History Major

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The Department of History offers a varied yet comprehensive program of historical study that emphasizes the development of analytical, research, and communication skills. The program is especially suitable for students who are interested in careers in teaching, law, government or nonprofit service, institutional research, and management, or who wish to pursue graduate study or professional training.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Understand the historical processes that have shaped human experiences across time and space
Think critically and historically about the past
Conduct historical research and craft persuasive historical arguments
Understand how the practice of history can establish a valuable framework for considering ethical issues in the past and present

Major Requirements (44 units)

Required Courses (8 units)

Lower-Division Courses (4 units) - Choose One:

HIST 110 - European Civilization
or
HONC 307 - Western Civ, Wider World
HIST 115 - European/U.S. History *
HIST 120 - History of the U.S.
HIST 125 - African American History
HIST 126 - Asian American History
HIST 127 - Women in US History
HIST 128 - Ideal of Citizenship
* Enrollment in HIST 115 is limited to students enrolled in the Undergraduate Teacher Education Center (UTEC) dual degree program

Survey Courses (4 units)

Upper-Division Courses (24 units)

All majors must take courses within the following attributes:

At least 4 units, 300-level or above, that qualifies as pre-modern
At least 8 units, 300-level or above, outside U.S. and European History
The remaining 12 units can be electives

Electives (12 units)

Senior Seminar (4 units)

All majors must take one 400-level Senior Seminar during the Fall semester of senior year.

Degree Planner

First-Year

Fall	Units
Core - A2: Rhetoric and Composition	4
Core - C2: History 100-Level Course - 1	4
Core - D1: Philosophy	4
Language - Course 1	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Core - A1: Public Speaking	4
Cultural Diversity (CD) or History 100-Level Course - 2	4
Core - D2: Theology and Religious Studies	4
Language - Course 2	4
Total Semester Units	16

Sophomore Year

Fall	Units
Core - C1: Literature	4
HIST 210 - Historical Methods (Fall term only)	4
History 300-Level Course - 1	4
Language - Course 3	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Core - D3: Ethics	4
History 300-Level Course - 2	4
History 300-Level Course - 3	4
Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16

Junior Year

Fall	Units
Note: Junior Year is ideal time for semester/year Study Abroad (approval required): take two upper-division history classes, pursue language study, take 1-2 core classes and/or electives
History 300-Level Course - 4	4
Core - F: Visual & Performing Arts	4
Open Elective	4
Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Community - Engaged Learning (CEL): HIST 396 - History Internship (300-Level Course - 5)	4
Core - B1: Math or Quantitative Science	4
Open Elective	4
Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16

Senior Year

Fall	Units
HIST 400 - Senior Seminar in History or HIST 470 - Honors Senior Thesis	4
Core - E: Social Sciences	4
Open Elective	4
Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
History 300-Level Course - 6	4
Core - B2: Applied or Laboratory Science	4
Open Elective	4
Open Elective	4
Total Semester Units	16

*This information is subject to change, the degree planner is a sample, and students should consult with the department for any updated information.