History Major

History students benefit from a rich selection of integrated courses that include the foundations and development of Western society as well as global cultures. Living on Boston's historic North Shore, in the heart of New England, provides students with a host of beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities, through historical sites, libraries, museums and more.

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Requirements for the Major in History
History majors are required to take 36 credits of historical offerings beyond the core requirements. The following must be included in the course selections:

The remainder of the major requirement consists of eight credits of history electives. Majors anticipating graduate study in history are encouraged to elect additional history courses as well as to develop relevant language and research skills. History majors are strongly encouraged to pursue intermediate-level language study in French, German, Italian, Greek or Latin.

Honors in History
The department encourages highly qualified history majors with junior standing to consider pursuing history honors, which entails preparation of a research thesis under the guidance of a faculty director, during two of the student’s last four terms at Gordon. Minimum requirement for application to the honors program is a cumulative GPA of 3.65 in the major and 3.00 overall by the first half of the student’s junior year, plus academic excellence and good writing skills, as demonstrated in previous course work. Pending departmental approval of a student's research proposal, the candidate will enroll in HIS471,472 Research I,II, develop a substantial thesis paper, and defend the thesis orally to  department faculty and fellow students.  See the History Honors page for further information.

International Seminar: History of Ancient and Modern Greek Culture and Christianity in the Aegean
This intensive four-week course includes living and traveling in mainland Greece, the Aegean islands and Turkey. Focuses on ancient Greek historical cultures (Bronze Age, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and later), New Testament historical backgrounds, and modern European/Mediterranean history and culture in a variety of Greek cities and smaller towns (longest stays are in Thessaloniki and Athens). Students study and integrate all three fields but choose a concentration in one. Combines classroom study, site visits, research, interviews and travel. (Offered alternate years, late summer.) Contact Professor Wick, History Department, and the Global Education Office to apply. Fulfills core Global Understanding theme.

International Seminar: Economic Development in Modern China
The Economics and Business Department and the History Department offer an intensive combination of study and travel to China, focusing on one of the world’s largest economies. Students prepare through meetings and assigned reading during the spring semester, then travel to key sites of historical interest and economic development. Earns 4 semester hours of credit through either the Economics and Business Department or History Department. Contact Global Education Office to apply. Fulfills core Global Understanding theme.

Requirements for the Double Major with Education
Students seeking licensure as a teacher of history or social studies at the middle school or secondary education level should consult the department chairs of education and history for specific teacher education and major requirements. The following history courses are required for Massachusetts licensure: HIS232, 234, 237, 375, 492, an advanced seminar, and GEG210. Four history credits may be waived for double majors in history and education or music education.

Requirements for the Minor in History
Minors are required to complete 20 credits of historical offerings beyond the core requirements, including 4 credits from the following: HIS291, 490, 491, 493, 494, 495, 496.

Minor in Classics
Majors in history are urged to consider the interdisciplinary minor in classical studies. Requires two full years of Latin language plus two additional courses from selection of ancient history, classical literature and philosophy courses. In Latin IV students study original texts relating to their fields of specialty. For more information and requirements see Interdisciplinary and Off-Campus Curriculum in the Course Catalog. Contact Dr. Graeme Bird, Languages and Linguistics.

Minor or Concentration in Public History and Museum Studies
Students interested in careers in museum education, museum administration, collections management, artifact conservation, archival and curatorial positions, as well as the growing field of history-related mass media and technology may complete a minor or concentration in Public History and Museum Studies with an additional 16 to 24 credits beyond the major depending on course selection. A major in history not required. Entry level positions in above fields may be attained by studetns with a bachelor's degree. For specific requirements see Interdisciplinary and Off-Campus Curriculum. Contact Professor David Goss, History Department.