The History Major

Overview of the Major

St. Olaf's history offerings are structured to help students achieve different learning
goals 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 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). At least two
courses must deal with the pre-modern period. The following courses count toward
this requirement:

   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
Click on the Coures Descriptions link to view all History course
descriptions, and the requirements satisfied.


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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