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 and public 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 and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. History majors will satisfy the three-course university Writing Intensive (WI) requirement in the following way: HI 250 Research and Writing and HI 420 Senior Seminar, and one elective course from HI 322 Colonial and Revolutionary America or HI 365 History of Medieval Europe.
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 and/or University 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.
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 |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course - POL 104 recommended * | |
| CNCT 100 | Connections * | 3 |
Year One — Spring
| HI 104 | The West and the World II * | 3 |
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course in a second discipline * | 3 |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course with lab * | 4 |
| TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
Year Two — Fall
| HI 110 | History of the United States to 1877 * | 3 |
| HI 250 | Historical Research and Writing * | 3 |
| EN | Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course * | 3 |
| PH 100 | Introduction to Philosophy * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Two — Spring
| HI 111 | History of the United States since 1877 * | 3 |
| | Fine Arts (FNA) or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course * | 3 |
| | Introductory Social Science (SS-1) in a third discipline or Second Natural Science (NS) core course * | 3 |
| | Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Three — Fall
| | One (1) 300-level history (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) 300-level history course | 3 |
| | Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - 2nd WI course if not already completed * | |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Year Three — Spring
| | Two (2) 300-level history courses | |
| PH | Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course * | 3 |
| | Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course (politics recommended) * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - 2nd DSINQ course required if not already completed * | 3 |
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 |
| | One (1) 300-level history course | 3 |
| | One (1) elective - GP course if not already completed * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
HI 400: EXP course. Internship may be taken for 6 credits or 3 credits plus one (1) 300-level history course.
HI 420: DSINQ and WI course
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and the Course Descriptions for further information.