History Major

Students completing the History major (B.A.) will demonstrate:

• historical knowledge
• an understanding of historical methods.
• the ability to communicate clear and persuasive historical arguments and narratives supported by appropriate evidence.
• the ability to use historical perspective as a central part of being active citizens.

Where have we come from? Rich, variegated, and intrinsically exciting, the study of history invites students to a deeper comprehension of human experience through an examination of the institutional, social, political, economic, technological, intellectual, and cultural dimensions of our past. Where are we? Of greater significance, disciplined study of the past encourages the cultivation of “historical thinking” – understanding human identity and social interaction in their historical contexts – so necessary to analyze and evaluate issues of the contemporary world. Where are we going? Of yet greater significance, historical thinking provides the intellectual tools and sophistication to face a rapidly changing and challenging future with measured confidence.

At Bryant, students pursuing a B.A. degree in History receive thorough training in historical studies. Each student acquires skills enabling him or her to read documents or texts in an historical context, to interpret events and understand institutions, to appreciate the diverse cultural and historical experience of Western and non-Western peoples, and to write extensively. Coupled with Bryant’s common core of business training, the command of these skills – all highly valued by the business community – provides students a unique education and training for positions of leadership. Further, the concentration in history gives students excellent preparation for advanced studies at the graduate level in a variety of disciplines, including law, business, public policy, education, and history, among others.

The History major consists of three components:

1. an individually tailored program of instruction, to be created by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor from history.
2. completion of a minimum of 10 courses in history, of which no more than three may be at the 200-level (HIS 273 is required), at least two must be in U.S. history, and at least two must be in non-U.S. history; and at least two must be at the 400-level (includes HIS 490)

completion of the Capstone course (HIS 490), a Seminar in Historical Inquiry. Students are also encouraged to pursue individual Directed Studies courses and to exploit the rich historical resources available in the New England area through internships with the Rhode Island Historical Society, Slater Mills Historic Site, or other area museums and public history institutions).

History Concentration

Students in the History concentration will demonstrate:

• historical knowledge
• an understanding of historical methods.
• the ability to communicate clear and persuasive historical arguments and narratives supported by appropriate evidence.
• the ability to use historical perspective as a central part of being active citizens.

The history concentration consists of three components:

1. an individually tailored program of instruction, to be created by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor from history.
2. completion of a minimum of six courses in history, of which no more than two may be at the 200-level, at least one elective must be at the 400-level, at least two must be in U.S. history, and at least two must be in non-U.S. history.
3. completion of the Senior 400-level course, a Seminar in Historical Inquiry

Students are also encouraged to pursue individual Directed Studies courses and to exploit the rich historical resources available in the New England area through internships (e.g., with the Rhode Island Historical Society, Slater Mills Historic Site, or other area museums and public history institutions). This is an 18-credit concentration only. Students must have a primary concentration in the College of Business or a major in the College of Arts and Sciences.

History Minor

Students completing the History minor will demonstrate:

• historical knowledge
• an understanding of historical methods.
• the ability to communicate clear and persuasive historical arguments and narratives supported by appropriate evidence.
• the ability to use historical perspective as a central part of being active citizens.

Students may choose among four tracks of study: United States history, European history, world history, or a specialized course of study. The history minor emphasizes personal resourcefulness, the ethical dimensions of history, and the awareness of diversity and differences in the human experience.

Bachelor Of Arts With A Major In History Degree Requirements: 

History Concentration Requirements

Course List

HIS 273	History in the World Today	3
HIS 490	Seminar in Historical Inquiry	3
Four History Electives 1		12

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No more than two courses at the 200-level in the concentration(so, HIS 273 plus one more), at least two courses must be in U.S. History (may include HIS 490), at least two courses must be in non-U.S. History (may include HIS 490), two courses must be at the 400 level (includes HIS 490 plus one more)

A minimum of 18 credit hours is required for the concentration. 

History Minor Requirements

Course List

One 200-level history course		3
Two 300 or 400-level history courses		6
One 400-level history course		3

A minimum of 12 credit hours is required for the minor.