Department of History
Major Requirements - Effective Fall 2001

The Department of History offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program. However, all history majors must complete 2 years of a second language regardless of the degree choice. They must demonstrate proficiency in a second language either by completing (with a C-/P or better) at least the 3rd term, 2nd year of another language or by examination, showing competence equivalent to that attained at the end of 2 years of college study. History courses that satisfy major requirements must be taken for letter grades. 21 upper-division credits, including 3 courses numbered 410-499, and all courses taken to fulfill the research paper requirement must be taken at the University of Oregon. Specific requirements follow:

1. 45 graded credits in history, 33 must be upper division, which include at least 21 credits at the 400-level. No more than 6 graded credits of Reading and Conference (HIST 405) may be used to fulfill major requirements.

2. 8 upper-division credits in history before 1800.

3. 8 upper-division credits in 3 of the following fields:
     a. European History
     b. United States History
     c. African History
     d. Asian History
     e. Latin American History

4. A research paper written in a seminar (HIST 407). In exceptional circumstances a term paper written in a colloquium (HIST 408) or in a 400-level lecture course may be expanded into a research paper. Students who have secured approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies for this option enroll in Reading and Conference (HIST 405) for 2 graded credits

The arrangement for writing a research paper is one that not only requires approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, but also an agreement with the instructor in the relevant 400-level course to teach the Reading and Conference (HIST 405) and supervise the writing of the research paper. This procedure for writing a research paper does not duplicate the seminar experience. It should not be used to compensate for a student's lack of planning and preparation. It is permitted only when there are strong pedagogical reasons for pursuing it.

5. A grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher in history courses taken at the University of Oregon. A mid C or better is required in courses taken to fulfill the research paper requirement.

Major Checklist

PDF version available here
Microsoft Word version available here

Advising and Entering the Major

To declare a major in history, students must first have a formal advising session with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. The director will aid students in a plan of study and assign a faculty advisor according to field of interest. The faculty advisor helps develop a plan that directs the course of study and ensures timely completion of the requirements.

A staff of undergraduate peer advisors are available in the History Peer Advising Office to help majors and prospective majors at any stage of their academic careers. Peer Advisors are trained in university and history major requirements. They are an excellent resource for information regarding graduate programs, careers in history, and history-related activities.