Resources for History Majors

• History Major Checksheet
• Sample Four-Year History Major Plan
• Sample History/Elementary Education Plan
• Sample History/Secondary Education Plan
• Blank Four-Year History Major Plan

The Program

Seminars

Seminars are one thing that sets Rider's History Department apart. While most programs offer one seminar experience, our majors have the opportunity to take two or three seminars. Seminars are limited to 15 students and held in the Department's Levine Seminar Room. 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), taken during the junior year, 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. Both HIS-360 and HIS-460 require permission of instructor (POI) to register. The Department recommends that students contact instructors as soon as possible during the course selection period to reserve a seat.

Lower-Level

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

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

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.

*Required for freshmen only.

History majors are urged to take HIS-491 Internship in History. They are also encouraged to consider minors pertinent to their career aspirations as well as to their interests. Thus, philosophy (emphasis on logic and language) and English (expository writing and close reading) are fine minors for pre-law students; sociology, political science, psychology, economics, and law and justice also are suitable for pre-law, and appropriate for those considering management, politics, or public service.

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 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.

Honors in History: Students with a 3.25 cumulative grade point average and 3.5 grade point average in history can qualify for honors by completing an honors thesis in HIS-460 History and Historical Method or HIS-490 Independent Research and 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.