History, the study of the vast record of human experience, serves as the collective memory of humankind. As memory defines selfhood and guides behavior, so history teaches about social identity and responsibility.
And just as your memory changes and matures, so does the collective understanding of the past change as new evidence is discovered and new perspectives are developed. Like a detective hunt, the discipline of history teaches you to seek facts, weigh interpretations, and draw conclusions. It requires wide reading, deep thinking, and clear communication.
Historical study at SPU seeks a balanced understanding of world cultures, exploring the roots and development of Western civilization in the ancient and medieval periods, tracing the interaction between the West and the rest of the world, and probing more deeply into American, European, and non-Western history. Along the way, you are able to trace the impact of Christianity in both Western and non-Western settings.
Find out more about this program鈥檚 mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
History (BA)
The History major emphasizes humanity鈥檚 common heritage and shared future, and challenges you to ask how a Christian worldview can help us understand the sweep of human events, the variety of human cultures, and the influence of heritage on identity.
- A minimum of 56 credits are required for this major, including 26 upper-division credits.
- You are encouraged to consider special programs, both on and off campus.
- You are encouraged to complement a History major with a second major such as Political Science.
- Work closely with your faculty advisor in selecting additional supporting courses tailored to your career goals.
- Internships and other off-campus study opportunities provide you with practical skills and rich experiences in this major.
- If you intend to enter graduate study, you should acquire a reading mastery of a foreign language.
Certification With Elementary Education Endorsement
- If you plan to teach in an elementary school and are interested in history, you must major in the Integrated Studies major with a concentration in the Social Sciences.
- The concentration consists of courses in history, political science, and geography.
- You can (PDF) through the History Department advisor for the Social Sciences Concentration, Dr. Donald Holsinger (dholsing@spu.edu).
- Further information about the Elementary Certification Program is available in the School of Education.
Certification With Secondary Education Endorsement
If you plan to obtain secondary Residency Teacher Certification with endorsement in History, you should pursue a BA in History, and include the course 鈥淗istory of the Northwest鈥� HIS 3600. You must also complete requirements for a Secondary Education Endorsement through the School of Education.
If you plan to become a teacher, visit the School of Education for complete information.