography that will lead to a better understanding of: (a) how historians approach the past; (b) the value and limitations of various kinds of historical writings; and (c) how to explore the evolution of history as an academic discipline. Specific student learning objectives for History majors include:
- Analyze and explain problems of historical interpretation.
- Comprehend, articulate and apply the various approaches to historical analysis.
- Learn to read and interpret historical sources critically and analytically.
- Express orally and exchange historical ideas.
- Select a research problem and search for relevant primary and secondary sources.
- Write a research essay using a scholarly format that includes footnotes and bibliography.
- Demonstrate a complex understanding of the history of the U.S., Europe and one other region or culture over a period of time.
- Understand historical subjects that transcend regional boundaries.