Undergraduate History Courses
Course Numbering. Unlike some departments, History department courses do not build upon each other in ways that require you to take a 100-level course before taking a 200-level course, and so on. Nor does a particular level number indicate that the topic of the class is broader or more specific—it is possible to have an advanced class on a long time span and an introductory course dealing with one historical episode. What differentiates our classes is the level of sophistication and (usually) the workload. Broadly speaking, those differences are as follows:
- 100-level classes. These are designed as general introductions to the discipline of history. They cannot be applied towards a concentration or minor in history, so they are targeted at the broadest possible audience. With this in mind, the assignments are designed to be accessible and manageable (though the precise workload will vary by professor). There are two types of 100-level classes. The first are large classes with both lectures and discussion sections. In these courses, assessment is usually based on in-class exams and short papers. Major research projects are not typically assigned, though there might be some shorter writing assignments. The second type of 100-level class is the first-year seminar (HISTORY 195, 196, and 197). These are typically writing-intensive courses that focus on discussion rather than lecture, and they are capped to ensure small class sizes.
- 200-level classes. These are intended as introductory courses for history concentrators and as electives for non-concentrators. Most are large surveys covering a broad topic or a major world region or country. The workload and grading structure of these classes would be slightly more challenging than what you would find in a 100-level class.
- 300- and 400-level classes. There is no difference between these two levels. The topics explored in these courses can vary widely, as can the format. They tend to emphasize writing and include more sophisticated reading material. Some upper-level classes involve formal research papers, while others are based on a series of shorter writing assignments. Although 300- and 400-level courses are more advanced than those at lower levels, they do not usually require any previous familiarity with the subject matter.
Courses for First-Year Students
First-Year Writing Courses (HISTORY 195)
All LSA students take a First-Year Writing course to satisfy the LSA writing requirement. If you have an interest in history, HISTORY 195, “The Writing of History,” is designed to allow you to develop your college-level writing skills in the context of doing historical work. Section topics change each term, and are taught by advanced graduate students in the final stage of degree completion. Classes are limited to 18 to allow individual attention and student participation.
HISTORY 195 cannot not be counted toward the requirements for the History major or a History minor.
First-Year Seminars (HISTORY 196 and 197)
First-Year Seminars provide an opportunity to begin your college study of history in a small seminar setting. These courses are taught by history professors who choose stimulating topics in the area of their expertise to engage their students and introduce them to the historical discipline. Students are active participants in discussion and develop a strong background in college-level history, in addition to enhancing their critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.
History First-Year Seminars satisfy LSA area distribution for non-concentrators (HISTORY 196 = Social Science; HISTORY 197 = Humanities).
First-Year Seminars cannot not be counted toward the requirements for the History major or a History minor.
Introductory History Courses
The History department offers a number of gateway and introductory courses at the 100- and 200-level. These are an excellent way to sample the department’s offerings, whether in order to get an early start toward the history major, or to fulfill an LSA requirement, or just to learn something new and have fun. These courses include HISTORY 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 200, 201, 209, 214, 238, 239, 240, 241, 244, 260, and 261. Come explore!