History

Learn more about the Department of History at Valpo online.

Professor Ostoyich; Associate Professor Seguin (chair); Assistant Professors Curtis, Kelley.

One of the central disciplines of the traditional liberal arts, history is concerned with understanding the development of societies and cultures which produced the world as we know it. The historian operates under the assumption that the past is of fundamental importance in today’s decision-making and in formulating tomorrow’s dreams. History provides a solid major for those with career goals in law, teaching, journalism, government, and the ministry. Combining a history major with a Fundamentals of Business Minor has proved to be a popular alternative for those who have strong interests in history and who plan to pursue a business career. Since the history student integrates materials from the social and behavioral sciences, literature, philosophy, religion, and the arts, history is also a field for students who view the undergraduate years as a time to explore a variety of subjects.

Degree

Completion of the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences with a major in history leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Pre-Law Students

Pre-law students who are taking a major in history should consult their advisor about appropriate course selections and about the selection of a second major or a minor.

Credit by Examination

Credit for HIST 100 and HIST 110 may be earned through the College Level Examination Program subject examination in Western Civilization or through the Advanced Placement examination offered by the College Entrance Examination Board.

Credit for HIST 120 and HIST 121 may be earned through the College Level Examination Program subject examination in American History or through the Advanced Placement examination offered by the College Entrance Examination Board.

Approval of Schedules

Each class of majors is assigned to a member of the department for advising. The chair advises minors.

Note: Any 3-credit history course may be used to fulfill the Humanities: History component of the General Education Requirements. Certain History courses may be used to fulfill the Cultural Diversity course component of the General Education Requirements; see course descriptions for details.

Middle East Studies

Objectives

The Middle East Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that will introduce students to a range of Middle Eastern cultures, languages, and viewpoints, from the classical to the contemporary periods. While fluency in Arabic or Hebrew is not required, language study is a requirement for the Middle East Studies minor. In addition to language study, the minor requires courses in theology, the social sciences, and the humanities to present students with a range of perspectives and methodologies relevant to the study of the Middle East. Study Abroad in the Middle East is recommended.