History courses support the Liberal Arts Core requirements of the University and several of the academic objectives in various majors across the curriculum. Resources for the study of history in the Washington area are extraordinary, and many students find opportunities to witness first hand history-making events in this capital city.
The study of history aims to improve an understanding of the modern world through a perspective that enables evaluation of both its mature and its underdeveloped conditions. The History program at Marymount focuses primarily on the areas of modern European and American history. Most freshmen are encouraged to complete elementary survey courses in Western civilization or American history.
The History major, traditionally a preparation for careers in law, business, teaching, and research, provides 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.
History majors are urged to consider a minor concentration in another discipline. Senior students fulfill the requirements of a senior seminar and beginning students complete survey courses in Western civilization and American history before entering 300-level courses; it is recommended to all students enrolling in a 300-level history course that they have already completed a lower-level history survey course or an equivalent 3 credits in history.
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major requirements (42 credits): HI 203-204 European History I & II, HI 210-211 History of the United States to 1877 and History of the United States since 1877, 21 credits of HI courses numbered 300 or above, HI 400 Internship, and HI 420 Senior Seminar.
Undergraduates seeking teaching licensure on the secondary level in History and Social Science fulfill the curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in History as well as 18 credits of professional studies plus additional courses in Social Sciences. Students should consult their primary advisor in History for program requirements. A second advisor is also provided by the School of Education and Human Services. See the School of Education and Human Services for a complete description of the undergraduate teaching licensure programs and the admission process.
Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure including field experiences and student teaching. This program of studies allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in History and also be licensed to teach secondary History and Social Science at the end of four years.
Minor requirements: HI 203-204 European History I & II, or HI 210-211 History of the United States to 1877 and History of the United States since 1877; and 15 additional credits in History courses, 9 of which must be from courses numbered 300 or above.
The Public History minor is an innovative, interdisciplinary track providing the kinds of skills and information associated with careers in museums, historical societies, national parks, corporate archives, and heritage tourism industries. Capitalizing upon Marymount's proximity to some of the nation's premier cultural and historical institutions, it combines hands-on experience with traditional coursework.
Minor requirements: Students must take HI 295 Introduction to Public History, and a minimum of 15 credits drawn from the following courses: COM/GD 303-304 Video Production I & II; ID 454 Historic Preservation; ID 452 American Interiors and Furnishings; ID 556 Historic Research, Documentation, and Design; GD 104 Software Lab IV: Web and Multimedia Design; and GD 200 Desktop Publishing. Working in consultation with the History faculty, students may also take relevant courses through the consortium and may arrange internships at public history agencies.
NOTE: HI 295 Introduction to Public History is to be taken before other courses in the program.
To ensure adequate contextual grounding, non-History majors must also take either the European History (HI 203-204) or U.S. History (HI 210-211) sequence.