B.A. Degree with a Major in History

Requirements for the Major

A major in History is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:

Required Core Course:

HIS 200

Required Capstone Course:

HIS 406.

In extraordinary circumstances, a student may petition to substitute HIS 490A or 490B for HIS 406.

Required Distribution Courses

Seven (7) additional HIS course credits selected by the student in consultation with the Academic Advisor and ensuring that the following distributive criteria are met:

• Minimum of four (4) HIS courses at the 200- to 400- level, two of which must be at the 300- or 400- level. (Neither HIS 200 nor 406 may be used to fulfill any of these.)
• Minimum of one (1) course credit each from American, European, and Non-Western areas (see list below)
• Minimum of one (1) course credit in which the bulk of the course content is pre-1700 (see list below)

The following courses have been approved to satisfy specific Required Distribution Courses.

Students may petition to have transferred courses, independent studies, team initiated studies, internships, directed studies, and other academic experiences counted toward the distribution courses within the major.

It is the intention of the Program that a single course can meet one or more of these distributive requirements. For example, HIS/REL 215: History of Christianity to 1600 could serve as a 200-level class and meet the European and pre-1700 requirements, thus fulfilling three of the seven required distribution courses.

American

HIS 161, 162, 165 (also AFR), 201 (also PSC), 253 (also APS), 310, 355 (also REL), 356 (also AFR)

European

HIS 101, 102(also WGS), 130,131,140 (also SPN), 209, 210 (also LAT), 215 (also REL), 219, 228, 234, 311, 314, 315, 316, 335

Non-Western

HIS 122 (also AST), 123 (also AST),175 (also PSC), 223, 224, 240 (also REL), 260 (also AFR), 270, 322 (also AST), 323 (also AST)

Pre-1700

HIS 101,130, 202 (also REL), 209, 210 (also LAT), 215, 219, 223, 234 (also REL), 240 (also REL), 311, 314

Required Collateral Courses

A foreign language through the third (103) level. Any student who has taken the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and been admitted to Berea College is not required to take further course work in foreign languages. Students who have proven proficiency through the 103 level also are exempted. Students who have taken the TOEFL examination, and those who have proven proficiency through the 103 level, are required to meet the International Perspective either through further language study or through the World Culture option for that Perspective.

 

Exploring the Major

Students considering History as a major should begin exploring the discipline through any of the several introductory courses by choosing one or more that appeals to them. Most 100-level can serve this purpose. Students also should begin the study of at least one foreign language as early as possible.

Admission to the Major

Successful completion (or equivalent) of foreign language to 102 level.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

HIS 200 should be taken in the Fall Term of the sophomore year. HIS 406 requires senior standing and is offered only once a year.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major

In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy program standards for effectiveness in written and oral communication.

History

• Program
• Courses
• Program Web Site