Bachelor of Arts in History
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Caldwell University’s History program is designed to give students knowledge of both global and American history. It also introduces students to the various methodological approaches utilized by historians. It is a skills based program, focusing on critical thinking, writing, analysis, and information literacy. Internships allow students to apply this knowledge and provide networking opportunities. Independent study projects in all areas of history and political science are open to History majors. Students may aspire to membership in Phi Alpha Theta, the international history honor society. Students may also choose to pursue New Jersey State Teacher Certification K–12.
Studying at Caldwell University has many advantages. Our department offers small class sizes with experienced faculty who are committed to your success. We offer a student centered experience which is challenging yet approachable. Our unique Dominican heritage is clearly evident in our courses as we seek the “truth” through fact finding, dialogue and engagement.
The skills that students acquire as they earn their Bachelor of Arts in History are easily applicable to many fields in the modern workplace. Graduates might pursue careers in teaching, museum work, archives, policy analysis, writing, editing, public relations, fundraising, grant writing and more! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities for historians are projected to grow by 6% between 2023 – 2033.
Upon completion of the BA in History, students will be able to:
1. Utilize the skills and apply the concepts of historical thinking. These include understanding and explaining historical arguments, explaining causation and change over time, and using historical context to enhance their understanding of past events.
2. Read, interpret, analyze and contextualize primary sources of various kinds.
3. Conceive of a meaningful research question and locate and use appropriate sources to develop a response which moves beyond description to analyze issues in a critical and systematic way.
4. Write a well-organized research paper which clearly presents both argument and evidence and includes correct citations.
STUDENTS WHO MAJOR IN HISTORY MUST COMPLETE:
Course Code : HI 203
Course Description :
Surveys the political, cultural, economic and social history of the United States from the colonial period through the Civil War
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 204
Course Description :
Surveys the political, cultural, economic and social history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present.
Credit : 3
One (1) course in European history
Course Code : HI 328
Course Description :
Provides students with an historical understanding of the First World War and its impact on European and global history. Introduces students to historiographical issues by examining the war as approached by diplomatic, military, social, cultural, and women’s historians.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 326
Course Description :
Surveys the chief events of Irish history from the 17th century until the present, with special emphasis on the traditional Irish scene and the impact of English occupation upon it.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 316
Course Description :
Examines the history of Britain during the last four centuries with stress on constitutional and imperial development.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 318
Course Description :
Provides students with a chronological and critical understanding of the series of events that have become known as the Holocaust, including examination of its historical background and context as well as an awareness of some of the historical and historiographical controversies surrounding it.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 210
Course Description :
Focuses on the roles, activities and attitudes of women from ancient times to the present. Compares women’s legal, social, economic and political positions in various cultures and periods.
Credit : 3
Two (2) courses in American history
Course Code : HI 413
Course Description :
Examines the background and causes of the Civil War as well as its campaigns, battles, and military strategies. Attention is also given to the War’s political and socioeconomic dimensions.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 361
Course Description :
Traces the evolution of American foreign policy and the emergence of the United States as a great power
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 250
Course Description :
An in-depth examination of the Vietnam War as a formative event in recent United States and global history. Emphasis will be on the development and implementation of the philosophies and policies that brought America to the decision to intervene in Vietnam, the legality of that decision, and the consequences of that action at home and in the world. Particular attention will be given to those groups who were asked to serve, the coverage of the war by the media, and the anti-war movement.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 220
Course Description :
Examines the role of black Americans in the nation’s development from the colonial period to the present, with emphasis on the civil rights movement of the twentieth century.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 217
Course Description :
Surveys the major political, social, and cultural themes of Native American history from pre-Columbian times to the present.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 213
Course Description :
Surveys the state’s political, economic and cultural development from its proprietary beginnings to the present, with special emphasis on those determining factors that have shaped its character.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 211
Course Description :
This course traces the changing status and roles of women in American society from the colonial period to the present. Within a chronological context, it includes topics such as family and work roles, legal identity and political participation, involvement in political and social reform movements, and current cultural, social, and political issues affecting women. Special attention is paid to racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, and class differences among women.
Credit : 3
Two (2) courses in Global history
Course Code : HI 338
Course Description :
Traces the historical and political development of the Middle East from the 7th century to the present, with special attention paid to the role of religion in shaping the politics and culture of the region.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 337
Course Description :
Surveys the main themes in Latin American historical and political development from the 15th century to the present, with special emphasis on social, economic and cultural issues.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 333
Course Description :
Surveys the historical and political development of the continent by region with special emphasis on the last 200 years.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 331
Course Description :
Surveys the modern historical, political and cultural development of China, Japan and Korea.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 328
Course Description :
Provides students with an historical understanding of the First World War and its impact on European and global history. Introduces students to historiographical issues by examining the war as approached by diplomatic, military, social, cultural, and women’s historians.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 250
Course Description :
An in-depth examination of the Vietnam War as a formative event in recent United States and global history. Emphasis will be on the development and implementation of the philosophies and policies that brought America to the decision to intervene in Vietnam, the legality of that decision, and the consequences of that action at home and in the world. Particular attention will be given to those groups who were asked to serve, the coverage of the war by the media, and the anti-war movement.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 103
Course Description :
This is an Enriched Core course serving the Global Awareness cluster. Surveys global history from 1945 to the present, with particular emphasis on the interaction between the west and other areas of the world. Topics to be covered include the Cold War, decolonization, and global economic development.
Credit : 3
NOTE – HI 103 Cannot be double counted
NOTE – HI 103 Cannot be double counted for both enriched core and major.
Two (2) electives in history
Any HI PO course with advisement
Course Code : HI 492
Course Description :
In this course students will undertake a significant research project in order to fulfill the Outcomes Assessment requirement for all major programs in the History and Political Science Department. This project will consist of a series of steps, including a research proposal, a preliminary bibliography, 2 preliminary drafts, a final draft of at least 20 pages in length, and an oral presentation to Department faculty. This course must be taken in tandem with one of the designated senior seminars—the Research Seminar cannot be taken alone.
Credit : 3
SENIOR SEMINAR (choose one of the below):
Course Code : HI 455
Course Description :
Examines major topics in global history since 1945, including the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, independence movements in colonized nations in Africa and Asia, and various issues related to global economic development.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 440
Course Description :
Analyzes social, political and cultural developments since 1945 with special emphasis on social movements and political protest.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 432
Course Description :
An in-depth and historically grounded examination of selected problems and issues, with topics chosen dependent upon the expertise of the instructor and the changing nature of world concerns.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 407
Course Description :
An examination of the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped North America from the pre-Columbian period to the ratification of the United States constitution in 1789. Major topics to be covered include: pre-European Native America; the Age of European exploration and expansion; cross-cultural contacts between Indians, Africans, and Europeans; slavery; colonial ethnicity and the roots of American pluralism; colonial political structures; the Salem witch trials; colonial American culture; the American Revolution; and the Constitutional Convention.
Credit : 3
The department encourages history majors to take some courses in statistics and computer science. Although not required, the concurrent study of a modern language and the use of source materials in that language for student research is highly recommended. A reading knowledge of at least one modern language is necessary for graduate study in history