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Department of History and Philosophy
Undergraduate Programs Offered
History
The History curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree will provide the student with a clear view of the past in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Students in the curriculum will have an opportunity to examine ideas; gain an understanding of how to do historical research; and learn to read critically, to write carefully, and to think problems through to a logical conclusion.
A degree in history serves as preparation for teaching and government service as well as a background for law, journalism, management, and public relations. The study of history, whether through peoples, events, or forces, will aid the student in combating the lamentable tendency to think only in present terms.
Each student, in consultation with an adviser, selects a program of courses consistent with his or her interests and educational objectives. Students may choose their own advisor by meeting with professors during their office hours. A teaching option is provided for students preparing for positions in secondary education, and a Science, Environment, Technology and Society (SETS) option is available for those wanting a more interdisciplinary approach. Click on “Minors/Options” at the top of the page to view the course requirements for each of the three History Major options.
The department encourages students to engage in independent study through the departmental honors option or by enrolling in a 470 Individual Problems course. The student will work closely with a professor on a topic of mutual agreement.
The Honors option has the following requirements:
- Students must have a minimum 3.5 grade-point average in their major and a 3.0 GPA overall.
- Students must present an acceptable, bound senior thesis, and an oral defense on the thesis.
Philosophy
Philosophy is concerned with the underlying assumptions and broad implications of human knowledge and values. The curriculum in philosophy contains a wide range of courses that explore these topics by studying philosophical problems through the writings of important philosophers of the past and present. Emphasis is placed on understanding different solutions to these problems and on analyzing and criticizing them.
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy has traditionally served as a basis for further study in philosophy, law, religion, or related fields. It may also be used as background training for government, business, or any field that depends upon a strong liberal arts education. The department has traditionally encouraged taking a double major and has restricted the number of required courses in philosophy so that this may be possible.
Students may elect to major in philosophy through either the philosophy option or the philosophy and religion option. Click on “Minors/Options” above to view the course requirements for each option. The department also encourages students to engage in independent study through the departmental honors option or by enrolling in a 470 Individual Problems course. The student will work closely with a professor on a topic of mutual agreement.
The Honors option has the following requirements:
- Students must have a minimum 3.5 grade-point average in their major and a 3.0 GPA overall.
- Students must present an acceptable, bound senior thesis, and an oral defense of the thesis.
Students may attain 3-6 undergraduate independent study credits while working for the thesis. Qualified students may enroll in the honors option through their departmental advisers.
Graduating Seniors
Please stop by our office (2-155 Wilson Hall) the semester prior to graduation to pick up an “Application for Graduation” form. The form should be completed with your advisor and requires their signature before the department chair will sign it (after looking over your transcript).
Here is a link to other forms from the Registrar’s office, including the “Non-teaching Minor” form. It is not necessary to declare a non-teaching minor prior to applying for graduation.
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