History, B.A.

Go to information for History/Political Science .

Department Contact:

Dr. Denise Holladay Damico, ddamico@francis.edu, 814-472-3310

Program Description:

Studying History encourages “respect for the uniqueness of the individual person,” drawing upon  the understanding that History is “people making choices and those choices making a difference.” If knowledge is power, studying the past cultivates “a humble and generous attitude toward learning.” At Saint Francis University, our History curriculum encourages “Solidarity and Reconciliation” through careful study of the categories of race, class, gender, and place, in the U.S., Europe, and throughout the world, emphasizing the ways in which we form “a Community that transcends particular nations and cultures.” History students learn to reason critically and analytically, to synthesize large bodies of information, and to write clearly and effectively - skills that are applicable to any job setting.

History graduates pursue a wide variety of careers, including teaching, the law, archival and museum work, and a variety of careers in business, public service, and government at every level. Internship and study abroad experiences are available and highly recommended. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Goal 1: Demonstrate effective research skills in the discipline of History

• Objective 1: Analyze primary source documents.
• Objective 2: Interpret secondary sources from the field of History and related disciplines.
• Objective 3: Develop an original argument appropriate to the discipline of History.

 

Goal 2: Address historical issues and contexts using critical thinking.

• Objective 1: Evaluate the credibility of secondary sources, including differentiating between sources that are peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed.
• Objective 2: Synthesize diverse types of evidence to draw conclusions.
• Objective 3: Effectively use contextually appropriate evidence to demonstrate an argument.

 

Goal 3: Engage in historical thinking that promotes the Franciscan value of Higher Education “Solidarity and Reconciliation” by

• Objective 1: evaluating how different historical narratives are created at different places and times and
• Objective 2: how power and privilege play a role in those creations, ultimately encouraging students to
• Objective 3: consider how Community transcends particular nations and cultures.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically four years of full-time study

Capstone Requirement:

HIST 407: History Seminar

Graduation Requirements:

A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:

• Complete all requirements for an approved program of study;
• Complete the minimum number of credits (128 for a bachelor’s degree; 64 for an associate’s degree);
• Repeat for an acceptable passing grade any course required for the major in which the grade of “F” has been received;
• Complete the last 30 credits for the degree at SFU;
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all courses taken at SFU;
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all major or collateral requirements;
• Satisfy the requirements of the General Education core curriculum;
• Satisfy the capstone requirement as specified by the major department(s);
• Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and
• Satisfy financial obligations to the University.
• Students must complete a concentration in History, or an academic minor in another discipline, or a second major in another discipline.    

• Students must complete an experiential learning requirement. Options include: HIST 111 or HIST 333, internship (opportunities available at Keirn Family World War II on campus, or elsewhere), study abroad, student teaching, or other opportunities in consultation with academic advisor.

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum