History, B.A.

History Major Requirements

• Three introductory-level courses (100-level) in History.
• Three intermediate-level courses (200-level) in History, in addition to HS201.
• Three advanced-level courses (300-level) in History.
• Three research writing courses, which must include
  • HS201, Research Writing (typically taken in a student’s second year)
  • HS490, Senior Thesis Seminary (taken in the fall of a student’s senior year)
  • HS491, Senior Thesis Seminary (taken in the spring of a student’s senior year)

Secondary Education Certification in Social Studies

Students interested in secondary certification should consult with their disciplinary adviser and their School of Education adviser as early as possible, preferably freshman year. All Arcadia undergraduates seeking certification must have declared Secondary Education as a minor and formally apply into the teacher certification preparation program during the spring semester of their sophomore year. See the School of Education section of the catalog for Secondary Education certification requirements.

Study Abroad

History majors are encouraged to study abroad for a semester, a year, or another time period that meets their curricular and personal needs and goals. For example, the Department of Historical and Political Studies has global field study courses that combine traditional course work with a seven- to ten-day overseas travel component.

When studying abroad, students should try to enroll in history courses that are not offered on the Glenside campus, giving students a unique opportunity to interact with other students, faculty, and public officials from another culture and political system.

If studying abroad for a semester or a year, History majors can plan to study abroad during any semester except senior year due to the required Senior Thesis Seminar course sequence.

Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the Director of the major and the Office of Study Away ((215) 572-8514), which is located on the first floor of Taylor Hall.

Internships and Experiential Learning

History majors are strongly encouraged to pursue internship opportunities. History majors can intern with local political leaders, in legal internships, local nonprofits, and/or with museums and other educational institutions in the Philadelphia area.

Arcadia University also participates in the Washington Semester Program at American University and the Washington Center Program. Each offers an off-campus experience of seminars and internships, drawing on the resources of the Washington, D.C., political and nonprofit community. Internship experiences can assist students in deciding what career to pursue after graduation and provide them with valuable personal and professional experiences, connections, and references. Students may also pursue internships over the summer, though these typically do not come with academic credit.

Finally, students have the opportunity to participate in and travel with an award-winning Model UN team. This allows students to experience how the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization, works to address global issues.