Advice for Majors

Becoming a Major

Students thinking about majoring in History should speak with a History Department faculty member during their sophomore year. Your major advisor can speak with you about your interests and goals, and help you plan a major that meets your needs.

Study Away

Students planning to study away should think well in advance about their programs. Especially for those planning to study in non-English speaking countries, it is vital to receive solid language training as early as possible. The Department strongly urges students studying away to integrate their visits abroad into their major programs.

Progress Through the Major

Although students’ experiences and programs of study in the History Major vary, the curriculum is designed to challenge students with increasingly complex historical content, concepts, and methodology. As students progress through the major, they are encouraged to take the initiative in their own explorations.

First year

In the first year, students begin to explore courses in the History curriculum. A student thinking about majoring in History may take a First-Year Seminar, 100-level Introductory courses, and/or 200-level Lecture/Survey courses. Students should take courses with several professors and begin to consider who might serve as their advisor.

Sophomore year

Potential majors may take a 100-level Introductory course. They are encouraged to take Lecture/Survey courses at the 200-level and to consider taking an Intermediate Seminar on a topic of interest. During the spring semester, students will declare their majors. They should contact their History advisors early in the semester to discuss their major programs. Students planning to study away should meet with their advisors in the late fall or early spring.

Junior year

By the junior year, most students should have chosen their major field of concentration. Students should complete the intermediate seminar requirement by the end of the junior year. They may take a 300-level advanced seminar if they have plans to pursue an Honors Project in the senior year.

Senior year

In addition to completing the range of courses necessary to fulfill the requirements for the major, students are encouraged to pursue their own research projects through 300-level Advanced Seminars, advanced or intermediate Independent Studies, or an Honors Project. Students should plan this work with their advisors, or with another member of the department.