Department of History
Why History?
The study of history is an essential part of a liberal arts education. Rigorous examination of primary documents, artifacts, oral testimonies, and other evidence help historians understand the past on its own terms and explore the complex interaction between continuity and change. Experience in documentary and statistical research, critical analysis, writing, and rhetorical communication prepares students for careers in a variety of fields like education, communications, publishing, archive and library information management, civil and foreign service, public history, and business. Some students pursue graduate and professional study in history, politics, law, and international studies.
To ensure that students can develop breadth and depth across periods and subject areas, the department offers a variety of courses covering US, European, African, and Caribbean histories. On-demand courses focus on smaller geographical and chronological pieces of history.
Ouachita's carefully-developed history program allows each student to acquire the
professional skills and knowledge base required to succeed in a variety of careers
and vocations. Each student takes an introductory course exploring historical research,
analysis, and presentation as well as available professional and career paths (some
of which require graduate study). Each student then uses those basic skills in more
advanced courses. The experience culminates in Research Seminar, which utilizes research,
writing, and presentation skills to investigate a self-selected topic, and Topical
Seminar, which investigates a specialized part of human experience in a more self-directed
study.
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Degree Requirements
History Major (B.A.): SSCI 4601 and the following courses, in which a 2.000 GPA is required for graduation: HIST 1003, 1013, 2003, 2013, 2023, 4603, the Topical Seminar (HIST 4703-4793), and additional courses in the department to total a minimum of thirty hours. Three junior/senior hours must be taken in both United States history and in other areas of history (Neither Topical Seminar nor Research Seminar may apply to this aspect of the requirement). Students majoring in history must achieve a grade of C or higher in HIST 4603 (Research Seminar) and HIST 47_3 (Topical Seminar).
History Major with Social Studies Teaching Emphasis (B.A.): SSCI 4103; HIST 1003, 1013, 2003, 2013, 2023, 3523, 4603, a Topical Seminar (4703-4793), and additional courses in history to total thirty hours. Three junior/senior hours must be taken in an approved world history course; PSCI 2013, 2033; ECON 1013; six hours in Geography; six hours in Sociology. In addition, students must complete a second major in education as outlined on page 83.
History Minor: A minimum of eighteen hours in the department including at least six hours of United
States history, six hours in other areas of history.
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