Overview

History Department faculty are engaged with wide-ranging fields of history across the globe, wrestling with the human past in all its complexity and contingency. Our curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of that past and to provide students with insight into the world in which they live through a perspective of change over time. History courses include a consideration of ideas and value systems in the past, enhancing students' understanding of both their own and other cultures in the present. At the same time, our curriculum teaches historical writing, analysis,  and research as vital skills, and it fosters an appreciation of historical prose as a distinctive form of literature.

A History major prepares students to be critical thinkers ready for a wide range of careers and graduate programs.  History majors thrive in careers in law, education, business, government, academia, and other fields that value the ability to ask broad questions, research specific answers, and craft compelling narratives.

Undergraduate Programs

History Department Policies

Double Dipping Policy

The History Department's policy on 'double dipping', or having courses count toward more than one major or minor, is below; it is consistent with the general policy of the College of Arts and Sciences.

1. Students may not major and minor in the same discipline.
2. Majors: Not less than 21 credit hours in the individual student’s transcript must be unique to each major; that is, the courses in question are considered as actually fulfilling requirements of one major, not of more than one major.
3. Minors and interdisciplinary minors: not less than 8 credit hours in the individual student’s transcript must be unique to each minor; that is, the courses in question are considered as actually fulfilling requirements of one minor, not of more than one minor or major.
4. General exceptions to Rules 2 and 3 will be made if approved by the chairs/directors of the department(s)/program(s) housing each affected major and minor. A list of standing general exceptions will be maintained by the Dean's office.
5. Individual student exceptions may be made in appropriate cases by department chairs and program directors.
6. Departments and Programs may enforce stricter double-dipping policies than those stated above, which also should be provided to the Dean’s Office.

Undergraduate Policies and Procedures

Please see Undergraduate Policies and Procedures for academic policies that supersede those of academic units within the University.

History (HIST)