Requirements
Major Requirements (Through Class of 2022)
The Major in History facilitates a firm foundation in basic historical skills, fosters an awareness of the diversity of the global human past, and encourages a specialization tailored to each student’s individual intellectual interests. Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to choose a location that meshes with their historical interests. The Major in History consists of ten three-credit courses.
1. The History Workshop (HIST 33000) – the gateway course for new majors and minors; required
2. Four Breadth Courses (one course from four of the following six major breadth areas), at least one of which must feature significant pre-modern content (defined as prior to the 16th century):
- Africa/Asia/Middle East
- Ancient/Medieval Europe
- Modern Europe
- Latin America
- United States
- Special (Global, Topical, etc.)
3. Four Electives, with three making up a concentration chosen by the student in consultation with their History advisor
4. The Department Seminar (HIST 43xxx) – the research capstone course for experienced majors
Major Requirements for the Class of 2023 and beyond
Beginning with the class of 2023, Notre Dame History majors will choose between two tracks, one geographical, one thematic. Regional concentrators will specialize in a particular region of the world, chosen from one of our five breadth and distribution categories: Africa and the Middle East; Asia; Europe; Latin America; North America. Thematic concentrators will choose from thematic pathways that fit particular strengths within the department, such as Business and Economic History; the History of Religion; Global Empires; the Medieval World. Students may also petition the Director of Undergraduate Studies to shape their own concentration. All students must take one course that is classified as global in its orientation, as well as one pre-1500 course.
Regional Track Requirements
1. The History Workshop (HIST 33000) – the gateway course for new majors and minors; required
2. One global course, plus three breadth courses in these regional categories:
- Africa and the Middle East
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- North America
3. Four Electives, with at least three in geographical concentrations
4. The Department Seminar (HIST 43xxx) – the research capstone course for majors
Thematic Track Requirements
1. The History Workshop (HIST 33000) – the gateway course for new majors and minors; required
2. One global course, plus three breadth courses in these regional categories
- Africa and the Middle East
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- North America
3. Four Electives, with at least three in thematic concentrations
4. The Department Seminar (HIST 43xxx) – the research capstone course for majors
Minor Requirements
The Minor in History is designed to be a flexible course of study offering students a pedagogically-sound introduction to the discipline of History. The Minor in History consists of five three-credit courses with no prerequisites.
1. The History Workshop (HIST 33000) – the gateway course for new majors and minors; required
2. Four Electives chosen from Department course offerings