BA in History

A major in History allows you to comprehend the full variety of human experiences and how societies function, to better understand the origins of our modern world, and to recognize when ideas about the past influence actions in the present. The major also hones skills in analysis and writing that lead our alumni to careers in a wide array of fields, including government, law, education, business, medicine, and the natural sciences. Small course sizes and faculty dedicated to undergraduate education create a favorable environment for intellectual exploration and challenge.

Students graduating from Tufts University with a BA in History will be able to:

1. Master common historical research methods;
2. Identify, locate, access, and effectively use both primary and secondary sources;
3. Demonstrate, both orally and in writing:
   1. An in-depth knowledge of at least one historical field;
   2. Understanding of chronology and causation, continuity, and change;
   3. Knowledge of historical contexts that influence cultures and ideas;
   4. Knowledge of, and appreciation for, regions and cultures other than their own;
   5. Knowledge of, and appreciation for, global diversity and interdependence.
4. Construct an original and plausible historical argument;
5. Craft a narrative that is (a) grounded in both primary and secondary source information, and (b) logically and convincingly supports a historical argument;
6. Think critically and analytically about historical themes; and
7. Convey historical information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

These outcomes are intended to build lifelong skills that are not only applicable in historical study but will also prepare students to analyze information, conduct rigorous research, and communicate their ideas effectively in any professional context.

Program Requirements and Policies

• The History Major requires completion of a minimum of 10 courses, ordinarily to be taken within the department. 
• Please note that a single course may fulfill several of the below concentration requirements. (For example, in both a major or minor, a course on Early Modern Europe could fulfill both the European history and pre- or early-modern requirements).
• In consultation with their advisor (normally prior to taking such courses), majors may count up to two courses from outside the department in cases where it may be difficult or impossible to complete their concentration core (see below) within the department. Such courses may not count toward either of the seminar requirements.
• History courses taken at Tufts' programs abroad or transferred from other accredited institutions may be counted toward the minimum of ten courses. Courses taken outside of Tufts, however, do not count as graded courses. No more than four of the history major concentration requirements may be transferred from other institutions.
• A minimum grade of C- is required in all courses counted towards the completion of the major.

Course Requirements 

• One Foundation Seminar (a high demand course) to be completed during the sophomore year or as soon as possible after declaration of the major.
• One course covering the pre- or early-modern period.
• One course each in any four of following areas: Africa, East Asia, Europe, Global/Transregional, Latin America, the Middle-East/Central Asia, South Asia, or the United States
• Four or more courses to serve as a concentration core (this may be defined either geographically or topically).
• One Research Seminar (a high demand course) to be taken within the Department of History at Tufts or a Senior Honors Thesis.*

      *In consultation with their advisor, majors should prepare for their Research Seminar by taking courses, either at Tufts or abroad, that build toward this capstone experience. Ordinarily a Research Seminar will form part of the concentration core.  Alternatively, given the conditions outlined  below,  the  History Department Senior Honors Thesis (HIST 198-199) may also count as a capstone. All students must demonstrate adequate preparation in historical research and writing for the Senior Honors Thesis, preferably by taking a research seminar, but alternatively by completing a relevant research paper in another class. Students must indicate their preparation on the thesis application form and provide a writing sample to the prospective thesis advisor. Advisors have full discretion as to whether to take on a given thesis student. Students must have thesis advisor and departmental approval to proceed with a thesis. 

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