"The past is never dead. It's not even past."
--William Faulkner

"History is indeed the witness of the times, the light of truth."
  --Cicero

"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it."
-- George Santayana

"Without History, No Life"
--West African Proverb

History is the collective memory of human actions and thoughts, historical study is the attempt to understand the interrelatedness of past events within this collective memory. To forget or ignore history is to develop a collective amnesia, for it is the recorded past which provides the ideals, the values, the experiences which give us something to live for. History, then, becomes a source of inspiration and of indignation, a tapestry of human accomplishments and failures.

The history major is designed to sharpen analytical and writing skills, to develop proper methods of research, and to gain a broad understanding of the human condition. The study of the past infuses sense into an often bewildering present and prepares us to function more effectively in an increasingly complex world. No one can understand his or her own society without comprehending its evolution. Thus, history allows us to be better citizens. Although few students of history go on to become professional historians, the study of history provides a solid foundation for careers in government, law, education, and business. Besides, studying history is fun--where else can you meet such a dramatic cast of strange and unusual characters?

Requirements for the history major:

 Students majoring in history must complete the following requirements:
 
HIS 100/101                                            6
HIS 102/103 or HIS 106/107                 6
HIS 385 (Art & Method of History)    3

One Upper Level Course in:
U.S. History                                           3
European History                                 3
Non-Western History                          3
Race/Gender History                            3
Three Upper Level Electives                9

Total Credit Hours                       36

*Students who complete HIS 104 (Honors Seminar) need only take two additional 100 level courses, but they still must complete the 36 hour requirement.

No grade below a 'C' will be accepted for courses in the major.  Students must earn a grade point average of 2.5 in the history major.

The History Minor
Requirements for the history minor:

To complete a history minor students must take either HIS 100/101; HIS 102/103; or HIS 106/107, and complete at least 15 additional semester hours of history at the 300 level or above.