B.A. in History

Study of the basic methods of studying history and conducting historical research at the collegiate level. Topics include how to locate and use various types of sources, how to construct theses and compelling historical arguments, and introductions to how historians study the past.

Study of the political, social, and economic development of American society from about 1607 through the end of the Civil War era in 1877. Students consider native American perspectives and the interaction with Europeans. Topics include the formation and establishment of the new nation as well as the international impact of the birth of a nation.

Study of the political, social and economic development of American society from the post-Civil War era to the present. Students investigate the development of a party system of government, industrial development, labor issues, the impact of the reconstruction, American involvement internationally, and the present state of American society.

Study of the events, peoples, groups, ideas, institutions, and trends that shaped western civilization from the prehistoric era to 1650. Emphasis on the rise and fall of empires, the legacy those empires left and the impact of religion on the ancient, medieval, and early modern western world. The multiple perspectives of gender, class, religion, and ethnic groups are explored. Students investigate historical accounts of civilization and engage in personal reflection and response.

Study of the events, peoples, groups, ideas, institutions, and trends that shaped western civilization from 1650 to the present. The multiple perspectives of gender, class, religion, and ethnic groups are explored, including reference to the interaction among the peoples of the modern world. Students investigate historical accounts of western civilization and its interaction with non-western cultures and engage in personal reflection and response.

Study of the roots of the colonists’ revolt against the British Empire, their successful revolution, and their efforts to design a suitable framework of government for the new nation. Prerequisite: HIST 201 or 202 or HIST 250.

Covers the content of the Cold War between 1945 and 1991 and addresses debates among historians over the causes, nature, and end of the conflict. Different historical methodologies for studying the Cold War are discussed. Includes the Korean and Vietnam Wars and examines the Cold War’s effects in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Prerequisite: HIST 201 or HIST 202.

Examination of the study of history, historical methodology, and the philosophy of history. Emphasizes current epistemological and methodological issues related to the study of history and evaluates various Christian and non-Christian historiographical perspectives. Prerequisites: One 300-level HIST course and Junior standing.

Investigation of how rigorous historical study is conducted. Students examine bibliographical practices, schools of the philosophy of history (both Christian and secular), and historiographical traditions. They demonstrate their understanding of basic research methods, their ability to analyze and synthesize primary and secondary sources, and the relevance of a Christian perspective in a major research project. Prerequisite: HIST 401.