Academic Catalog 2018-19

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History (BA, Minor)

The History Program offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge of the world’s history and cultures and the research, writing, and presentation skills to enable them to generate, analyze, and present knowledge effectively. The program offers lower and upper division courses in the geographical areas of the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Survey courses help the student understand the broad historical and cultural significance of events, persons, and trends that make each region unique. Upper Division courses provide an opportunity for the student to explore in depth a theme, area, or a chronological period.

The courses are designed to show the richness and variety of human experience, to teach the tools of historical research, and to encourage the interpretation of historical materials. The study of history emphasizes critical reading and clear, analytical writing—both of which are needed to understand the stories and societies of our past.

In the Senior year, history majors undertake research projects in which they develop a topic, evaluate and interpret sources and materials, and write a Senior thesis.

History offers an excellent preparation for graduate study and careers in education, government, journalism, law, and business. The Marshall Dill, Jr. Distinguished Lectures is an endowed lectureship established by students and friends of Marshall Dill, Jr., Professor Emeritus of History, to honor an outstanding Dominican teacher and to enable the University to invite distinguished guests to lecture on campus.

Phi Alpha Theta

Dominican University has a chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. Students are eligible after 12 history units. A high standard of scholarship is required for admission to the Alpha-Mu-Upsilon chapter (3.5 GPA in history coursework and 3.0 GPA overall). The chapter’s officers plan various activities (e.g., museum trips, forums on current events) for history (and other interested) students. In addition, students present their research at regional Phi Alpha Theta conferences where there are prizes for outstanding papers. Phi Alpha Theta also has an extensive awards program for which students can compete.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to do the following:

  1. Historical Knowledge: Students will be able to identify, describe, and analyze historical events, persons, issues, and values.
  2. Research Skills: Students will be able to select, evaluate, and incorporate primary and secondary sources in a historical research project.
  3. Writing Skills: Students will be able to voice with confidence their opinions, interpretations, and historical insights and base them on sufficient and relevant evidence.