Bachelor of Arts in History in Rome

Students who are following the pre-Fall 2016 major, can review these requirements.

The Bachelor of Arts in History is designed to provide the intellectual breadth and the analytical skills that allow students to make meaningful connections between the past and the present. To that end, History majors are encouraged to interpret and question the cultural, social, economic and political factors that shape the ways in which individuals, societies, and cultures change over time.

History faculty help students develop the skills of historical analysis, critical reading and writing, and research through a combination of survey courses and limited enrolment seminars. Throughout the history program, students develop their intellectual agility, curiosity and responsibility, along with research and communicative abilities. As such, our History Major provides a strong foundation for graduate study in history and related fields, professional education (e.g., Law School or teacher training), and careers in any field that places high value on analytical and communicative skills.

We offer numerous merit-based Presidential Scholarships and need-based Assistance Grants.

Learning Outcomes for the History Major

Requirements for the Degree (as of Fall 2016)

A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University (the General Distribution Humanities Requirements will also be satisfied by taking the core courses listed below).

B. Core Curriculum 

• HS 120 Introduction to Western Civilization I
• HS 121 Introduction to Western Civilization II
• HS 200 Doing History
• HS 201 The Long Term History of Globalization
• One 200 or 300 level HS course in each of the following areas: Ancient History (before c. 500 C.E.), Medieval History (c. 500-1500 C.E.), Early Modern History (c. 1500-1800 C.E.), Modern History (c. 1800-2000 C.E.)
• HM 460 Research and Writing in the Humanities
• HS 480 Senior Thesis

The University requires an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses required for the major.

C. Major Electives 

Seven HS courses, at least four of which are at 300 level.  At least two of these must be 300-level courses designated as 'Research Seminars' — students are strongly encouraged to complete these before the semester in which they enroll for their thesis.  Students are encouraged to propose relevant courses from other disciplines to be considered as major electives.  Such proposals must be approved by their advisor and the Humanities Department Chair.

D. General Electives sufficient to give a total of 120 credits.