History

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Purpose and Focus

The History Department seeks first to provide students with a broad knowledge of the human past and experience and the appreciation of diverse cultures crucial in a smaller and smaller world. A degree in history also provides students with the skills necessary for success in a wide range of careers and professions ranging from business to law, social services, and education. These skills include training in the collection, analysis, and evaluation of information; critical thinking; clarity of expression orally and in writing; and the ability to make independent judgments. Finally, the department seeks to train majors in the specific skills and knowledge necessary for public school teaching and for graduate study in history or in professional schools.

Degree Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Students completing the baccalaureate program will:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the human past.
2. Demonstrate training in the collection, analysis and evaluation of information; critical thinking and the ability to make independent judgements; and clarity of expression orally and in writing.
3. Be prepared for entry-level positions in a variety of fields, for graduate study in history or professional schools, or for public school teaching.

Accreditation

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Admission to the Major

Minimum GPA: 2.50

Transfer Policies

Students wishing to transfer credit toward a Bachelor of Arts in History must schedule a formal meeting with the Department chairperson in order to evaluate transfer credits.

Department Policies

Major Areas of Interest

Asia, Europe, Latin America, and United States
In consultation with an advisor, a history major selects an interest area from the four principal geographical areas.

Minor Areas of Interest

Asia, Europe, Latin America, and United States or Methodological and Topical
In consultation with an advisor, a history major selects a minor concentration from the four principal geographical areas. With departmental approval, a student may devise a topical or methodologically defined major.

Progression

The progress of individual students is monitored by the student’s advisor. Policies on academic probation and suspension are those of the College of Liberal Arts.

Advisement

Incoming students are advised by the chairperson before being assigned to a permanent advisor. For advising on general education and university requirements, students must seek advising from the Wilson Advising Center. Every student majoring in history must keep regular appointments with his or her history academic/career advisor. Failure to seek academic advising may result in delays of anticipated date of graduation.

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