The history program focuses on the values, as well as the ideas, personalities, and institutions that existed in the past and shaped the present. Concerned with perceptions of reality and historic reality itself, the history program attempts to exploit all forms of information concerning the past-myth, folklore, legend, and works of art, as well as conventional manuscript and published sources.
While the department attempts to assist all students in acquiring that knowledge of the past that is essential to the educated person in the modern world, it is especially concerned with developing the methods and techniques unique to historical inquiry,
By consistently raising questions regarding “how we know” as well as “what we know,” the department aims at the development of fundamental intellectual skills that will be of lifelong utility.
In order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in history, students must complete a minimum of 180 credits with a cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.00.
The history departmental honors major offers an opportunity for motivated and capable students to engage in more extensive interaction with faculty and to complete challenging individual research projects that will further their personal and professional goals. To be accepted to the program, students must have a cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.50. Interested students should apply to the department chairperson in spring quarter for the following year’s department honors courses.
Upon acceptance, a Change of Major, Degree, or Specialization form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
The thematic focus, based on faculty expertise, changes each year. Students on the Honors track complete an original research project. They are expected to present work at the National History Honor Society’s regional conference. Funding is provided for students to attend this conference. Students have won regional and national undergraduate history awards, and have gone on to graduate work at major research institutions.
In order to earn a minor in history, students must complete 30 credits in history.
Seattle University undergraduate History students should be able to: