History (B.A.)
History is the story of past human events and the study of social, cultural, or intellectual continuity and change over time. The history program at Marymount focuses primarily on the areas of European and American history. Resources for the study of history in the Washington area are extraordinary, and many students find opportunities to witness firsthand history-making events in this capital city.
The history major — traditionally a preparation for careers in law, business, teaching, research, and many other fields — includes courses essential to the study of the European and American traditions. The requirements of the major are deliberately flexible to accommodate a variety of options within the discipline and with other fields of study.
Internship opportunities in the Washington area are outstanding. The study abroad program offers internship and study programs in numerous locations. The most popular destinations include England, Ireland, and Italy.
History majors are encouraged to consider a minor concentration in another discipline.
Upon successful completion of the history program, students will be able to
- demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and assess primary and secondary sources within their historical contexts;
- demonstrate the ability to interpret history through research and synthesis of evidentiary sources and application of theory and method; and
- demonstrate the ability to apply historical knowledge effectively through the construction and communication of oral and written arguments in a professional forum.
Minors are offered in history, public history, and art history. Please see the School of Humanities minors section for details.
Degree Requirements - History
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core requirements.
| HI 103 | The West and the World I * | 3 |
| HI 104 | The West and the World II * | 3 |
| HI 110 | History of the United States to 1877 * | 3 |
| HI 111 | History of the United States since 1877 * | 3 |
| HI 250 | Historical Research and Writing | 3 |
| | |
| HI 400 | Internship | 3 |
| OR | |
| HI 400SL | Service Learning Internship | 3 |
| | |
| HI 420 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
Major Elective Courses
Eighteen (18) credits in history electives at the 300 level. Three (3) of these credits may come from 300-level art history courses.
Sample Degree Plan - History
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
| HI 103 | The West and the World I * | 3 |
| EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
| MA | Mathematics (MT) core course * | 3-4 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course - POL 104 recommended * | |
| | Philosophy (PH) core course * | |
EN 101: WR core course
HI 103: HI core course
Year One - Spring
| HI 104 | The West and the World II * | 3 |
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| | Social Science (SS) core course * | 3 |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course with lab * | 4 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
EN 102: WR core course
TRS 100: TRS core course
Year Two - Fall
| HI 110 | History of the United States to 1877 * | 3 |
| HI 250 | Historical Research and Writing | 3 |
| EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| | Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
| | One (1) elective - foreign language recommended | |
Year Two - Spring
| HI 111 | History of the United States since 1877 * | 3 |
| | Depth in Sciences (DSCI) core course * | 3 |
| | Depth in Faith and Reason core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - foreign language recommended | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three - Fall
| | Two (2) 300-level history courses | |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
Year Three - Spring
| | Two (2) 300-level history courses | |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
Year Four - Fall
| | Two (2) 300-level history courses | |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
Year Four - Spring
| HI 400 | Internship | 3 |
| OR | |
| HI 400SL | Service Learning Internship | 3 |
| | |
| HI 420 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| | Three (3) electives | 9 |
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core Requirements. See the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.