History Minor

FACULTY:
Joan Friedman, Chair
Beatrice Adams
Madonna Hettinger
Katherine Holt
Margaret Ng
Peter Pozefsky
Jeff Roche
Ibra Sene
Gregory Shaya
Jordan Biro Walters
Christina Welsch

History is one of the oldest disciplines, but it has never been more relevant than in the fast-changing, interconnected world in which we live. The study of history is the foundation for a complex understanding of the world. It offers a rich view upon the developments that have shaped the societies we live in; it helps us understand different cultures; it provides a set of rigorous tools for understanding changes and continuities over time; it offers a high perspective to make sense of the tumult of current events.

The study of history cultivates skills and habits of mind that are essential to a liberal arts education. Students of history develop the ability to research complex topics, to analyze evidence, to assess conflicting interpretations, to convey ideas with clarity and persuasion, and to build strong arguments. History encourages a subtle understanding of difference. What is more, the study of history provides a set of deep pleasures. Vastly enlarging our experience, the study of the past is a profound source of personal meaning and collective identity.

We believe the best way to study history is to do history. In their coursework, students develop a wide knowledge of the past and a practical understanding of the skills of the historian, culminating in the year-long Senior Independent Study. The major in history is flexible, allowing students to design a course of study that fits their interests and builds upon work in other disciplines.

Minor in History

Consists of six courses:

HIST 201xx - The Craft of History (any course in the History 201 rubric can be taken to satisfy this requirement)
Five additional History courses, including:
- Three courses at the 200-level or above
- At least one course designated as a “Pre-1800 Perspectives Course”
- At least one course designated as a “Global Perspectives Course”

Special Notes

Majors and minors in history are strongly recommended to complete The Craft of History (HIST 201xx) in their sophomore year, after they’ve taken a first course in history at the College but before Junior I.S.
Students may not count the same course toward the Pre-1800 Perspectives requirement and the Global Perspectives requirement.
Pre-1800 Perspectives Courses: The following courses count toward the Pre-1800 Perspectives requirement: Some sections of HIST 101xx (sections that are pre-1800 in their focus), HIST 10600 , HIST 11000 , some sections of HIST 201xx (sections that are pre-1800 in their focus), HIST 20400 , HIST 20500 , HIST 20600 , HIST 20700 , HIST 21200 , HIST 21400 , HIST 21500 , HIST 23000 , HIST 23100 , HIST 23400 , HIST 24000 , some sections of HIST 275xx (sections that are pre-1800 in their focus), some sections of HIST 301xx (sections that are pre-1800 in their focus).
Global Perspectives Courses: The following courses count toward the Global Perspectives requirement: some sections of HIST 101xx (sections that are non-U.S., non-European, global, or comparative in their focus), 10800, some sections of HIST 201xx (sections that are non-U.S., non-European, global, or comparative in their focus),HIST 21500 , HIST 21600 , HIST 22700 , HIST 22800 , HIST 23100 , HIST 23200 , HIST 23400 , HIST 23500 , HIST 23600 , HIST 23700 , HIST 24000 , some sections of HIST 275xx (sections that are non-U.S., non-European, global, or comparative in their focus), some sections of HIST 301xx (sections that are non-U.S., non-European, global, or comparative in their focus).
Advanced Placement: A student obtaining a score of 4 or 5 on one of the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination in history will receive one course credit in history. A student will receive a maximum of two course credits in history for any combination of Advanced Placement Examinations. Students may count these credits toward a major or minor in history. Students receiving Advanced Placement credit should consult with the department before registering for 100- level survey courses in the department. The Advanced Placement policy of the College is explained in the section on Admission.
Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the major or minor.