Overview of the Major
St. Olaf's history offerings are structured to help students achieve different learninggoals at different levels. In Level I seminars, students approach history as a way of
learning through a variety of historical topics and through the reading of primary
sources. In Foundation Courses, they explore the broad historical development of
the world's major societies and cultures. In Level II courses, students examine
more specialized national, area, and topical developments. Finally, Level III
seminars challenge students to recognize historical problems and to formulate
their own questions about history, historiography, and historical methods.
History courses at Levels I and II generally do not have prerequisites. Level I
seminars are only open to first-year students. Before entering Level III courses,
students with little or no background in a particular area or period should
consult with the instructor.
Requirements for the Major
History majors are required to take nine courses, including one Level II major
seminar and three courses at Level III. Three Level I courses (but no more than
two seminars) may count toward the major. Students must take at least one
course in each of three general areas, i.e., Europe, United States, and the
non-Western world (Africa, Asia, Latin America). This area requirement should be
fulfilled in Level I or Level II courses. At least two courses in the major must deal
with the pre-modern period; see the departmental website or the History
Department chair for the approved list of pre-modern courses. Other courses
may meet this requirement if approved by the department chair.
Pre-Modern courses taken prior to the 2004-'05 academic year:
101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 125, 130, 131, 190, 191, 195, 196, 205,
210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 220, 221, 222, 225, 226, 230, 231, 235, 240,
242, 246, 248, 251, 259, 260, 262, 266, 270, 275, 277, 281, 302, 303,
309.
Other courses may meet this requirement if approved by the
Department Chair.
Pre-Modern courses taken in 2004-'05 and later:
101, 111, 115, 125, 161, 162, 165, 167, 190, 191, 194, 195, 198, 201,
202, 203, 204, 211, 212, 217, 218, 219, 220, 222, 224, 226, 232, 237,
238, 241, 250, 252, 267, 272, 282.
Other courses may meet this requirement if approved by the
Department Chair.
Please note: During the summer of 2004 all of the History courses were
re-numbered. Any courses taken before the fall of 2004 will reflect the old
numbering system, any courses taken in the fall of 2004-'05 and later will
reflect the new numbering system. Two separate matrixes appear below, which
you can use to "see" if the classes you are taking fulfill the requirements
for a History major.
Matrix Requirements Prior to 2004-'05 *
Suggestion: use the Matrix as a Worksheet.
Take the Matrix with you when you meet with your Advisor.
Matrix Requirements 2004-'05 and After *
Suggestion: use the Matrix as a Worksheet.
Take the Matrix with you when you meet with your Advisor.
Course Descriptions
If you want to view a list of all the courses in the History curriculum at St. Olaf,
along with course descriptions, consult the Academic Catalog. If you want to see
which of those courses are offered this academic year, click on Course Descriptions,
which will also include extended course descriptions.
Additional helpful documents when considering a History major
and planning which courses to take, are listed below:
The History Major
History Major Plan
History Major
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