Requirements

We believe the best way to study history is to do history. In their coursework, students develop a wide knowledge of the past and a practical understanding of the skills of the historian, culminating in the year-long Senior Independent Study. The major in history is flexible, allowing students to design a course of study that fits their interests and builds upon work in other disciplines.

The Major in History:

The major in History is flexible, allowing students to design a course of study that fits their interests and builds upon work in other disciplines. The major consists of 11 courses, which are divided into two parts: General Coursework and Independent Study. 

General Coursework (8 courses) 

  • HIST 201xx - The Craft of History (any course in the History 201 rubric can be taken to satisfy this requirement) 
  • Seven additional History courses, including: 
    • Four History courses at the 200-level or above 
    • At least one course designated as a “Pre-1800 Perspectives Course” 
    • At least one course designated as a “Global Perspectives Course” 
    • A full listing of the courses that satisfy these requirements is in the Catalog 

Independent Study (3 courses) 

  • History 401—Junior Independent Study 
  • History 451 and History 452—Senior Independent Study 

 

The Minor in History:

Consists of six courses:

  • HIST 201xx – The Craft of History (any course in the History 201 rubric can be taken to satisfy this requirement)
  • Five additional History courses, including:
    • Three History courses at the 200-level or above
    • At least one course designated as a “Pre-1800 Perspectives Course”
    • At least one course designated as a “Global Perspectives Course”

Notes

  • Majors and minors in history are encouraged to complete The Craft of History (HIST 201xx) in their sophomore year, after they’ve taken a first course in history at the College but before Junior I.S.
  • Students may not count the same course toward the Pre-1800 Perspectives requirement and the Global Perspectives requirement.
  • Advanced Placement: A student obtaining a score of 4 or 5 on one of the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination in history will receive one course credit in history. A student will receive a maximum of two course credits in history for any combination of Advanced Placement Examinations. Students may count these credits toward a major or minor in history. Students receiving Advanced Placement credit should consult with the department before registering for 100-level survey courses in the department. The Advanced Placement policy of the College is explained in the section on Admission.