History Major

Overview

Mission Statement

The Department of History and Political Science seeks to foster in their students an awareness of and appreciation for their cultural, historical, and political heritage as well as an understanding of important national and global issues. The department’s curriculum helps develop students’ critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills in order to prepare them to be effective learners and leaders.

Educational Objectives 

The History major develops in students an understanding of and critical outlook toward American and European history and international affairs. The History major prepares students for secondary school teaching, for historical research and for graduate school in history or public history, as well as for other professional fields requiring critical thinking and writing skills.

Requirements

Core Courses

HIST 207	The United States to 1865	3
HIST 208	The United States Since 1865	3
HIST 291	Western Civilization I	3
HIST 292	Western Civilization II	3
HIST 340	Historiography and the Historical Profession	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Plus three of the following courses:

HIST 220	Europe: 1900 to Mid-Century	3
HIST 222	History of the Middle East	3
HIST 262	History of China	3
HIST 302	Selected Readings and Topics in Non-U.S. Studies	3
HIST 304	Medieval Europe	3
HIST 305/REL 305	Ancient Near East	3
HIST 306	Renaissance and Reformation	3
HIST 307	Ancient Greece	3
HIST 308	Ancient Rome	3
HIST 344	19th Century Europe	3
HIST 354	Evolution of War	3
HIST 362	History of China	3
HIST 364	The French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon	3
HIST 374	History of Medicine	3
HIST 450	Internship in History	3
POLS 335	The European Union	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

HIST 450: If area involved is non-U.S.

Plus three of the following courses:

HIST 301	Special Readings and Topics in U.S. Studies	3
HIST 303	The Civil War and Reconstruction	3
HIST 312/EDUC 312	North Dakota History	3
HIST 316/REL 316	Religion in American History	3
HIST 331	The American West	3
HIST 370/POLS 370	American Constitutions and Revolutions	3
HIST 391/POLS 391	American Economic History	3
HIST 450	Internship in History	3
POLS 311/HIST 311	Federal Indian Policy	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

HIST 450: If area involved is U.S.

Plus Senior Seminar:

HIST 480	Senior Seminar in History	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Plan of Study

Freshman Year

	General Education courses
HIST 207	The United States to 1865	3
HIST 208	The United States Since 1865	3
HIST 291	Western Civilization I	3
HIST 292	Western Civilization II	3
	Other major and minor introductory courses

Sophomore Year

	General Education courses
HIST 340	Historiography and the Historical Profession	3
	Other major and minor introductory courses
	US and Non-US History Electives	6

Junior Year

	General Education courses
HIST 480	Senior Seminar in History	3
	Other major and minor courses
	Possible semester internship or study abroad
	Possible summer internship or study abroad
	US and Non-US History Electives	6

Senior Year

	General Education courses
	Other major and minor courses
	Possible semester internship or study abroad
	US and Non-US History Electives	6

Outcomes

1. By the completion of their program of study, students will demonstrate an understanding of the important historical concepts, theoretical approaches, and major issues and events.
2. In their capstone courses, students will demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to apply basic research methods, including the proper use and attribution of sources, and the ability to draw appropriate and logical conclusions.
3. In their capstone courses, students will demonstrate the ability to develop and apply critical thinking skills in the analysis of historical sources and issues.
4. By their junior and senior years, students will demonstrate competency in information literacy, including the effective use of library resources, databases, and online resources.
5. By their junior and senior years, students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.