History is a nine-course major, with various
specifications:
Because we expect students to
know some history of the whole world, we ask for at least one course in
American history, one course in European history, and one course in non-western
history.
Because
we want students to explore a variety of time periods, we ask for two courses
in the pre-modern era (before 1800 in Europe, and before 1900 in the United
States and the rest of the world).
[For a list of courses that count, see the matrix at http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/history/major/Require_After_Aug04.htm ].
Because
we want students to do history with some depth and sophistication, we ask for one level II major seminar (201, 210, 240 or 270), and three level III seminars.
What are the benefits of doing history?
1)
good stories about real people
2)
understanding human beings and their institutions
3)
thinking outside the box of our own experience
culturally
chronologically
geographically
4)analytical
skills
careful
reading,
creative
research
problem
solving
and
organizing information
5)
communication skills
writing
speaking
multi-media
presentations
What can I do with a history major?
1) Think
2) Think (it's worth repeating)
3) Read a newspaper with a critical eye
4) Go to law school, or get involved in media and journalism
5) Teach social studies, or go on to graduate school
6) Work at a business that values clear thinking and expression (most of them)
7) Work for a government agency that can use your research skills (most of them)
8) Play trivial pursuit
9) Make history.
10) Change the world