Traditional Track
Required Courses
In addition to the courses below, you must choose one elective (3 credits) in Ancient History and three electives (9 credits), each from one of the following fields: Asian History, Latin American & Caribbean History, Middle Eastern & African History, European (East or West), or Comparative and Transregional History.
An introduction to the history of historical thinking and writing, the contemporary field of historical methods and theories, and the research tools and skills necessary for the study of history and the writing of papers and essays.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115 or HI-115ýSophomore standing
This course prepares students for their capstone paper in the Senior Seminar by examining the historiography of a particular topic in depth and becoming acquainted with the problems and issues.
Prerequisite: Take HI-301
Pick 2 Courses
This course introduces the major elements of Western civilization from the ancient world to the Italian Renaissance, placing special emphasis on the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian traditions. Major themes include the rise of republican forms of government, the rule of law, the Western conceptions of freedom, citizenship, democracy, human dignity, the autonomy of reason, and Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian values.
This course will provide students with an introduction to the historical development of Western civilization in the last 500 years. The themes and topics emphasized in the course will lead to a greater understanding of how this historical development occurred. The focus will be on the development of economics, the sciences, and social and political ideas.
The world has been increasingly interconnected through trade, war and religion beginning with the Mongol Empire of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. This course will examine how the world has been globalizing in waves from the Mongol Moment to the Columbian Exchange to the New Imperialism to the growth of global institutions and organizations after World War 2. The course will examine the role of trade in globalization, but also of ideas, religion, state-building, warfare, imperialism, and revolution.
Pick 1 Course
Examines American development from the period of colonization to the conclusion of the Civil War. Major themes include colonial society, the Revolution, nineteenth-century expansion and economic growth, cultural shifts in the antebellum period, slavery, and the American Civil War.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
Analyzes United States development from Reconstruction to the present, examining major social, political, economic, and foreign policy developments and their impact on American life.
Prerequisite: Take HI-100 or HI-102 or HI-110 or HI-115
Capstone
The capstone for history students is to complete, during your senior year, an extended thesis paper. There are two tracks for the Senior Capstone:
Track One: Senior Seminar Capstone HI 395
Through the collegial discussion in a senior seminar with other history majors, students produce an extended paper (within the range of 18-22 pages) that demonstrates your skills in historical analysis and writing–an accomplishment which can make you truly proud.
Track Two: Special Senior Thesis Track HI 396
In special cases where students desire to go to graduate school in history, you may apply to waive HI 395 Senior Seminar and instead take HI 396 Senior Thesis. The Senior Thesis track requires a 3.2+ GPA as well as a discussion with one’s advisor for approval. The senior thesis paper is a closely guided study with your individual advisor, and it will result in a paper in the range of 35-55 pages. This will prepare students for the increased rigor of graduate education.