Bachelor of Arts Major in History

Bachelor of Arts Major in History Students must complete a minimum of 124 units with a cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in history. The History Department is comprised of a team of internationally recognized scholars committed to providing students with knowledge and skills necessary for success in many professions. We believe that the study of history is exciting, vibrant and vitally relevant to understanding the world in which we live. Through intense classroom contact, innovative pedagogical methods and extensive student research projects, we instill in our students human values, critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the complexities of issues that have been of perennial importance. As professional historians we have been particularly successful in disseminating these values to a broader audience, by lecturing publicly and publishing works for both academic and popular audiences. Recommended Progression of Study Students should begin with the Chair’s Seminar HIST 001 and two foundation courses in sequence and proceed to take one course from each of the listed regional and thematic categories. Students must take HIST 070, Historical Imagination, their sophomore year or as soon as possible after transferring into the program and take HIST 160, Pacific History Seminar, the capstone class, as seniors. Students may take independent study courses or special topics courses at any time. Teaching Credential Track Teaching credential candidates wishing to qualify to teach history at the secondary level should complete the Single Subject Credential in the Social Sciences. Information on specific course requirements may be obtained from your adviser or the department chair. For other credential requirements, students should consult faculty in the School of Education. Historical Information Competence Generate coherent narratives of the history of the following regions and topics: US, Latin America, Europe, Asia, environment and science, and global issues. Communication Competence –Writing Write persuasively using evidence to support an argument, citing sources using Chicago style. Communication Competence- Speaking Speak in public settings in clear and effective ways, including the use of presentation media. Research Skills Find, understand, evaluate and use archival, primary and secondary sources in print and online versions. Critical Analysis Identify and critically analyze historical arguments, theories and methods, and use them in research, writing, and oral presentations.