History

History offers original and indispensable ways of looking at human experience because it distinguishes and evaluates continuity amid the forces of change. By means of historical inquiry, the modern world is seen as shaped by the past. History enriches the mind by enabling it to compare present and past events,ideas, and movements. As a humanistic discipline, history considers beliefs and values, individual personalities, religions, philosophies, literature, and the fine arts. As a social science, history endeavors to discern patterns over time by examining the development of groups and institutions, politics and economics, wars, and the balance of power. History offers a public reservoir from which students can draw knowledge, wisdom, and personal strength.

As a discipline, history educates all students for citizenship and for a variety of careers. History majors and minors are prepared to pursue graduate and professional programs in history and related fields. In addition to teaching, they find careers in diverse areas that include law, public administration, library science, museum and historic site management, business, medicine, and the ministry.

The History Department offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in history and a history minor. It also offers the Bachelor of Science degree for social science teaching majors. The B.A. in history requires completion of 36 hours in history and 12 hours in a non-English modern or classical language (or demonstration of competence at the intermediate level through an appropriate language examination). The B.A. degree is recommended for students preparing for graduate study in history or for professional school. A minor in one of the humanities or social sciences is strongly recommended. The B.S. in history requires completion of 36 hours in history. A minor in one of the humanities or social sciences also is strongly recommended. The B.S. in history is recommended mostly for those not planning graduate study in history or in a professional program. The B.S. in social science teaching is offered to students preparing for teacher certification in middle and secondary schools; see the section in this bulletin “Social Science Teaching Major, B.A./B.S. ” for the requirements in this major.