Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 CSU East Bay Catalog 
    
2016-2017 CSU East Bay Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

History, United States History Option, B.A.


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History (B.A.) 180 units


Program Description

Students who pursue work in History benefit in a variety of ways. Their studies afford them entree to the riches of the recorded past and understanding of the process of historical change. At the same time, a History major enables them to develop critical reading and writing skills which are valuable in life and in any employment field they choose to enter.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a B.A. in History from Cal State East Bay will be able to:

  1. know basic analytic concepts for assembling, organizing, and interpreting historical evidence, and achieve digital literacy in accessing and presenting historical materials;
  2. demonstrate significant knowledge of major events and trends in their area of concentration;
  3. write and speak clearly and persuasively about historical themes and topics, and work collaboratively with others in solving historical problems;
  4. conduct historical research in primary sources, provide original interpretation of sources, and accurately reference all sources;
  5. comprehend differences and similarities among diverse peoples and cultures over time and develop an historical perspective on social responsibility and sustainability.

Career Possibilities

  • Archivist
  • Attorney
  • Corporate Historian
  • Curator
  • Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer
  • Government Service
  • International Relations Specialist
  • Journalist
  • Legal Assistant
  • Librarian
  • Museum Worker
  • Professor
  • Politician
  • Public Administrator
  • Researcher
  • Teacher
  • Writer

Features

The B.A. degree major in History requires 68 units in History, 24 at the lower division and 44 at the upper division level. Foundation courses (28 units) provide an introduction to the methods and purposes of historical study, historical writing, and surveys of world history and U.S. history. Option requirements (16 units) permit specialization in a particular area, while elective courses (16 units) provide additional breadth. Capstone courses in historiography and historical method acquaint students with the theory and history of historical study and provide opportunities for the student to engage in original historical research.

Preparation    

Students planning to major in History should pay particular attention to the lower division requirements in the major: some of these may be satisfied before coming to Cal State East Bay.

Advanced Placement: Students who score a “3,” “4,” or “5” on the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Test in European History will be granted 8 units of credit for HIST 1015 and HIST 1016 which count towards the lower division requirements in the History major. Students who earn a “3,” “4,” or “5” on the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Test in U.S. History will receive 8 units of credit equivalent to HIST 1101 and 1102. Credit will apply to the U.S. history and U.S. Constitution requirements for graduation, but not to the California state and local government requirement. An additional course is required to complete the California state and local government requirement.

Major Requirements (B.A.) 68 units


Please consult an advisor in your major department for clarification and interpretation of your major requirements. The B.A. degree requires a total of 180 units.

  • The core major consists of 52 units;
    • the Asian and Middle Eastern History Option consists of 16 units;
    • the European History Option consists of 16 units.
    • the History of California and the American West Option consists of 16 units;
    • the Latin American History Option consists of 16 units;
    • the United States History Option consists of 16 units.
  • GE/USHG/UWS consists of 84 units (some courses may double-count units - see your advisor).
  • Free Electives (if any) will make up the remainder units to reach 180 minimum total units (see your advisor). 

Upper Division Capstone Core (8 units)


The following courses should be taken in the student’s final three quarters. All Foundation courses must be completed before enrollment in Capstone courses.

Electives Core (16 units)


Four upper division courses (16 units) in History. These must include at least one course from each of at least two different option areas outside the student’s option. HIST 3400 may not be counted towards the major.

Option Requirements


To complete the major unit requirements the Department of History offers several options for degree candidates. Majors should choose one of the following options:

Students may also design a topical (e.g., women’s history), geographic (e.g., Russian history), or period (e.g., ancient and medieval history) option of their own with the advance written approval of the department chair.

Course Descriptions


Use this link to see all Course Descriptions  available throughout this catalog.

Other Undergraduate Degree Requirements


In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described in the Undergraduate Admission and Degree Information & FAQ  chapter in the front of this catalog. These include the General Education-Breadth requirements; the second composition (ENGL 1002 ) requirement; the cultural groups/women requirement; the performing arts/activities requirement; the U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and California state and local government requirement; the University Writing Skills Requirement; and the residence, unit, and grade point average requirements.

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