History
As part of the Department of History the program in History is comprised of a community of professors and scholars united by a common commitment to enhance knowledge and understanding of the human past. In doing so, they value both the diversity and commonality of human experience. They are also united in their desire to equip students with both an appreciation for and a critical appraisal of lives, institutions, and past events. They see these endeavors as an essential part of the mission of any university, and the University of Saint Mary in particular.
The program in history is designed to empower students to:
- Understand change and continuity in the histories of different regions, societies, and time periods, as well as for the differences and similarities among those histories over time, appreciating the importance of historical context.
- Use essential analytical and research skills of interpreting and critiquing primary and secondary sources to understand, identify, and evaluate historical events, developments, movements, and trends.
- Be able to construct arguments based on historical evidence and to understand the study of historical methods and approaches used to create distinct argumentative perspectives.
- Recognize and understand human societies from different perspectives, developing comprehensive and diverse views of human nature, while incorporating reflections of themselves within the wider world.
Major in History
To complete the 33-credit hour major, students must take an additional 15 credits of any history or eligible political science or global studies course (See Undergraduate Course Descriptions) numbered 300-level and above. Electives in political science, global studies, economics, sociology, geography, literature, and philosophy are strongly recommended. For the capstone class, students will complete either HI 568 or HI 569 depending on their status with regard to secondary education licensure. The capstone courses will require either a paper or portfolio of no less than 20 pages based on original argumentation, and primary and secondary source research and analysis.
Second Language:
Elementary Language I and II of a second language are required for history majors. Students may meet this requirement by demonstrating language proficiency or successfully passing Elementary Language I and II with a grade of “C-“ or better. There is no second language requirement for history majors on the secondary education track.
Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society
Phi Alpha Theta (ΦΑΘ) is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society is a charter member of the Association of College Honor Societies and has over 350,000 members, with about 9,500 new members joining each year through 860 local chapters. The University of Saint Mary chapter is Upsilon-Omicron. USM students regularly present their original research at Phi Alpha Theta Midwest Regional conferences. In order to be considered for this honor society, undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours (4 courses) in history, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.1 in History, and a GPA of 3.00 or better overall. Eligible candidates must also be in the top 35% of their class. Students enrolled in an online program are not eligible. Membership is not limited to History majors. Visit the Phi Alpha Theta homepage for details.
Historical Associations
There are a wide range of professional history associations and University of Saint Mary history majors are strongly encouraged to participate in these organizations. University of Saint Mary students regularly attend American Historical Association and International Studies Association conferences.
Teacher Licensure
Students who plan to become history teachers at the secondary level should consult the Teacher Education Advisor for history early in their course of studies. Secondary-teacher licensure requires specific major and/or supporting courses not required of all history majors, including the following:
EC 232 Principles of Microeconomics (3 crs)
HI 455 Kansas and the American West (3 crs)
PS 132 Debating American National, State, and Local Government (3 crs)
SO 110 Introduction to Sociology (3 crs)
These courses have assignments, course outcomes, and assessments that align with Kansas State Department of Education standards in History and Government. Note that from time to time, as Kansas Department of Education requirements change, these courses may be amended. Students planning to be history teachers should consult with their advisor prior to each semester’s course registration. As meeting Saint Mary and Kansas Department of Education licensure standards have been integrated into these courses, transferring equivalent courses to the University of Saint Mary from other colleges and universities is strongly discouraged. Students who plan to become teachers at the secondary level must take a minimum of twelve credit hours at the University of Saint Mary in the Department of History, which have not been transferred from another college or university. Students should declare their major and must apply for admission to the Teacher Education program at the end of their sophomore year. See the Education program section of this catalog or arrange an appointment with the Social and Behavioral Sciences Chair for further information.
History Courses
Students must earn a grade of “C-” or higher in all courses that count toward a history major, history minor, or secondary-teacher licensure in “history and government.” Unless freshmen have earned "Advanced Placement Status" by scoring a 3, 4, or 5 in the history subject area of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or they have the consent of the instructor, they are not allowed to take history courses above the 300 level. Courses that are cross-listed, such as HIPS courses, have an equal amount of history and political science content. Cross-listed courses can count credits toward one discipline or the other, but not both.