Mar 29, 2024  
2005-2006 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2005-2006 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in History

(130 semester hours; 132 semester hours with secondary licensure) Requirements are subject to change.

The study of history at Springfield College is designed to provide students with a basic body of historical and related knowledge which will enable them to better understand the world they inhabit, the problems of their society, and their own lives. The College believes that this core of historical understanding enables students to function as educated and informed citizens in a democratic society. A knowledge of history and its methodology helps students understand the origins and background of contemporary problems, allowing them to deal more effectively with those problems. Furthermore, a knowledge of the ethnic and cultural diversity that has created the present will help students to communicate and cooperate in a multicultural society.

Another major goal of the history program is to assist students in developing analytical, problem-solving, research, and writing skills. The major emphasizes content and information, but is also designed to foster the skills and attitudes that will increase the ability of graduates to find employment, regardless of their occupational goals. Careers in government service, law, business, and teaching readily follow the training of those who major in this discipline.

Students complete core requirements in history and related social sciences, and they have the option to pursue a concentration, deepening their focus in a particular area or corollary of history. History majors may also opt to seek licensure as a teacher of history at the secondary level.

For more information about the history major, contact the Social Science Department at (413) 748-3201 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.


Download a History Program Checksheet


CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS


I. General Education Program (41 s.h. in addition to courses taken for the major)


To integrate the humanics philosophy into their lives, Springfield College students engage in the search for knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of values through a variety of courses in the sciences and humanities. In addition to those General Education courses, students must complete 6 s.h. of Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC) courses. For more information see the General Education Program and WAC courses. In the major requirements listed below, selected courses which fulfill General Education categories are marked with an asterisk; selected WAC courses are marked with a “W”.

II. Major Requirements (57 s.h.)


A maximum of 18 s.h. of major requirements listed below may be completed through credit-by-examination programs.

History Core (36 s.h.)


  • HIST ___ - 6 s.h. of American history electives
  • HIST ___ - 6 s.h. of non-American history electives
  • HIST ___ - 9 s.h. of any history electives (excluding HIST 441)

Social Science Selectives (12 s.h.)


In consultation with the academic advisor, select at least one course from each of the disciplines below, to total 12 s.h. These are in addition to courses taken to fulfill core requirements and the General Education requirements.

  • Economics (ECON)
  • Political Science (POSC, excluding POSC 386)
  • Anthropology or Sociology (ANTH or SOCI, excluding SOCI 486)
  • Geography (GEOG)

III. Optional Concentrations


Up to 21 s.h.; a portion may be completed as part of required history or social science selectives.

In consultation with their advisors, students may choose one or more of the following concentrations, which will be duly noted on the transcripts.

A. European Studies


This interdisciplinary concentration emphasizes Western Europe and covers fields from history to political science. Advanced study of one of the major European languages is strongly encouraged. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines. Sample courses include:

B. American Studies


This interdisciplinary concentration covers all aspects American life from art to sociology. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines.

C. World Culture and Civilization


This interdisciplinary concentration emphasizes areas beyond Western Europe and North America and covers fields from art history to political science. The advanced study of a foreign language is strongly encouraged. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines. Sample courses include:

D. History and Public Service


This interdisciplinary concentration focuses on European, American, and Latin American culture, including recreation, business, and human services and administration. Advanced study of a foreign language is strongly advised. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines. Sample courses include:

IV. Electives (up to 32 s.h., to complete 130 s.h.)


Requirements for the teacher licensure program total 132 s.h., so no electives need be taken.

V. Program Requirements


All history majors must have a 2.500 combined GPA in the history and social science core requirements to graduate as a history major.

VI. Optional Secondary Teacher Licensure Program (37 s.h.)


History majors may elect to seek licensure as a teacher of history at the secondary level (grades 5–8 and or 8–12). Advisement is provided by a member of the Social Sciences Department and a member of the Education Department. Students seeking licensure should begin their program upon their admission to the College, but in order to be considered teacher candidates and to complete the professional preparation requirements, they must apply for official admission to the teacher preparation program and be accepted. Application to the teacher preparation program typically occurs prior to the junior year. More information about requirements for admittance to the teacher preparation program can be found under the program title Secondary Teacher Licensure Program. History majors seeking licensure must complete all requirements for the major plus the additional requirements listed below.

Social Science Requirements for Licensure


Additional requirements for History/Secondary Eduction students can be satisfied from the following areas: economics, geography, political science, sociology.

Include the following course as part of the 36 s.h. required history core:


if necessary, ENGL 251* or ENGL 252* may be substituted with advance permission

Take the following courses to satisfy the required 12 s.h. of social science selectives:


Secondary Teacher Professional Preparation Requirements (37 s.h.)


VII. Program Requirements


All history majors must have a 2.500 combined GPA in the history and social science core requirements to graduate as a history major.

VIII. Sample Program by Year


The program listed below is a sample for a history major who is not seeking teacher certification. Courses are not guaranteed to be offered during the semester or year listed. It is the student’s responsibility to insure that all requirements are met on a timely basis and that needed prerequisite courses are completed before taking upper-level requirements; therefore, they should consult carefully with an advisor when planning their program. Students must average a minimum of 16.25 s.h. a semester to complete this program in four years.

In addition to the courses identified below, the following General Education categories need to be fulfilled for this major: Natural Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Health, Physical Education, Literature, Second Language/Culture, Visual and Performing Arts, Philosophy, Religion, and the second Writing-Across-the-Curriculum course (fulfilled by EDUC 237 for students seeking secondary education certification). Non-teacher preparation students will need up to 32 s.h. of electives will be required to complete 130 s.h.

Courses marked with an * fulfill or partially fulfill a General Education category. Courses marked with a w may fulfill a WAC requirement, depending on the year taken.

A. Sample First Year


All history majors:

  • General Education courses to complete 33–36 s.h. for the year

In addition, for secondary education licensure students:


B. Sample Second Year


All history majors:

  • General Education courses to complete 33–36 s.h.
    for the year
  • HIST ___ - American history elective (3 s.h.; secondary
    licensure students should select HIST 210)
  • HIST ___ - Non-American history elective (3 s.h.)

In addition, for secondary education licensure students:


C. Sample Third Year


All history majors:

  • ECON ___ - Economics elective (3 s.h.; secondary licensure
    students must select ECON 200 or 205)
  • HIST ___ - American history elective (3 s.h.)
  • HIST ___ - Non-American history elective (3 s.h.)
  • HIST ___ - History elective (excluding HIST 441; 3 s.h.)
  • POSC ___ - Political science elective (3 s.h.)
  • Anthropology or sociology elective (3 s.h.; secondary licensure students must take ANTH 250 or SOCI 210)
  • General Education courses, optional concentration courses, and electives (for non-licensure students) to complete 33–36 s.h. for the year

D. Sample Fourth Year


All history majors:

  • HIST ___ - 6 s.h. of any history electives (excluding HIST 441)
  • Any uncompleted major requirements or optional concentration courses
  • Any uncompleted General Education courses
  • For non-licensure students, any uncompleted electives, to total 130 s.h.

In addition, for secondary education licensure students:


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