Why study history? The answer is because we virtually must, to gain access to the laboratory of human experience. When we study it reasonably well, and so acquire some usable habits of mind, as well as some basic data about the forces that affect our own lives, we emerge with relevant skills and an enhanced capacity for informed citizenship, critical thinking, and simple awareness. The uses of history are varied. Studying history can help us develop some literally “salable” skills, but its study must not be pinned down to the narrowest utilitarianism. Some history—that confined to personal recollections about changes and continuities in the immediate environment—is essential to function beyond childhood. Some history depends on personal taste, where one finds beauty, the joy of discovery, or intellectual challenge. Between the inescapable minimum and the pleasure of deep commitment comes the history that, through cumulative skill in interpreting the unfolding human record, provides a real grasp of how the world works.—Peter Stearns

The BA program offers students the opportunity to integrate world language study into their curriculum.  Knowledge of languages beyond English opens many educational and career doors to graduates that will otherwise remain closed.

Program Goals

• To provide students with a general knowledge of history and historical methodology;
• To prepare students, through training in communication skills and in research methods, to gain knowledge of a given area of history;
• To prepare students to continue personal study and learning about specific subject areas in the discipline on an independent basis;
• To prepare students to engage in critical thinking; and
• To introduce students to the theoretical frameworks that serve as the foundation of historical scholarship.

Expected Student Outcomes for the History Program

On completion of the Bachelor’s degree, history majors at CSU Pueblo will:

• Demonstrate literacy–analytical reading and effective writing skills–in general, and for historical content;
• Demonstrate understanding of the history of historical writing, and demonstrate the ability to apply the principles and theories that support historical writing;
• Demonstrate knowledge of specific times and locations studied, and knowledge of the complexities of the past and the diversity of human cultures in those times and places;
• Apply the concepts of historical thinking, for example, in evaluating change over time; and
• Demonstrate skills in historical research, including historical analysis and interpretation.

Outcomes Assessment Activities for the History Program

Portfolio reviews serve as the core, formal assessment tool for the History Program.  Student portfolios contain papers written for HIST 493 Seminar (3 c.h.).  Portfolio papers are reviewed on the basis of the student learning outcomes.

Specific Program Requirements

Students must complete the “Core Requirements for the History Major” as outlined above, plus 21 hours of history electives, of which at least 6 hours must be from non US history courses (as determined by the student’s advisor), and of which at least 15 hours must be upper level).  A minimum of two semesters of college level world language is required for the BA degree in History; more is recommended. The BA degree in History is appropriate for students planning to attend graduate or law school, among other careers.

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At least 6 hours must be from non US history courses (as determined by the student’s advisor), and at least 15 hours must be upper level.

Specific Core Requirements

Specific Core Requirements

Specific Graduation Requirements

• No grade below C is acceptable in the major or minor.
• Students are expected to complete HIST 493 Seminar (3 c.h.) in their final year. Class size in HIST 493 Seminar (3 c.h.) is limited. A grade of D+ or lower in HIST 493 Seminar (3 c.h.) will, after the third attempt in either course, result in the student being prevented from enrolling in the course again. The student may be eligible for reconsideration on a one-time basis, with approval by the student’s advisor. If repeated registration, after the third attempt, is permitted, subsequent failure to achieve a grade of C will make the student ineligible for readmission to those courses.
• Students must take HIST 493 Seminar (3 c.h.) in residence. No courses will be accepted in transfer to substitute for this course.

Planning Sheet

Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.

Note: In addition to requirements for the major and general education, students must complete either:

1. Any minor degree program listed in the catalog other than their major; or
2. 18 credit hours outside of the major.

Students may not use the same credits to satisfy requirements for both major and minor degrees, or use credits taken to satisfy general education requirements.