Majoring in History

The History major requires 33 semester credits, out of which the student must take the following courses:

• Either Hist 111 (History of Europe to 1715) or Hist 112 (History of Europe since 1715)

• Hist 121 (American History to 1877)

• Hist 122 (American History from 1877 to the Present)

• One semester of non-Western history, to be selected from Hist 131, 132, 141, 142, 161, 171, 172, 181, or 182

• A colloquium, which is a 400-level seminar designated by a "C" after the number (e.g., 471C, Contemporary Russia). The colloquium entails intensive reading and writing on a carefully defined historical problem, topic, or period. History majors should register for a colloquium in their junior or senior year, and must earn a C or better in the course to simultaneously fulfill the colloquium requirement and the Undergraduate Writing Requirement for history. Because colloquia frequently change from year to year, it is essential to check the catalogue for up-to-date listings of the Department's offerings.

In addition, students majoring in history must complete the Major Computing Requirement (MCR) for History. The MCR may be fulfilled by (1) attaining a C or better in a History course designated by the Department (for a list of courses that fulfill the Major Computing Requirement for history, check the History Department website under "A Major or Minor in History" or contact the Department of History office); or (2) attaining a C or better in Computer Science 131 (Concepts in Computer Science), 141 (Introduction to Computer Science), or a more advanced course in Computer Science.

Note: In addition to Computer Science 131, 141 or higher numbered courses, the following history courses offered in Fall Semester 2008 will fulfill the department's Major Computing Requirement (MCR) in history: History 161-01 History of South Asia (Prof. Zutshi); History 181-01 History of Africa to 1800 (Prof. La Fleur); History 216-01 American History and Historic Sites (Prof. Whittenburg); History 216-02 American History and Historic Sites (Prof. Whittenburg); History 311-01 The Nuclear World (Prof. Kitamura); and History 329-01 Modern Chinese History (Prof. Canning).

The Department strongly recommends that history majors fulfill their survey requirements - Hist 121 and 122, Hist 111 or 112, and a non-Western survey - during their first two years at the College. Students who wish to pursue honors should take the colloquium in their junior year to gain valuable writing and research experience.