Department of History

Alone among the disciplines, history embraces the sum of the human experience—politics, economy, religion, art, ideas, culture, social structures, and science. It is the goal of the Department of History to facilitate imaginative encounters with the past, which are essential to interpreting who we are and how we came to be where we are. All majors have an advisor in the department with whom they should consult regularly in planning their programs of study. The total number of courses required for fulfillment of the major is 12. Students must complete a core methodology course (CAS HI 200), at least two seminars at the 400 or 500 level, and nine additional courses, of which four must meet distributional requirements. Because of the flexibility within the major program, the department encourages its students to study abroad and pursue courses of study in other departments.

The history curriculum provides training in critical skills. Our courses require extensive writing, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and oral communication. Not surprisingly, history majors succeed in diverse fields including government, social science research, law, policy, and education.

Students in the history department have opportunities to work closely with faculty in courses that are crafted to be rigorous, discussion-based classes. Our honors program provides dedicated students the chance to work with a faculty advisor in a related research discipline, and participate in a stimulating and supportive intellectual community, while engaging in deep and sustained research on a historical topic.

Our student organizations, the Undergraduate History Association (UHA), the National History Honor Society Phi Alpha Theta – Delta Mu Chapter, and the undergraduate history journal Aevum, offer activities and opportunities to interact with peers outside the classroom at BU and beyond.