History (BA/BS)

From the controversies over monuments to the “Lost Cause” of the American south to the impact of pandemics on indigenous communities to the roots of authoritarianism, understanding the past and its resonance in the present and future is more important than ever. Studying the past trains majors to think rigorously, to write clearly, and to interpret events and problem-solve with creativity and confidence.

The bachelor of arts and bachelor of science in history are amazingly versatile degrees. The history major cultivates learning and skills that are crucial for careful and systematic thinking and, more broadly, are integral to a liberal arts education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Recognize the complexity of historical experiences in diverse parts of the world.
• Understand other chronological eras in context, including substantial historical knowledge of premodern histories.
• Analyze historical arguments and evaluate conflicts of interpretation, examine the evidence, and learn how historians construct explanations in writing.
• Identify a historical problem for study, locate evidence relevant to that problem, analyze that evidence critically, and develop a research strategy to address the historical questions.
• Synthesize information from a variety of sources to construct cogent arguments, and express those arguments in clear, convincing prose.

All history majors, regardless of whether they are earning a BA or BS, must fulfill the second-language requirement associated with the university’s bachelor of arts core-education requirement. They must demonstrate proficiency in a second language either by completing, with a C– or better or P, at least the third term, second year of a second language. History courses that satisfy major requirements must be taken for a letter grade and that grade must be a C- or better. Specific requirements follow:

Bachelor's Degree in History (BA/BS)

Historical Fields Courses

History Before 1800 Courses

Additional Requirements

In exceptional circumstances, a term paper written in Seminar: [Topic] (HIST 407 ) or in a 400-level 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: [Topic] (HIST 405)for 2 graded credits. The arrangement for writing a research paper based on the term paper is one that requires not only the approval of the director of undergraduate studies but also the agreement of the instructor in the relevant 400-level course to teach the reading and conference course and to 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 or preparation. It is permitted only when there are strong pedagogical reasons for pursuing it.

A grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher is required 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. Majors who maintain a GPA of 3.50 or better qualify for the history honors track. More information on this option may be found on the department website.

A total of 21 upper-division credits, including three courses numbered 408, 410–499, and all courses taken to fulfill the research paper requirement must be taken at the University of Oregon.

History Honors Program

The honors program provides an opportunity for capable and highly motivated history majors to develop their interests in historical research by writing a thesis during the senior year. To be eligible for admission to the program, students must have completed at least 28 credits in history, of which at least 16 upper-division credits must have been taken at the University of Oregon. The grade point average in all history courses must be 3.50 or better. Students who satisfactorily complete the thesis and related work and fulfill the requirements of the history major are eligible for a bachelor’s degree with honors in history. Information about procedures for admission to the honors program, the course of study, the nature of the thesis, and the oral examination on the thesis may be obtained from the history department staff.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in History: Environmental History Emphasis