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College of Arts and Sciences - Curriculum Guide

History

Tom Havens, PhD, Professor and Chair

Distinguished Professor Raymond H. Robinson, PhD Professors Ballard C. Campbell, PhD Harvey Green, PhD Donald M. Jacobs, PhD Patrick Manning, PhD Clay McShane, PhD Anthony N. Penna, DA

Associate Professors Charmarie J. Blaisdell, PhD Jeffrey Burds, PhD Laura L. Frader, PhD Christina Gilmartin, PhD Assistant Professors Gerald H. Herman, MA Adam M. McKeown, PhD Anna Suranyi, PhD Honorary Professor William M. Fowler Jr., PhD

History is the study of the causes and consequences of changes in human events across time. Like other liberal arts disciplines, historical study trains students to think critically by reading, writing about, and discussing the human experience. History stimulates a deeper understanding of today's cultures by considering them in a global context. The study of history helps students develop powers of judgment and expression that will propel them to future leadership positions in public service, international organizations, communications, education, business, or the professions.

The department offers a broad-based Bachelor of Arts major, which includes foreign language requirements. It also offers two Bachelor of Science options; one emphasizing training in the social sciences and including requirements in statistics and computer science as well as a minor in fields such as economics, political science, or sociology; the other option prepares students in such public history fields as museum administration, archival management, or historic preservation. The department offers an array of dual-major programs with other disciplines and also participates in a variety of interdisciplinary offerings, including Asian Studies; Cinema Studies; Environmental Studies; International Affairs; Jewish Studies; Latino/a Studies; and Women's Studies.

All history majors take courses in European or world history, American history, and historical methods, as well as advanced courses in a range of historical eras and world regions. Majors complete their studies with a senior research seminar. Honors study is strongly encouraged for eligible students. Advanced undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in individual directed study with members of the faculty on topics of mutual interest. Cooperative education placements, fieldwork, internships, and other experiential learning activities are available.

Undergraduates who plan to teach in the public schools may combine history with education courses that can lead to state certification in Massachusetts. Those intending to teach in private secondary schools need not be certified by state authorities. Teaching positions in colleges and universities require advanced degrees at the graduate level.

See course descriptions for more information.

Bachelor of Arts Curriculum

HST 1101, Western Civilization to 1648 or HST 1121, World History 1; or HST 1701, Western Civilization 1 (Honors); HST 1122, World History 2 or HST 1102, Western Civilization Since 1648 or HST 1702, Western Civilization 2 (Honors); HST 1201, The United States to 1877 or HST 1711, The United States to 1877 (Honors), and HST 1202, The United States Since 1877 or HST 1712, The United States Since 1877 (Honors); HST 1241, History Colloquium; HST 1805, Senior Research Seminar; nine history electives distributed as follows: two courses in Group A (ancient, medieval, and early modern); two courses in Group B (modern Europe); two courses in Group C (America); two courses in Group D (other regions); and one course in any of the above groups.

In addition, complete the arts and sciences core curriculum and the experiential education requirement.

Bachelor of Science Curriculum with Minor

HST 1101, Western Civilization to 1648 or HST 1121, World History 1 or HST 1701, Western Civilization 1 (Honors); HST 1102, Western Civilization Since 1648; HST 1122, World History 2 or HST 1702, Western Civilization 2 (Honors); HST 1201 or HST 1711, The United States to 1877 (Honors); and HST 1202, The United States Since 1877 or HST 1712, The United States Since 1877 (Honors); HST 1241, History Colloquium; HST 1805, Senior Research Seminar; eleven history electives distributed as follows: two courses in Group A (ancient, medieval, and early modern); two courses in Group B (modern Europe); two courses in Group C (America); two courses in Group D (other regions); and three courses in any of the above groups.

A minor approved by the student's adviser; a statistics course (for example, PSY 1211, SOC 1320, or ECN 1250); and a computer course, preferably COM 1105.

In addition, complete the arts and sciences core curriculum and the experiential education requirement.

Bachelor of Science with Public History Concentration

HST 1101, Western Civilization to 1648 or HST 1121, World History 1 or HST 1701, Western Civilization 1 (Honors); HST 1102, Western Civilization Since 1648 or HST 1122, World History 2 or HST 1702, Western Civilization 2 (Honors); HST 1201, The United States to 1877 or HST 1711, America to 1877 (Honors) and HST 1202, The United States Since 1877 or HST 1712, America Since 1877 (Honors); HST 1241, History Colloquium; HST 1270, Introduction to Public History; HST 1805, Senior Research Seminar; HST 1821 and HST 1822, Fieldwork in History 1 and 2; eight history electives distributed as follows: one course in Group A (ancient, medieval, and early modern); one course in Group B (modern Europe); two courses in Group C (America); two courses in Group D (other regions); and two courses in Group E (Public History; these courses, offered in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, are open to juniors and seniors only and require faculty permission to enter). One computer course (preferably COM 1105); and a statistics course (for example: PSY 1211, SOC 1320, or ECN 1250).

In addition, complete the arts and sciences core curriculum and the experiential education requirement.

Minor Curriculum

Eight courses in history, two of which must be selected from the following: HST 1101, Western Civilization to 1648 or HST 1121, World History 1 or HST 1701, Western Civilization 1 (Honors); HST 1102, Western Civilization Since 1648 or HST 1122, World History 2 or HST 1702, Western Civilization 2 (Honors); HST 1201, The United States to 1877 or HST 1711, The United States to 1877 (Honors); HST 1202, The United States Since 1877 or HST 1712, The United States Since 1877 (Honors).

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