How to Major in History
I. Major Requirements: 10 history courses,
at least eight of which must be at or above the 100 level. NOTE: One AP Credit
in history counts for 1 of the 10 courses but does not fulfill area requirements
below. The ten courses may include courses cross-listed as history courses
regardless of the department through which the student enrolls.
The 10 courses are
to be distributed as follows:
1. Areas of History: One course each in ANY THREE geographic or thematic areas in any combination listed below; two courses in the pre-modern (pre-1800) era.
Geographic Areas: 1) United States and Canada (USC); 2) Europe and Russia (EUR); 3) Latin America and Caribbean (LAC); 4) Africa, Middle East, Asia (AMEA). In case of global or comparative courses, consult the history major's handbook or contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies.
Thematic Areas: 1) History of Medicine, Science, and Technology; 2) Military History; 3) History of Women and Gender; 4) African Diaspora
2. Primary Field: At least four courses in the student's primary field of history. A primary field may be chosen from any geographic or thematic area. Students may propose other thematic areas and seek approval from the director of undergraduate studies and the student's history advisor. One course below the 100-level may be counted toward the student's primary field; primary field courses may count toward meeting the area and pre-modern distribution requirements.
3. Research Requirements: For students matriculating before August 2008: Each major must take at least two research seminars (History 195S, History 196S, History 197/198 or 200-level courses). Substitution of other seminars must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the course instructor.
For students matriculating August 2008 and after: Each major must take two research courses 1) a gateway resource course (105 or 105s) by the end of the sophomore year or as soon as he/she declares the major; 2) a capstone seminar, usually as a senior (195s, 196s) or the senior thesis seminar (197s-98s). Independent studies may not substitute for either of these research requirements.
Click on FAQ for details on AP Credit, Transfer Credit, etc.
II. Declaring a Major
WELCOME! Complete these three steps to declare your History major:
1. Visit this link on the Trinity College website for instructions on how to declare a major.
2. Click here for a form to submit to us to request an advisor in the department.
3. Email the Assistant to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the History department to add your name to our mailing list. (Please complete steps 1 & 2 first).
Please note that steps 2 and 3 are important so that we can assign you an advisor and begin sending you information about the DUS open house and available courses. Information about new majors can take many weeks to reach us from the Registrar.