History, BA

 Return to: Programs of Study

Program Description:

The undergraduate major in history exposes students to a broad spectrum of human experiences in the past and present, arming them with an understanding of the self and of their relationship with other human beings and to the structure of society. History students are encouraged to further their knowledge of the principal developments and problems of history and to enrich their understanding of historical evolution through research and writing. Through elective courses, students gain a broad liberal arts education and enlarge their historical perspective. The history major can thus be used generally by students who wish to be useful members of the community and specifically by students who seek careers in teaching, journalism, library, and archival work, government, politics, law, and business. The program also provides a sound basis for students planning to pursue graduate study.

Students in the history program are assigned an academic advisor who assists them with academic routines, selecting individual courses, and developing undergraduate and postgraduate goals. Students interested in careers in law, public service, journalism, or business should consult with the advisor about programs particularly geared to these fields.

Majors are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in history for graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Write proficiently,
• Understand the methodology that historians use, and
• Analyze primary sources and secondary works in order to arrive at a coherent and well-organized conclusion.

History Honors Program

The honors program allows qualified students to carry out independent research under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. School honors are awarded at graduation based on the student’s completing the following: at least one interdisciplinary honors seminar; a 3.5 GPA in history and a 3.0 GPA in overall course work; completion of an honors thesis with a grade of A or B. In exceptional cases, certain requirements may be waived by a vote of the school’s curriculum committee. Interested students should consult with the departmental advisor.

For additional information:

• History, BA
• School of Humanities and Cultural Studies
• College of Liberal Arts

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

ELEMENT 1: COMMUNICATION: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 2: MATHEMATICS: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 3: GLOBAL TRADITIONS: 6 HOURS

Required:

• HST 1100 - Western Civilizations to 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3

ELEMENT 4: ARTS AND HUMANITIES: 3 HOURS

ELEMENT 5: SOCIAL SCIENCES: 6 HOURS

ELEMENT 6: NATURAL SCIENCES: 8 HOURS

ADDITIONAL CORE COURSES: 6 HOURS

Required:

• HST 1200 - The West and the World since 1500 Credit Hour(s): 3

II. School Requirements: 36 Hours

• HST 2110 - American History to 1877 Credit Hour(s): 3
• HST 2120 - American History Since 1877 Credit Hour(s): 3
• HST 3000 - Introduction to Historical Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
• Eight HST courses at the 3000/4000 level; at least four must be 4000-level courses: Credit Hour(s): 24
• US History: 2 courses
• European History: 2 courses
• Asian, African, Latin American, Middle Eastern: 2 courses
• Two more 3000/4000 electives in HST
• HST 4900 - Research Seminar Credit Hour(s): 3

III. Related Requirements

IV. College Requirements: 18-24 Hours

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 12-16 HOURS

Through 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language:

Spanish, French, Greek, Latin, Chinese, American Sign Language or other.

METHODS OF INQUIRY

• PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3

• Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 24-28 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

• History, BA (GPS) 

• History, BA (3 yr) (GPS)