Course description
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 Adviser and ensuring that the following distributive criteria are met:
* Minimum of four (4) HIS course credits at the 200- to 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, Short Term courses, and other academic experiences counted toward the distribution courses within the major.
It is the intention of the Department 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, 356 (also AFR)
European
HIS 101, 102, 140 (also SPN), 209, 210 (also LAT), 215 (also REL), 219, 228 (also WST), 311, 314, 315, 316, 335
Non-Western
HIS 122 (also AST), 123 (also AST), 224, 240 (also REL), 260 (also AFR), 270, 322 (also AST), 323 (also AST)
Pre-1700
HIS 101, 209, 210 (also LAT), 215, 219, 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, choosing one or more that appeals to them. Most 100-level or 200-level courses, except for HIS 200, can serve this purpose. Students should begin their foreign-language study as early as possible. Students interested in this major are strongly recommended to begin language study as soon as possible to ensure progress through the major.
Admission to the Major
No special curricular requirements must be met for admission to the History major.
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 departmental standards for effectiveness in written and oral communication.
