Introduction | Four Year Plan | Undergraduate Courses

THE UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO

Department of History (mc/198)
913 University Hall
601 South Morgan Street
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: (312) 996-3141

History is the study of the human past. It is both a subject matter and a way of thinking—a discipline. No time, place, or people are neglected in the investigation of the human community's historical record. And no method is alien to the historian's quest for understanding. The historian's interests embrace the permanent and changing concerns of our civilization: the individual and society; the emergence of nations; the rise and fall of empires; race and ethnicity; class, gender, and status; war and revolution; science and technology; slavery and emancipation; dictatorship and democracy; rural life and urbanization; the struggle for empowerment waged by minorities, women, and workers; the life of the mind; religion; and culture. Because every succeeding generation has new questions to ask of the past, history is constantly being rewritten. The discipline of history rests on the critical reading and evaluation of evidence. It sharpens reading and writing skills and gives students practice in the use of these basic tools of modern life. The study of history is excellent preparation for jobs in a wide variety of fields, including business, journalism, government, and the professions.

HISTORY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

The History Major consists of 33 hours, distributed as follows:

Major in History for the Bachelor of Arts: 33 semester hours

History Majors, in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, shall define a field of concentration consisting of at least 12 credit hours (4 courses) beyond the 100-level.

(1) History 300 fulfills the writing in the discipline requirement and is mandatory for all history majors.

To complete the major requirements, students will choose a 400-level course in which to write a research paper based on primary sources. (The topic for the paper must be negotiated with the professor of the course by Week 2 of the semester.)

Minor: 15 semester hours, with no more than 6 hours at the 100-level.

Advising: History majors are required to consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies at least once each year. Call [312 413-9356] or e-mail rslevy@uic.edu for hours of availability.

Departmental Distinction

The department offers the following two options:

1. Students who earn a 3.60 all-university grade point average and 3.80 gpa in all courses taken in the Department of History at UIC will be awarded departmental distinction.

2. Students who earn a 3.40 all-university gpa and a 3.60 gpa in all courses taken in the Department of History at UIC may choose to complete an honors thesis while enrolled in History 398. To qualify for honors, the student must earn at least a grade of B in History 398.

Teacher Education in History: Requirements for teaching in secondary schools.

Designated as a curriculum parallel to the history major, the Teaching of History Major consists of 33 semester hours, including History 320, and at least 12 hours of U.S. History. In addition, teacher education students must meet certain general education requirements for certification and take four specific education courses prior to student-teaching. To remain in the program, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 (A=5.0). Otherwise the same field and course level requirements, as for the Bachelor of Arts, apply.

Successful completion of degree and certification requirements does not automatically confer the teaching certificate. For the certificate to be issued, the candidate must file an application with the State of Illinois and take an examination administered by the State Board of Education. [For information on application procedures, contact the College of Education Office of Student Services.]

Advising and Information:

The Program Guide for Teacher Education in History is available from the secondary education coordinator in the Department of History. All teacher education majors are required to consult with the secondary education coordinator at least once each year. Call [312 996-5471] or e-mail jpeters@uic.edu for an appointment.

University GPA Requirements:

All candidates for a degree must have at least a 2.00 (A=4.00) grade point average in all work taken at the University of Illinois at Chicago, in all work taken in the major field, and in all work accepted by the University (transfer work plus work taken at UIC)

First Year
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Engl 160	3 hours	Engl 161	3 hours
Quantitative Reasoning	3-5 hours	Hist 1xx 1	3 hours
Foreign Language	4 hours	Foreign Language	4 hours
General Education Requirement Course	4-5 hours	General Education Requirement Course	3 hours
		General Education Requirement Course	3-4 hours
Total	14-17 hours	Total	16-17 hours
Second Year
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Hist 1xx 1	3 hours	Hist 300	3 hours
Hist 2xx	3 hours	Foreign Language	4 hours
Foreign Language	4 hours	General Education Requirement Course	3 hours
General Education Requirement Course	3-5 hours	General Education Requirement Course	3 hours
General Education Requirement Course	0-3 hours	General Education Requirement Course	3-4 hours
Total	15-18 hours	Total	16-17 hours
Third Year
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Hist 2xx	3 hours	Hist 4xx	3 hours
Hist 4xx	3 hours	General Education Requirement Course	3-5 hours
General Education Requirement Course	0-5 hours	Electives	7-9 hours
Electives	4-12 hours
Total	15 hours	Total	15 hours
Fourth Year
Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Hist 2xx	3 hours	Hist 4xx 2	3 hours
Hist 4xx	3 hours	Electives	9 hours
Electives	9 hours	Hist at any level	3 hours
Total	15 hours	Total	15 hours

1. History 100, 101, 103, 104, 109, 110, 114, 141, 161, 177 are recommended.

2. Recommended completion of required research paper based on primary sources.

Note : Major distribution requirements may be fulfilled at any level,

•  at least 6 semester hours must be taken in African, Asian, Latin American, or Middle Eastern history,

•  at least 6 semester hours must be taken in ancient, medieval or modern European history,

•  at least 6 semester hours must be taken in U. S. history.

Note : Students majoring in history must consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies at least once a year.

Note : Students must earn at least 40 hours at the 200, 300, or 400 level at a 4-year college or university. These hours may include hours in the major.

Back to top