Academic Departments and Programs

History

On the walls of the ancient Temple of Apollo at Delphi was inscribed the Greek maxim, "know yourself." As the Greeks understood, there is no better way to "know yourself" than through the study of history. Students of history not only study people and cultures that have long since passed away, but they put history to the question by evaluating evidence and analyzing the interrelationships among people, ideas and events. To study history is to reflect upon the human condition in all its dimensions, from the highest glories of human achievement to the tragedy of humanity's darkest nights. History, therefore, serves as an essential foundation for a liberal arts education that is truly liberating. As Cicero put it, "to be ignorant of history is always to remain a child."

Majors

History Major

The major in history provides an introduction to historical methodology and research, as well as a foundation in the histories of at least four regions of the world.

Major Requirements (36 credits):

Students pursuing a major in history are strongly advised to study at least one foreign language. Knowledge of at least two languages—including French, Spanish, German and area-specific languages depending on region of interest—is especially important for students who plan to attend graduate school in history.

History majors intending to apply for teaching certification in history as a first teaching field in the State of Idaho must include HIS 200 – Introduction to US History and one other 300-level US history course in their major coursework. They may also want to include POE 100 – Essentials of American Government, or an equivalent POE course dealing with American government, in their overall college curriculum. For more specific detail on the courses necessary to achieve certification in history as a first teaching field students should consult the Education Department.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Written Communication
     

Minors

History Minor

The minor in history provides an introduction to historical inquiry and methodology, as well as a foundation in the histories of at least two regions of the world.

Minor Requirements (16 credits):

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Written Communication

 

Associated Minors

Asian Studies Minor

Home to over half of the world's population, Asia is a region of immeasurable significance to contemporary global society. The Asian Studies minor allows students to pursue a course of study that includes a variety of regional emphases across East, Southeast, and South Asia and disciplinary perspectives across English, Philosophy and Religion, History, and Political Economy. The minor consists of at least 16 credits.

This minor qualifies for either the Fine Arts & Humanities or the Social Science & History PEAK.

With approval of the Asian Studies faculty, students who complete study abroad coursework can appeal to substitute credits in the Humanities and Social Science from other disciplines not listed above.

Students are also encouraged to study abroad in Asia through internationally recognized programs or College of Idaho study tours. Credits from ASN-designated courses that include study tours to Asia are distributed according to the sponsoring discipline of the participating faculty. For example, a six-credit ASN course that includes Religion and Political Economy will count as three credits toward each discipline.

Minor Requirements (16 credits):

Humanities & Fine Arts PEAK

Social Science & History PEAK

*For ASN-494 Independent Study minors must expand a paper they have written for one of their ASN-related courses. These "starred papers" will be graded on a pass/fail basis by the faculty member who originally supervised the project and should constitute a polished piece of work that serves as the student's highest achievement in the minor.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Written Communication
  • Acquire a basic familiarity with major traditions and themes in the study of Asia across at least three disciplines
  • Think comparatively about at least three different regions of Asia
  • Demonstrate an ability to write thoughfully and persuasively about Asia's diverse cultures and history

British Studies Minor

The British Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary exploration of British society and culture. Any student interested in developing a rich perspective on the history, politics, and creative expressions of the British Isles through multiple disciplines will find the British Studies minor rewarding. The British studies minor allows students to choose from a wide variety of courses embedded in disciplines which have traditionally been engaged in fruitful dialogue with each other, thus enabling students to explore meaningful and complex connections between fields of study.

This minor qualifies for either the Fine Arts & Humanities or Social Science & History PEAK. Additionally, students need to complete a starred paper in the PEAK for which they are seeking credit.

Students are encouraged to undertake overseas studies such as The College of Idaho IND-307 course or the opportunities offered College of Idaho students to study in Northern Ireland.

Minor Requirements (15-18 credits):

Students may choose from these courses in the following disciplines. Courses marked with an asterix (*) have a research-intensive component.

Humanities & Fine Arts PEAK

Social Science & History PEAK

**For a "starred papers" students must expand a paper they have written for one of their British Studies related courses. These will be graded on a pass/fail basis by the faculty member who originally supervised the project and should constitute a polished piece of work that serves as the student's highest achievement in the minor.

Prerequisite note: students must take at least one ENG-299T course before enrolling in a 300-level course in British literature.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Writing
  • Problem Solving
  • Written Communication
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how historical and cultural contexts of the British Isles inform and influence specific events or creative expressions
  • Demonstrate an understanding of what areas and forms of inquiry are considered meaningful in British Studies through framing relevant research questions.
  • Analyze and apply pertinent scholarship on British history, literature, or music

 

Classics Minor

The minor in classics combines academic work in the histories, languages, literatures, and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Minor Requirements (15 credits):

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Written Communication

Latin American Studies Minor

Latin America is a region composed of over twenty nations that have played a critical role in shaping the history of the modern world. Today, the region is home to over half a billion people who are the descendents of American Indians, Europeans, Africans, Asians, and Middle-Easterners. Economically and politically, Latin America is intimately tied to the United States and is significant to contemporary global society. The Latin American Studies program in the Social Sciences and History PEAK encourages students to broaden their knowledge of the complex and diverse cultures, histories, and literatures of Latin America through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Anthropology, History, and Modern Foreign Languages. This approach allows students to examine various themes that encompass and expand upon these disciplines and encourages the exploration of contemporary and historical social, cultural, literary, economic, and political trends.

Although it is not required, students are strongly encouraged to study Spanish, Portuguese, and/ or Indigenous languages. Students are also encouraged to select an adviser who will guide the student’s choice of courses toward a diverse experience in the minor. Overseas study immersion experiences are strongly encouraged, as is involvement in the local Latino/a community through internships or volunteer experiences. Ideally, students should complete 12 of the 15 credits required before the semester of their graduation.

Total Credits: 16 minimum. Please note, at least 9 credits must be from Anthropology and/or History

Minor Requirements (16 credits)

Portfolio and Evaluation of Program

Six weeks before graduation, students will submit a portfolio of relevant work completed, such as exams and papers. In 1000 to 1500 words, students will complete an assessment of the most important academic lessons learned and skills acquired during their course of study. The evaluation must also provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the LAS PEAK. The portfolio will not be graded but it is required for completion of the minor.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Written Communication

Additionally, students completing the Latin American Studies Minor will:

  • Develop broad knowledge of the diverse cultures and history of Latin America
  • Explore contemporary and historical social, cultural, economic, and political trends of Latin America
  • Familiarize themselves with basic anthropological and historical approaches and methods regarding the study of Latin America