Dec 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

History, B.A.


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HEGIS Number: 2205

Curriculum Code: UO329

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History


The B.A. in History can be completed through the History Liberal Arts Track or through the History Social Studies Track. Both tracks provide majors with a background in history that is both broad and deep. This, together with the skills learned in analysis, research and writing, provides an excellent foundation for global citizenship in the 21st century world, whatever a major’s future career path may be.

The History Liberal Arts Track  provides majors with an excellent foundation for future careers in areas such as law, international relations, college teaching, museum work, public administration, publishing, social work, and urban and regional planning. Majors complete introductory work in American, European, and Non-Western history. To consolidate a global perspective, students take a course in geography, an advanced trans-regional course on the relationship between two or more world regions, and an advanced Global history course. In addition, they take a course in Historiography, three electives of their own choosing, and a Senior Seminar in which they write an original thesis.

The History Social Studies Track  is designed for students who want to teach Social Studies at the secondary level (grades 7-12). Majors in this track complete a rigorous course of study that includes multiple courses in American, European, and Non-Western history; one course each in modern (global) World History, in Science and Technology, in Geography, and in Politics; and two courses in Economics. Majors in the Social Studies track also complete the Social Studies Senior Seminar in which they write an original research paper.

Majors completing the History Social Studies Track have the option of graduating with an Adolescence Education degree in Social Studies. By gaining admission to the School of Education, completing School of Education course requirements for Adolescence Education: Social Studies, and passing New York State certification exams, students majoring in the History Social Studies Track will satisfy all requirements for New York State initial certification in Adolescence Education: Social Studies (grades 7-12).

Alternatively, majors in the History Social Studies Track can pursue state certification by enrolling in the college Social Studies M.A.T. program after graduation. The M.A.T. program involves a separate application process during a student’s senior year. The History Social Studies Track fulfills all content course requirements for admission into the M.A.T. program and provides an excellent background for the areas of teaching encountered in secondary social studies curricula. Students graduating from the M.A.T. program are fully prepared to take the statewide certification exams and enter the teaching profession with the highest degree they will need.

Five-Year B.A./M.A.T. Degree in Adolescence Education: Social Studies . The School of Education in conjunction with the History and Philosophy department will offer highly qualified undergraduates the opportunity to complete a B.A. in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Adolescence Education: Social Studies within 5 years. Students interested in this program should contact Dr. Xavier Marechaux, Chair, Adolescence Education, School of Education to apply. The History and Philosophy department will consider applications to this program every spring in March.

Track I:



History Liberal Arts Track


Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History


The B.A. in History can be completed through the History Liberal Arts Track or through the History Social Studies Track. Both tracks provide majors with a background in history that is both broad and deep. This, together with the skills learned in analysis, research and writing, provides an excellent foundation for global citizenship in the 21st century world, whatever a major’s future career path may be.

The History Liberal Arts Track provides majors with an excellent foundation for future careers in areas such as law, international relations, college teaching, museum work, public administration, publishing, social work, and urban and regional planning. Majors complete introductory work in American, European, and Non-Western history. To consolidate a global perspective, students take a course in geography, an advanced trans-regional course on the relationship between two or more world regions, and an advanced Global history course. In addition, they take a course in Historiography, three electives of their own choosing, and a Senior Seminar in which they write an original thesis.

Liberal Education Curriculum


Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum Bulletin for specific requirements.

Major Requirements: 44 Credits


[No more than 4 courses may be taken at the 2000 level.]

1. European History: 4 Credits (one course)


2. American History: 4 Credits (one course)


from the following

3. History of Africa, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America: 4 Credits (one course)


from the following:

4. Geography: 4 Credits (one course)


from the following

5. Global Perspective: 4 Credits (one course)


from the following

7. Historiography: 4 Credits (one course)


8. History Electives: 12 Credits (three courses)


In consultation with an advisor three courses from any of the above courses or from the additional list below:

9. Senior Seminar 4 Credits (one course)


10. A Minimum of 4 out of the 11 Courses in the Major Must be Taken at the 4000 or 5000 level


When fulfilling the 11 courses required by the major, students must take a minimum of 4 courses at the 4000 or 5000 level. Students who do not take at least 4 courses at the 4000 or 5000 level when they fulfill major requirements will need to take additional 4000 or 5000 level history courses to meet this requirement

General Electives


In consultation with Academic Advisor

Other Requirements


Candidates may not earn more than one grade below C- in the required courses for the degree, whether taken at Old Westbury or elsewhere.

Total Credits Required: 120


 

Track II:



History Social Studies Track


Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History


The B.A. in History can be completed through the History Liberal Arts Track or through the History Social Studies Track. Both tracks provide majors with a background in history that is both broad and deep. This, together with the skills learned in analysis, research and writing, provides an excellent foundation for global citizenship in the 21st century world, whatever a major’s future career path may be.

The History Social Studies Track is designed for students who want to teach Social Studies at the secondary level (grades 7-12). Majors in this track complete a rigorous course of study that includes multiple courses in American, European, and Non-Western history; one course each in modern (global) World History, in Science and Technology, in Geography, and in Politics; and two courses in Economics. Majors in the Social Studies track also complete the Social Studies Senior Seminar in which they write an original research paper.

Majors completing the History Social Studies Track have the option of graduating with an Adolescence Education degree in Social Studies. By gaining admission to the School of Education, completing School of Education course requirements for Adolescence Education: Social Studies, and passing New York State certification exams, students majoring in the History Social Studies Track will satisfy all requirements for New York State initial certification in Adolescence Education: Social Studies (grades 7-12).

Alternatively, majors in the History Social Studies Track can pursue state certification by enrolling in the college Social Studies M.A.T. program after graduation. The M.A.T. program involves a separate application process during a student’s senior year. The History Social Studies Track fulfills all content course requirements for admission into the M.A.T. program and provides an excellent background for the areas of teaching encountered in secondary social studies curricula. Students graduating from the M.A.T. program are fully prepared to take the statewide certification exams and enter the teaching profession with the highest degree they will need.

Liberal Education Curriculum


Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum Bulletin for specific requirements.

Major Requirements: 64 Credits


[No more than 8 courses may be taken at the 2000 level]

1. European History: 8 Credits (two courses)


2. American History: 16 Credits (four courses)


3. History of Africa, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America : 12 Credits (three courses) chosen from TWO (2) of the following five world regions:


5. Trans-regional Connections: OPTIONAL


Majors may opt to replace ONE American (#2), European (#1) or Non-Western (#3) elective with a trans-regional course as indicated below.

7. Geography: 4 Credits (one course)


 from the following:

8. U. S. Politics: 4 Credits (one course)


9. Economics: 8 Credits (two courses)


 from the following:

10. Social Studies Senior Seminar 4 Credits (one course)


11. A Minimum of 4 out of the 16 Courses in the Major Must be Taken at the 4000 or 5000 level


A minimum of 4 courses out of the 16 courses required for the major must be taken at the 4000 or 5000 level. Students who do not take at least 4 courses at the 4000 or 5000 level when they fulfill major requirements will need to take additional 4000 or 5000 level history courses to meet this requirement.

General Electives


In consultation with Academic Advisor

Other Requirements


Candidates may not earn more than one grade below C- in the required courses for the degree, whether taken at Old Westbury or elsewhere.

Total Credits Required: 120


 

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