History

That history, as E.H. Carr observed, “is an unending dialogue between the present and the past” remains as true in the twenty-first century as it was in the mid-twentieth century when his What Is History? was first published. The major in History at Franklin College extends the dialogue into the future by training students in the perspective and methodology of the study of history as an academic discipline devoted to an understanding of human affairs in the distant and recent past with reference to chronological and geographical sequences of events and concepts, combining the skills of critical enquiry and analysis of both the social sciences and the arts and humanities.

Focusing attention on Western political, economic, social, and intellectual themes and trends within a global context, the major incorporates courses in both regional studies with emphasis on national histories and thematic studies with emphasis on transnational topics. The interdisciplinary dimension of the major provides students with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge through related courses in both the social sciences, such as in political science or economics, and the arts and humanities, such as in literature or art history. The major culminates in the study of historical method and theory with emphasis on varieties of interpretation and in the research and writing of a senior thesis in which students demonstrate their historical knowledge and skills of interpretation and communication of understanding.

The History major prepares students for studying in graduate programs in history, political science, law, and related fields. The knowledge and skills developed in the major also prepare students for contributing in the future to their national and global environments in fields such as education, government, journalism, and business, among others. Further, the study of history is of value in itself as a way of thinking and a means of understanding and navigating a rapidly changing world in the “unending dialogue between the present and the past.”

CORE REQUIREMENTS (29+/- CREDITS)

The Intercultural Competencies, International Engagement, and Social Responsibility requirements may be fulfilled through courses in the major.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (48 CREDITS)

Introductory History Courses (6 Credits)

Regional Historical Studies (12 Credits)

Four of the following (including at least one course at the 300-level)

Thematic Historical Studies (12 Credits)

Four of the following (including at least one at the 300 level):

Interdisciplinary Studies (12 Credits)

Lower-division courses:

Social Sciences (3 Credits)

Arts and Humanities (3 Credits)

Upper-division courses:

Social Sciences (3 Credits)

One of the following:

Arts and Humanities (3 Credits)

One of the following:

Capstone course: Historical Method and Theory (3 Credits)

One of the following:

Complete courses in any academic discipline

* Pre-requisites may be required for courses outside of the major.

** POL 102 may only be used in one of the two sections under IV.A

Note: All Bachelor of Arts Degrees require a total of 125 credits consisting of Core, Major, and General Elective courses and requirements.  Credits required in the Core and General Electives part of the degree plan may vary depending on Core course selections.