History Major (A.B. in History) [offered through Honors Tutorial College]

The HTC program in history offers exceptional students the opportunity to develop a sophisticated understanding of the historical discipline through a combination of lecture courses, one-on-one tutorials with faculty members, and guided research on topics they choose for their junior composition project and senior thesis. The discipline of history comprises diverse philosophies and methodologies, while the chronological and geographical scope of history presents various challenges to interpretation. The HTC program, therefore, encourages diversity even as it allows students freedom in shaping their studies around their interests. Doing research and writing essays introduce students to the professional expectations and ethical practices of the discipoine. Through their creative work as historians, students are prepared for graduate study or professional careers that demand critical analysis, synthesis, and communication. Graduates received a degree of Bachelor of Arts in History from the Honors Tutorial College.

Tutorials

Students are required to complete eight tutorials within the College of Arts and Sciences, History Department. Tutorials in the first, second, and third years will be 3 credit hours each. Two tutorials in the senior year, devoted to the thesis, will be between 3 and 9 credit hours each. In addition to the tutorials, the student must complete one Written Communication course (ENG 1510) and one Advanced Writing course (FAW), including HIST 3111J; two years of a foreign language; two introductory history courses, and 10 history courses above HIST 2999; seven non-history Arts and Sciences courses; and an appropriate number of approved electives. Internships and/or study abroad may be included within the program with special permission from the director of studies (credit will only be given once). Honors Tutorial students take a minimum of 15 hours per semester, except in the last semester, when the minimum is 12.

Advising and Monitoring

Each student receives initial advice from the director of studies regarding selection and sequencing of courses, choice of a thesis advisor and other procedural matters. A committee, composed of the director of studies and the advisor, will monitor the thesis work. A typical tutorial will meet on a weekly basis for a minimum of one hour. The student and the tutor will discuss the current reading and written assignments, discuss problems and solutions, debate and offer critical analysis, and the tutor continuously evaluates the progress of the student. A final grade is made based on many facets of evaluation available to the tutor: written assignments, written exams, oral exams, discussions, presentations by the student, field work, etc.

The Honors Thesis

The honors thesis is a reflection of the student's special interests. Its acceptance, dependent upon an appropriate mixture of research and analysis, relies upon the judgment of his or her committee or the director of studies. It is expected that this major paper will constitute work of the highest quality in investigating a problem of concern to both scholars and practitioners. Although an intensive study of relevant theoretical and research literatures is the underpinning of the thesis, students are encouraged to augment this scholarly base with field data whenever possible.

Evaluation

Students throughout the program earn letter grades consistent with the University grading system and are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students who earn less than a B (3.0), or who maintain less than a 3.5 GPA will need to confer with the director of studies and/or the Dean of the College. In addition to letter grade assessments both the student's academic standing and academic attitude are evaluated.