Bryant University. The Character of Success

Professor Judy Barrett LitoffHistory

A Major, Concentration, and Minor

History is more than just the study of past events. It offers a deeper comprehension of human experience through an examination of the institutional, political, social, economic, technological, intellectual, and cultural elements of the past. It also offers insight into our present and future.

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History includes ten courses of in-depth study in the field of History, to complement the business and liberal arts core courses. The program offers a comprehensive immersion in the study of history. Students develop knowledge of all facets of history and gain exposure to and practice historical methodology under close faculty guidance.

The concentration in History is available to complement a primary concentration in the College of Business or a major in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The History minor is available to all students. Four courses are required for the minor. Students may design individual tracks of study according to their interest such as United States history, European History, world history, or a specialized course of study.

Studying History at Bryant University

Small class sizes, faculty who are noted historians in their areas of specialization, and dynamic courses provide students with a depth and breadth of understanding in all fields of history.

Bryant University offers a range of options for students interested in the field of History.

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in History introduces students to the methodology of conducting original research based on primary source materials while exposing them to cross-cultural historical parallels between the United States and the world. Historiography and historical method are built into the curriculum at every level, concluding with a more focused study of historical method at the 400 level.

The History concentration offers an individually tailored program that is created by each student in consultation with a faculty advisor from history. Students are required to take courses in both U.S. and non-U.S. history.

The History minor emphasizes personal resourcefulness, the ethical dimensions of history, and the awareness of diversity and differences in the human experience.

Courses

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements, students will complete the following requirements for the major:

  • Seven (7) History electives
    • No more than three courses at the 200-level
    • At least two courses in U.S. History
    • At least two courses in non-U.S. History
    • Two courses at the 400-level (includes HIS490)
  • HIS490, Seminar in Historical Inquiry
  • Two History and Social Sciences electives or other approved electives from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business

The requirements for the concentration include:

  • Five (5) History electives
    • No more than two courses at the 200-level
    • At least two courses in U.S. History
    • At least two courses in non-U.S. History
    • Two courses at the 400-level (includes HIS490)
  • HIS490, Seminar in Historical Inquiry

The requirements for the minor include:

  • One 200 level history course
  • Two 300 or 400 level history courses
  • One 400 level history course 

For complete course descriptions, please refer to the course catalog.

Opportunities After Graduation

Students who study History develop the critical-thinking and analysis skills to become professionals in a number of fields, including:

  • Government
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Law
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Political risk assessment
  • Information/research services
  • Strategic planning
  • Foreign Relations/Intelligence
  • Policy Analysis

For More Information

To learn more about the History major, concentration, or minor, please contact:

Bradford Martin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and History Coordinator
Department of History and Social Sciences
bmartin@bryant.edu