History, BA

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The discipline of history is at the core of a liberal arts education, illuminating the ideas, institutions and sentiments by which people have attempted to order their world. The History Department exposes students to the richness and diversity of human history over time and in different geographic regions. In the course of their studies, students will develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their culture and humanity in general.

To broaden their knowledge, students are expected to take a range of courses in American, European, Asian, African, Latin American, and ancient history. In addition, our classes span the centuries, from the earliest history to the modern day and are based on diverse methodologies, including political, social, intellectual and cultural history. Students also enjoy opportunities to gain hands-on experience in colonial history, archeology and museum studies at Historic St. Mary’s City, which is affiliated with the College.

The practice of history relies heavily on critical reading and many forms of analytical and narrative writing. Carrying out historical research and reporting their discoveries both in written form and orally, students develop their ability to listen and think critically and to communicate effectively. Students will also learn to think historically and to appreciate the contested nature, limits and possibilities of historical knowledge as they explore the ways in which historians have interpreted the past. The study of history at St. Mary’s College thus lays a sound foundation for the future pursuit of a wide range of careers, including law, public policy, foreign service, library science, public history, academia, journalism and international business.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of global history and broad content in geographical and thematic areas.
Analyze primary sources in their historical contexts.
Conduct research using a variety of primary and secondary sources.
Engage in historiographical exchanges using various methodologies.
Create a defensible argument in oral and written communication.

Degree Requirements

General College Requirements

General College Requirements (see Curriculum section), including the following requirements to satisfy the major

Course Requirements

A total of 48 credit hours of history courses, 32 of which must be at the 300 or 400 level.
At least 8 semester-hours of 200-level history courses, 4 of which MUST be HIST 224 - Introduction to Historical Methods and Skills .
HIST 395 - Theories and Uses of History Credit Hours: 4

One of the Following Courses:

HIST 104 - Historical Foundations of the Modern World to 1450 Credit Hours: 4
HIST 105 - Western Civilization Credit Hours: 4
HIST 108 - History of the Modern World Credit Hours: 4
HIST 109 - History of Religion Credit Hours: 4

Area Studies:

At least one course in each of the following areas:

An Upper Level History Course With Substantial Course Content From Before the Modern Era.

HIST 343 - Medieval Russia Credit Hours: 4
HIST 351 - History of China to 1600 Credit Hours: 4
HIST 354 - History of Japan to 1600 Credit Hours: 4
HIST 360 - Early African Civilization Credit Hours: 4
HIST 381 - History of Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic World Credit Hours: 4
HIST 382 - History of the Roman Republic and Empire Credit Hours: 4
HIST 384 - Medieval Europe Credit Hours: 4
HIST 388 - Ancient Egypt Credit Hours: 4
HIST 389 - The Ancient Near East Credit Hours: 4

Cross-listed Courses Will Be Assigned to an Area Studies Group by the Department Chair in Consultation With the Instructor.

Senior Project

The Senior Capstone requirement may be satisfied by either option below:

HIST 493 - St. Mary’s Project in History I Credit Hours: 4
HIST 494 - St. Mary’s Project in History II Credit Hours: 4 AND
one 400-level course
HIST 495 - History Capstone Seminar AND
two 400-level courses

Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements

A grade of C- or better must be received in each course of the major and the cumulative grade-point-average of courses used to satisfy the major must be at least 2.0.

Sequence of Study

The student will plan a program with an adviser to make a meaningful combination of courses. In their final two years, students should seek a balance between 300-level classes and 400-level classes, the latter of which include a 15-18 page (3750-4500 words) research paper as part of the course requirements. The following model is suggested as a possible basic program in the major to satisfy the above stipulations:

First Year:

One 100-level class listed above AND
One 200-level class

Sophomore Year:

HIST 224 - Introduction to Historical Methods and Skills Credit Hours: 4 AND
4 credit hours in one of the fields listed in the “area studies” distribution above.

Junior Year:

HIST 395 - Theories and Uses of History Credit Hours: 4
8 upper-level credit hours distributed among the required fields, and at least one 400- level class.

Senior Year:

HIST 493 - St. Mary’s Project in History I Credit Hours: 4
OR
HIST 494 - St. Mary’s Project in History II Credit Hours: 4 AND
two additional upper-level electives or History Capstone Seminar (495)
one 400-level class AND
two additional upper-level electives.

Requirements for Teacher Certification

A Master of Arts in Teaching Program is available at St. Mary’s College of Maryland after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Students who are interested in becoming teachers should contact the chair of the Department of Educational Studies or an education adviser in their major field of study for suggested coursework in educational studies, and their specific major. These consultations should take place during the first semester of the sophomore year.