Bachelor of Arts in History

Mission Statement

The B.A. in History develops the ability to think about how politics, social structure, and culture change over time.  The student of history synthesizes information from a variety of sources, both primary and secondary, and produces cogent arguments and sound historical narrative in writing and orally. 

The study of history develops the qualities of mind necessary for responsible citizenship in the 21^st century.  Students of history develop an appreciation for the diversity of human experience and a capacity to understand the historical dimensions of contemporary problems.

Learning Outcomes

NSC students of history develop skills and aptitudes in the following areas:

 

Critical Thinking and Historical Understanding

1. Demonstrate familiarity with major figures, events, chronologies, historical relationships, and terms related to their areas of focus
2. Demonstrate the critical thinking skills of evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of historical evidence and historical arguments
3. Understand different theoretical questions and approaches and corresponding methodologies
4. Compare worldviews, values, and ideas in their historical context
5. Comprehend texts and primary sources in the context of the times in which they were produced
6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the key concepts and trends in historiography and be able to apply different historographical
7. frameworks to specific episodes or phenomena in history

Communication and Methodology

1. Conduct essential library and database research in a key area of history
2. Synthesize information from a variety of historical sources, primary and secondary, and produce a cogent argument and sound historical narrative in writing and orally
3. Formulate a viable research question and research plan
4. Design and justify a logical methodological or theoretical approach
5. Formulate a defensible thesis and anticipate counter-arguments
6. Accurately use the mechanics of historical writing

Effective Citizenship

1. Describe the historical dimensions of global issues and diversity in today’s world
2. Understand the use and misuse of historical argumentation
3. Reflect upon the historical dimensions of their own values, beliefs, and social construction
4. Apply their historical understanding to community issues when they participate in internships and the community-based learning capstone

Curriculum

I.       College Core Curriculum ............................................. 32-42

A.      English (3-6 credits)

1.      ENG 101 - Composition I ........ 3

2.      ENG 102 - Composition II ....... 3

Note: Students who place into ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101.

B.      Study and Technology Skills (2 credits)

1.      CEP 121 - Introduction to the College Experience..........1

2.      CEP 122 - Enhancing Academic Success.............1

C.     Mathematics (3-5 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

D.     Natural Sciences (6-8 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

E.      Social Sciences (3 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

F.      Fine Arts (3 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

G.     Humanities (6 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

H.     Constitution (3-6 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

I.       Community-Based Learning Capstone (3 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

I. Additional College Requirements................................... 6-20

A. Foreign Language - 3 options....... 0-14

1. Complete and/or transfer to NSC a fourth semester in a foreign language or American Sign Language (AM)
2. Demonstrate proficiency through a placement exam
3. Show transcript evidence of successful completion of a fourth-year high school course in foreign language

B. Social Sciences....................................................... 6

Students interested in secondary education must take courses in ECON, GEOG, and PSC.  One of these courses can count toward the core curriculum and the other two toward the Additional College Requirements. Students not interested in secondary education may take additional social science courses.

 

II.     Major Requirements ................................... 36

HIST 101 - US through Civil War ............ 3

HIST 102 - US Civil War to present ........ 3

HIST 251 - Historical Investigation ......... 3

Additional history courses.......................... 27

At least eighteen credits must be at the 300-level or above.  Courses must be approved by the history advisor. From these 27 credits, at least nine must be selected from non-European and non-American courses, that is, from the fields of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Latin American history. Majors are required to submit two substantial papers (20 pages approximately), at least one of which includes primary source analysis. Papers may be written in the context of two different 400-level courses.

 

Secondary Education

Students interested in secondary education must: 1) choose one of the following courses among their history electives: HIST 293, HIST 294, HIST 320, HIST 418; and 2) take at least one course in each of the following disciplines: ECON, GEOG, and PSC (these courses may also count toward core curriculum and additional college requirements).

 

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in History

 

College Core Curriculum .............................. 32-42

Additional College Requirements............... 0-20

Major Requirements ...................................... 36

Electives (at least 19 must be upper division) ............ 30-54

Total Credits ................................................... 128

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in History with the Concentration in Secondary Education

College Core Curriculum .............................. 32-42

Additional College Requirements............... 0-20

Major Requirements....................................... 36

Education Concentration............................... 42

Electives................................................................................. 0-12

Total Credits.................................................... 128

 

History Minor

HIST 101 - US Through Civil War..................................... 3

HIST 102 - US Civil War to Present................ 3

HIST 251 - Historical Investigation............... 3

Upper Division History Courses (At least one Non-European and Non-American) ............9

Submit one substantial paper (15-25 pages)