History- Bachelor of Arts

For information, contact the Department of History, 254 Upham Hall, 513-529-5121.

The history major provides a specialized undergraduate program that strengthens a student's ability to read critically; analyze physical and written evidence; and develop clear, coherent arguments. These skills allow the student to engage the past with careful and imaginative questions. As students engage in the discipline of historical inquiry, they will become adept at developing written conclusions and oral presentations based on the systematic evaluation of historical evidence. Students will grow used to considering an array of cultures, familiar and unfamiliar, in diverse historical contexts.

Teacher Licensure

Students who wish to combine teacher licensure with an Arts and Science major must observe the rules, procedures, and restrictions pertaining to admission to a licensure cohort as outlined in the College of Education, Health and Society chapter. For information, contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Education, Health and Society, 202 McGuffey Hall, 513-529-6317.

Program Requirements

(36 semester hours)

¹

You must take HST 206 within one semester of becoming a History major. You must earn a C or better in HST 206 in order to graduate as a History major.

²

At least one of these (3) must be at the 400 level (excluding HST 400 and independent study work under-taken at the 400 level).

If you scored 3 or above on an Advanced Placement examination, you may apply 3 credit hours to the major (100-level course). University credit will be awarded as described below.

A single course may fulfill both of the following categories (Geographical Diversity and Pre-modern Period).

Geographical Diversity Requirement (12 hours)

Two courses (6 hours) at the 200-level or above must be on the history of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, or some combination of those regions.  One course at the 200-level or above must be in American history (3).  One course at the 200-level or above must be in European history, including Russia (3).

Pre-modern Period Requirement (6 hours)

Two courses (6) at the 200-level or above must be on the pre-modern period (defined as pre-1800), and at least one of those courses (3) must be a pre-1500 course.

Students seeking the Bachelor of Arts in History meet the College of Arts and Science writing in the major requirement by completing the following courses: HST 206 and HST 400.

Department Honors Option

History majors with a record of high achievement have the opportunity to participate in the Honors Program in History. Eligible students will receive invitations to the program no later than the first semester of their junior year. Participation in the program is by invitation only and is based in part on the number of history courses taken to that point and the grade point average in those courses.

Students accepted into the Honors Program in History must complete the following, unless alternative arrangements are made in advance with the department honors director.

¹

Ordinarily taken in the spring semester of the junior year. Counts toward upper-level courses for the History major. 

²

Ordinarily taken in the fall semester of the senior year. Fulfills the departmental and Miami Plan capstone requirement.

³

An independent study course ordinarily taken in the spring semester of the senior year with the senior thesis advisor. Counts toward upper-level courses for the History major, but not for the required 400-level course.