Major Requirements
Resources for History Majors
- Download History Major Checksheet
- View Sample Four-Year History Major Plan
- Download Blank Four-Year History Major Plan
The Program
Lower-Level Courses (3)
The required surveys in American and European history provide students with broad subject overviews and the basic tools for studying history. Students must take both of the American history surveys (HIS 208 and HIS 209) and one of the European surveys (HIS 214 or HIS 215). HIS 208 and HIS 209 are offered every semester. HIS 214 and HIS 215 are offered during the fall and spring semesters respectively.
Upper-Level Courses (5)
Upper-level courses (HIS 250 and above) provide students with in-depth studies of a wide range of topics. Upper-level courses are elective in order to respond to individual interests. Upper-level courses should be taken after the completion of lower-level courses if possible. A selection of Upper-Level courses are offered every semester.
Historical Diversity (2)
The History Department requires students take at least two courses in historical diversity in order to help them understand how different civilizations, cultures, events, and people have shaped today's world. The History Department has created a list of approved courses that fulfill the Historical Diversity requirement. Topics include geographic areas such as Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia, as well as groups including African-Americans, Native Americans, and women. Students select two courses of their choice from the approved list. See the History Major Checksheet for the current list of approved courses. A selection of Historical Diversity courses are offered every semester.
Seminars (2-3)
The cornerstone of the History major is the Seminar in History (HIS 110), which introduces History and Education/History majors to college-level study of history and historical method. Only students who declare History as a major before entering Rider University as freshman are required to take HIS-110: Seminar in History. Students who declare History as a major after matriculation or transfer to Rider from another institution are not required to take HIS-110: Seminar in History. The Seminar in Historiography (HIS 360) introduces students to the study of the history and methodology of historical interpretation. Offered during fall and spring semesters. The capstone of the History major is History and Historical Method (HIS 460) in which students produce an original research paper. Students may substitute with HIS-490: Independent Study. Offered during fall and spring semesters. HIS-360 is a prerequisite for HIS-460; the seminars may not be taken simultaneously.
| History Major (36-39 semester hours) | |
| History | 12 Credits |
| HIS 110 Seminar in History (required for freshman only) | 3 |
| HIS 208 US I: American History from European Settlement through Reconstruction | 3 |
| HIS 209 US II: American History from Reconstruction to the Present | 3 |
|
HIS 214 Europe to 1715 |
3 |
| HIS 360 Seminar in Historiography | 3 |
| HIS 460 History and Historical Method (Prerequisite HIS-360 / Students may substitute with HIS-490: Independent Study). | 3 |
|
Two from the following diversity courses:
|
6 |
| Electives | 15 Credits |
| Five history courses above the HIS-250 level | 15 |
Important Notes
- Declaring a Minor: History majors are urged to declare minors pertinent to their career aspirations as well as to their interests. Law and Justice is suitable for students considering careers in law or criminal justice. Students interested in careers in public history should consider the minors offered by Communication & Journalism, especially Multimedia Communication & Web Design and Public Relations. Students planning a future in international relations, politics and public service should think about a minor in Global and Multinational Studies, Political Science or Multicultural Studies. A minor in a Foreign Language would be an asset for a variety of career paths as well as an advantage for students applying to graduate programs in History, International Relations and Law. Minors in Philosophy, American Studies and Gender and Sexuality Studies are also good preparation for graduate work in History. Do not forget that the College of Business offers several minors for nonmajors including Computer Information Systems, Sales and General Business. If you have a passion for film, then a minor in Film & Media Studies is designed just for you. The strong historical focus of the Fine Arts minor makes it a perfect complement to the History major.
- Experiential Learning: History majors are encouraged to pursue alternative learning experiences such as internships or study abroad.
- Honors in History: Students with a grade point average of 3.25 overall and 3.5 in History can qualify for honors by completing an honors thesis in HIS-460: History and Historical Method OR HIS-490: Independent Study. Students present a written proposal of their project no later than the beginning of the semester in which they take these courses. The finished thesis must be defended in an oral presentation to the History faculty and must meet departmental standards of excellence in research, writing, and analysis. Successful students wear an honors cord at graduation and receive recognition of Honors in History on their diplomas.
These requirements are in addition to the Core Curriculum Requirements. Please see the Academic Catalogs for more information, including course descriptions.
Disclaimer: This information is taken from a recent published version of a Rider University academic catalog or manual, though not necessarily the most recent. Please be aware that, while the University makes reasonable efforts to keep website material current and correct, this information is subject to the University's academic policy committees, relevant accreditation organizations, and (in some instances) state and federal laws and regulations. For this and other reasons it may be subject to change at any time without notice and without being immediately reflected on the Web site.
