Department of History

History Major/Minor

Programs and courses in the Department of History lead students to a knowledge of the human past, to ways of understanding that past, and to an appreciation for the great variety of uses of the past. The rewards of historical study include a disciplined intellect, a well furnished imagination, and a recognition of both the unity and diversity of the human experience. The broad liberal arts foundation available through a major in history should deepen students' knowledge and understanding of the complex world in which they live, stimulate effective participation in contemporary society, and cultivate those mental skills required for success in a wide range of employment areas. 

A major or minor in history provides an excellent background for a career in law, theology, business, government service, writing, and college and secondary teaching, and for specialized work as a museum curator, librarian, archivist, editor, archeologist, historical society administrator, historic site specialist, or research historian. 

The Department of History offers general courses in the history of the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as well as a selection of specialized topical period, and regional courses in most of these areas. 

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES. A listing of courses in the Department of History currently approved for General Education credit appears in the General Education section of the Undergraduate Catalog. An updated listing is available from the Office of the Coordinator of General Education.

DEGREE PROGRAMS. The Department of History offers a major and minor in its liberal arts program. In addition, its offerings include a Public and Applied History Concentration in the major and a History Writing Minor. Its curricula for teaching certification include primary and supporting areas in United States history and in world civilization. A teaching minor in United States history and another in world civilization also are offered.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION. Qualified students may receive credit for World Civilization 101 and/or 102 and United States History 201 and/or 202, depending upon their scores on the Achievement or the Advanced Placement Examination administered by the national College Entrance Examination Board.

HONORS COURSES. Qualified students may enroll in History Honors following consultation with the Department Chairperson and acceptance into the program. History majors with a general cumulative average of 3.00 and a 3.30 average in history may apply for entry into the program. Arrangements for admission must be made not later than the second semester of the sophomore year. See course descriptions for 310, 400, and 401.

Liberal Arts Curricula

History Major (39 semester hours) 

Required History Courses (15 hours): HIST 101-3hrs; 102-3hrs; 201-3hrs; 202-3hrs (unless exempt); 300-3hrs. 
Electives (24 hours): A minimum of 6 hours in each of the following areas: (Area A) United States history; (Area B) ancient, early modern, and modern European history; (Area C) The Wider World: African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern history. At least 15 of the 24 hours of electives must be in the 400 level courses. 

History Minor (21 semester hours) 

Required History Courses (10 hours): HIST 101-3hrs. and 102-3hrs., or 201-3hrs. and 202-3hrs.; and 300-3hrs. 
Electives (12 hours): 300 and 400-level courses approved by a Department of History advisor. 

History Writing Minor (24 semester hours) 

Required History Courses (15 hours): 101-3hrs. and 102-3hrs., or 201-3hrs. and 202-3hrs; 300-3hrs; 395-6hrs. 
Electives: 9 hours in the Department of History approved by an advisor. 
Exemption will consist of advanced placement for all or any of the introductory U.S. or world survey courses. Equivalent hours will be distributed among electives in history as determined by the student in consultation with his/her advisor. Exemption is based upon the results of either the College Entrance Examination Board Achievement Examination or the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Examination. 

Teaching Curricula

Students should be thoroughly familiar with the requirements of the teaching curriculum, and admission to the Teacher Education Program.  (More information about the Social Studies Education Program.)  Students may choose to concentrate in any three of the following teaching areas: economics, geography, government, history, psychology, and sociology.  To ensure broad competence in the Social Sciences, students are also required to complete one course in each teaching area not chosen as the teaching area, for a total of 9 credit hours.  There is one exception to this pattern: students who do not choose history as one of their teaching areas must complete two history courses and one course in each of the other teaching areas not chosen, for a total of 12 credit hours.

History for Social Studies Licensure
Required Courses for Teacher Licensing in History (24 semester hours): 
Required History: 101-3hrs; 102-3hrs; 201-3hrs; 202-3hrs. 
Directed electives in History: (12hrs) one from a 400-level directed elective in United States; one from a 400-level directed elective in Europe; one from a 400-level directed elective in Wider World; one elective option open to the student. 

Required Courses when History is Not Selected for Teacher Licensing: 102-3hrs; 202-3hrs.

INTERDISCIPLINARY MINORS:

The Department of History cooperates with other departments in offering interdisciplinary minors in the following areas:

African American Studies 
International Studies 
Latin American/Latino Studies
Women's Studies 

CONCENTRATIONS:

Mediterranean Studies
The Department of History offers a concentration in Mediterranean Studies for History majors who complete four 400-level courses in the European and Wider World areas that deal with topics related to the Mediterranean. Students who apply for this concentration and complete the required course work will receive a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mediterranean Studies from the department. Students who are interested in Mediterranean Studies may also participate in the department's exchange program with the University of Malta.

Public and Applied History Concentration (42 semester hours) 
Required History (18 hours): 101-3 hr. and 102-3hrs.; or 201-3hrs.; and 202-3hrs; 300-3hrs; 395-3hrs; 403-6hrs 
Directed History electives (15 hr.) including at least 9 hr. from 300- or 400-level courses.
Cognate courses (9 hours): Approved electives from other departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and/or the professional schools.  

The Catalog of Indiana State University is the document of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalog supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.