UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

History

Students may seek either an academic major or minor in history.

Major in History

The major in history provides students with skills in historical research and analysis, a chronological understanding of the past, and factual knowledge of specific historical periods. Study yields an appreciation of U.S. history, as well as the histories of other peoples and cultures, that enhances multicultural understanding in the workplace and everyday society. Such skills and knowledge prepare students for careers in education, law, government, business, management, public relations, writing, and research.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in history will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of historical methods and appreciate how history has been written and interpreted over recorded time.
  • Articulate how he or she is uniquely affected by the U.S. historical experience.
  • Demonstrate a chronological understanding of the diverse peoples, events, and cultures that have shaped human civilization.
  • Think and read critically and conduct research that includes identifying, evaluating, and presenting with integrity the primary and secondary sources of historical information.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the ethical and social issues associated with the writing and interpreting of history.
  • Demonstrate an increased awareness of current events and the ability to evaluate these events from a historical perspective.
  • Use research opportunities to develop and refine technological skills.
  • Write cogent, documented, historical papers that exhibit interpretive skill as well as factual knowledge.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in history requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

History Major - Course Requirements

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BA in history. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

  • EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
  • LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
  • WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
  • MATH 105 Mathematics: Contemporary Topics and Applications (3) or MATH 106 Finite Mathematics or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

  • ‡ HIST 115 World History I (3) or HIST 141 Western Civilization I or HIST 284 East Asian Civilization I (first course in required world history sequence for the major)
  • PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or a foreign language course or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, or literature course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement
  • Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1) or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other course(s) to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
  • WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
  • GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement
  • IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
  • ‡ HIST 116 World History II (3) or HIST 142 Western Civilization II or HIST 285 East Asian Civilization II (second course in required world history sequence for the major)

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

  • ‡ HIST 156 History of the United States to 1865 (3)
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
  • NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
  • ‡ HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 (3)
  • ARTH 370 History of World Art I (3) or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
  • SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3) or COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
  • IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) or other course to fulfill the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement
  • HUMN 351 Myth and Culture (3) (recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

  • WRTG 391/391X Advanced Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level intensive writing requirement
  • ‡ HIST 309 Introduction to Historical Writing (3)
  • ‡ HIST 364 Emergence of Modern America: 1900 to 1945 (3) or other U.S. distribution course for the major
  • ‡ HIST 336 Europe in the 19th Century: 1815 to 1919 (3) or other European distribution course for the major
  • ‡ HIST 481 History of Modern China (3) or other world regions distribution course for the major
  • ‡ Any HIST course (supplemental major course) (3)
  • ‡ An upper-level supplemental major course (3)
  • ‡ An upper-level supplemental major course (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (40)

Total credits for BA in history 120