History (BA.HIS)

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Upon completion of the History major, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe key historical events in a variety of locations and time periods.

2. Read scholarly literature effectively, identifying and evaluating argument and evidence.

3. Critically analyze and interpret historical documents effectively, identifying purpose and point of view.

4. Develop significant historical questions and identify relevant secondary and primary sources to help answer them.

5. Propose, research, write, and publicly present a substantial research paper that uses authentic and properly cited historical research to develop an original and historically significant thesis.

I. Complete the following History courses (18 cr):

HIS 1125 - The Ancient World 3 cr
HIS 1135 - Global History 3 cr
HIS 1215 - Survey of Early U.S. History 3 cr
HIS 1225 - Survey of Modern U.S. History 3 cr
HIS 4601 - History Research Seminar 3 cr
HIS 4602 - History Thesis Seminar 3 cr

II. Complete 18 credits of History (HIS) electives, of which as least 9 credits must be in regions other than the United States or Europe (18 cr)

Note: at least 9 credits of History courses must be at the 3000 level.

III. Complete 9 credits in the Social Sciences (9 cr):

Economics: 3 cr
Geography: 3 cr
Political Science: 3 cr

(Total credits required for the major: 45)

And complete the University's Gen Ed requirements

Review the Gen Ed requirements.

Note

Students who plan to be secondary Social Studies teachers should take ECO 3080 - Foundations of Economics for Secondary Educators .

It is strongly recommended that History majors also complete either an academic minor, or 12 credits in another academic discipline chosen in consultation with the advisor, or education licensure requirements; and demonstrate the ability to read a foreign language.

Students with either second majors, or wishing to be licensed to teach in elementary or secondary schools, must have an advisor from both sponsoring departments.

All courses taken to fulfill the History major requirements may also be used to fulfill the general education and academic minor requirements.

Motivated students should consider taking the program in Honors History.

Law Degree (CU/VLS 3+2)

This major participates in the 3+2 program with Vermont Law School, in which highly-focused students can earn a Bachelor's degree in just three years at CU and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in just two years at VLS.

For details, see the Law Degree page .