URSINUS COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
Why History?
What Makes Our Program Special?
The history department seeks to build on the broad liberal arts foundation provided by the college core requirements. In meeting those requirements students usually begin their study of history at Ursinus with a course from either the United States History (213 or 214) or the World History sequence (261 or 262). Students then take two courses each in American history, European history, and non-western history (generally Asian or Middle Eastern history), and two comparative history courses. Students also begin the major with a course in historical methodology and end it with a research seminar. The department thus seeks to give students a broad background in history, but there are a fair number of courses to choose from within each area, and students are free to build special expertise through electives. The department is especially strong in American, British, European, Russian, Middle Eastern and Chinese history. The history major is also easily combined with a major or minor in another department.
History courses are designed to develop students' reading, writing, and discussion skills. All involve substantial class discussion and frequent writing assignments. Upper-level courses often involve research projects in preparation for the substantial capstone project to be undertaken in the seminar. The teaching of skills in critical reading, handling and assessment of evidence, and organization and writing of papers is one of the principal aims of the department and provides history students with sound training useful in many careers.
Special Opportunities
In addition to majors and minors in other disciplines, history majors and minors find it easy to pursue several special concentrations because history courses are included among their requirements. These include majors in International Relations, American Studies, and East Asian Studies as well as minors in Women's and Gender Studies and African-American and Africana Studies.
The Concentration Option is for students who wish to pursue study in an area or topic in greater depth, including students who are considering graduate study in history or a related discipline. Concentrations will consist of three courses beyond the department's core requirements, for a total of five courses in the Concentration area.
History majors may do independent research for credit, and those with qualifying grade point averages may undertake an honors project. The honors projects involve a year-long independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Some history majors also do internships at area historic sites, archives, and museums. A few serve as paid research assistants for the faculty.
All majors are encouraged to consider study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a full academic year, and the department is flexible in approving courses taken abroad for credit.