Student majoring in history or any of the philosophy or religion majors will receive the B.A. degree. Students majoring in the behavioral sciences have the option of receiving a B.A. or B.S. degree. All students receiving a B.A. degree must complete the modern language requirement.
The Department of History is dedicated to promoting Iowa Wesleyan’s Life Skills in communication, problem solving, and valuing. Development of language skills, particularly in writing and in reading comprehension, is emphasized. Students gain proficiency in critical thinking through the analysis, comparison, and interpretation of texts. Problem-solving essay examinations, as well as book reviews, research papers and other written assignments are the principal means by which student success is measured.
Students completing the major in history will:
• demonstrate understanding of the social, cultural, religious, and political forces that have shaped the modern world;
• show appreciation for the diversity of human experience across cultures, and its effect upon institutions, values, and behavior;
• be able to properly identify, locate, interpret and use research sources for the study of history;
• demonstrate the ability to analyze and discuss historical ideas, events, and trends;
• apply skills in written communication.
Required courses for the major in History
HIST 173 World Civilizations through 1300...........................3 hrs.Total 37 hrs.174 The Contemporary Non-Western World.........................3 hrs.
351 Colonial and Revolutionary History.........................3 hrs.
320 Early Republic and Ante-Bellum Era.........................3 hrs.
362 Civil War through the Gilded Age...........................3 hrs.
365 U.S. in the 20th Century...................................3 hrs.
369 Europe from the Reformation to Waterloo....................3 hrs.
370 History of Modern Europe...................................3 hrs.
Electives in History*..................................................6 hrs.
HUMST 499 Senior Seminar..............................................1 hr.
Field Experience.......................................................6 hrs.
*Applicable courses may include HIST 380 (Topics in History), HIST 397 (Independent Study), or courses offered through the Extended Learning Program. Certain substitutions may be made with the approval of the division.
Required Support Courses:
Institutional: Bachelor of Arts
Language Proficiency equivalent at 4th semester College level. This requirement can be met by taking four semesters of a language (including Spanish or French, or other options for which provisions can be made) at IWC, transferring credit from an accredited college or university, or testing out of the requirement.
Divisional: All History majors must complete the following with a grade of C- or better:
HUMST 499 Senior Seminar
Recommended Divisional Support Courses:
ENG 311 Expository Writing
COMM 147 Introduction to Public Speaking
Recommended Departmental Support Courses:
Electives: two courses from the Human Studies Division......................6 hrs.
Required courses for the History Minor:
HIST 125 U.S. History Survey.........................................3 hrs.Certain substitutions may be made with the approval of the division.173 World Civilizations through 1300............................3 hrs.
174 The Contemporary Non-Western World..........................3 hrs.
Plus the following courses:
HIST 369 Europe from the Reformation to Waterloo
or
370 History of Modern Europe....................................3 hrs.
and
Two additional 300-level history courses.........................6 hrs.
Total 18 hrs.
* Electives may not include required support courses, divisional courses, or courses used for another major or minor. Sociology majors or minors may include three hours of criminal justice or psychology.
Teaching Major in Social Science – American History (5-12)
The teaching major in American History shall consist of the following courses plus the Teacher Education
Requirements for the secondary license:
HIST 103 American Government.........................................3 hrs.Total 30 hrs.118 State and Local Government..................................3 hrs.
125 U.S. History Survey.........................................3 hrs.
173 Western Civilization to 1300................................3 hrs.
174 Contemporary Non-Western World..............................3 hrs.
Elective courses in American History.......................15 hrs.
Plus Teacher Education requirements for the Secondary License. Students pursuing the teaching major in American History shall also meet all Support Course Requirements of the Department of History and the Division of Human Studies.
Teaching minors for Iowa Teaching Endorsements may also be earned and added to the above license in the areas of psychology, sociology, social science/social studies (K-8).
The advanced courses required to complete these teaching licenses and endorsements are not offered annually or every semester; students must take this into account when planning courses of study.
