Department of History

Chair: Shawn Comminey

Professors: Shawn Comminey, Wanda Jackson, Charles Vincent

Associate Professors: Peter Breaux

Assistant Professors: Michael Firven, Don Hernandez

Adjunct Professors: Emmitt Glynn, Dena Davis, Terrell Johnson, Latrenda Williams-Clark, Fred-Alan Williams, Sanford Robins, Shala Washington, Derrick Cavazos (Online), Tia Mills (Online)

The general aim of the program is to produce students who can demonstrate an expansive knowledge of the histories of the peoples of the world and use the tools of historical research to expand the fields of knowledge. Students completing the baccalaureate in history will adequately demonstrate a competency in history by expressing themselves orally, and in writing, in any given arena.

A major in history consists of at least 30 hours of history exclusive of freshman courses. A minor in history consists of 18 hours, including HIST-224, HIST-225, and 12 hours of history electives.

Undergraduate history majors are prepared for career opportunities as educators, researchers, communicators or editors, information managers, advocates, or even businesspersons. They may also use history as a major in order to prepare for such professional schools as law and theology, as well as graduate work in history and other fields. Student history majors are encouraged to minor in related disciplines or others with the consent of their advisors.

Student history majors must take a written departmental comprehensive examination to determine competency in the field before completion of the first semester of the senior year. A program committee will supervise and direct this examination.

Required Courses

  1. HIST-224, 225, 400, and 414
  2. In addition to the above required history courses, history majors must take a minimum of nine hours of non-U.S. history from at least two of the following general geographical areas: Africa, Asia, Europe or Latin America.

Specific Degree Requirements

Along with completing the curriculum for the baccalaureate in History and passing the written departmental comprehensive examination, students must demonstrate competency in computer literacy by passing an appropriate course or examination. They must also earn a minimum grade of “C” in all history courses, as well as in Freshman Composition (ENGL-110 and 111, thus fulfilling the Writing Proficiency Requirement), perform 60 hours of community service, and pass a three-hour course in the African-American Experience. Additionally, students must complete and submit a graduation application by the scheduled deadline, as well as all other necessary related forms.