2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

History, BA

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

Degree Requirements

See Bachelor's Degree requirements

General Education

See General Education Course Requirements for the Undergraduate College

Core Courses

HIST 207The United States to 1865

3

HIST 208The United States Since 1865

3

HIST 291Western Civilization I

3

HIST 292Western Civilization II

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Plus three of the following courses:

HIST 220Europe: 1900 to Mid-Century

3

HIST 222History of the Middle East

3

HIST 262History of China

3

HIST 302Selected Readings and Topics in Non-U.S. Studies

3

HIST 304Medieval Europe

3

HIST 305/REL 305Ancient Near East

3

HIST 306Renaissance and Reformation

3

HIST 307Ancient Greece

3

HIST 308Ancient Rome

3

HIST 310Indigenous History from Time Immemorial to 1787

3

HIST 34419th Century Europe

3

HIST 354Evolution of War

3

HIST 362History of China

3

HIST 364The French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon

3

HIST 374History of Medicine

3

HIST 450Internship in History

3

POLS 325Comparative European Governments

3

POLS 335The European Union

3

Total Credit Hours:9-10

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

Plus three of the following courses:

HIST 301Special Readings and Topics in U.S. Studies

3

HIST 303The Civil War and Reconstruction

3

HIST 312/EDUC 312North Dakota History

3

HIST 316/REL 316Religion in American History

3

HIST 331The American West

3

HIST 391/POLS 391American Economic History

3

HIST 450Internship in History

3

HIST 311/POLS 311Indigenous History and Federal Indian Policy, 1787 - Present

3

POLS 344American Foreign Relations to 1920

3

POLS 348American Foreign Relations since 1895

3

POLS 370/HIST 370American Constitutions and Revolutions

3

Total Credit Hours:9-10

HIST 450: If area involved is U.S.

Plus Senior Seminar:

HIST 480Senior Seminar in History

3

Total Credit Hours:3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Plan of Study

Freshman Year

General Education courses

HIST 207The United States to 1865

3

HIST 208The United States Since 1865

3

HIST 291Western Civilization I

3

HIST 292Western Civilization II

3

Other major and minor courses

Sophomore Year

General Education courses

US and Non-US History Electives

6

Other major and minor introductory courses

Junior Year

General Education courses

US and Non-US History Electives

6

HIST 480Senior Seminar in History

3

Other major and minor courses

Possible semester internship or study abroad

Senior Year

General Education courses

US and Non-US History Electives

6

Other major and minor courses

Possible semester internship or study abroad

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 course, 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 course, 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.