Frequently Asked Questions
-How can my AP credits in History count towards the History major?
You may count one Advanced Placement credit towards the 10-course
major requirement. But note that this AP credit cannot be used to satisfy any
area or pre-1800 requirement; the AP credit merely reduces the total number
of courses by 1.
- Do History courses I take while studying abroad or in summer school at another college count towards my major?
Two approved History courses taken abroad or at another college may be counted towards the major (including towards area or pre-1800 requirements). NOTE: Courses taken in any Duke abroad program (e.g., Duke in Florence , Duke in Berlin ) are considered to have been taken at Duke and are not subject to the two-course limit for the major.
- What if I transfer to Duke from another college? Will I get credit toward the History major for courses I took before transferring?
Students transferring to Duke from other schools can petition the Director of Undergraduate Studies for recognition of some or all of their previous history course work.
The Duke history department sets a relatively high standard in evaluating whether college-level courses completed at other institutions are acceptable as equivalent to courses taken in our department. Approval is not automatic and will be awarded only on a case-by-case basis. In no case will the department approve Duke credit for courses taken at community colleges.
-May I count courses cross-listed in other departments towards my History major?:
You may count history courses cross-listed with other departments towards your
History major.
-How do I take an independent study?
Independent Study
(History 191/192) is usually undertaken by students concurrently with the
Thesis Seminar or with an instructor with whom they have had a course. A
proposal for directed reading and research should include a detailed description
and a list of the proposed readings, and should result in a substantive paper
or report. The form must be signed by the instructor and the director of
undergraduate studies. Independent Study courses provide a unique opportunity
for directed work in an area of special interest to students not available
in the existing course offerings. The Independent Study Proposal Form is
available here: http://www-history.aas.duke.edu/undergrad/ugforms.php.