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College of the Arts and Sciences – Arts and Humanities
History
H istory is not simply a lot of names, dates, and battles; at Ohio
State, history is alive and probably not what most students
expect. History is the key to understanding war, revolution, famine,
major need to be from courses covering historical periods before
1750 and at least 10 hours from courses in periods after 1750. No
more than five hours of 593 course work (individual studies) may be
and social upheaval of today’s world. History does not just recite credited toward the major.
facts and names but involves analysis and understanding. History is
the sum total of the human experience, and that experience serves Courses counted as part of the student’s college requirements may
as a mirror reflecting today’s events. It is an adventure story that is not be used as part of the major program. Although a grade of
true. C- will be permitted in courses comprising the major program, the
minimum overall cumulative point-hour ratio of the major must be a
When studying history, students learn how to read critically, develop 2.0.
an analytical argument, and write persuasively. Papers are required
in most courses and almost all examinations are in essay format so Students contemplating a history major should try to fulfill their
that upon completing a history major, students will not only know General Education Curriculum historical study requirement as early
a good deal of information about the human experience but also as possible and take History 398, Introduction to Historical Thought,
will be better able to communicate effectively. Students can focus early in their career. History 598 (Senior Colloquium) should be taken
the history major on a subject of interest: historians specialize during the senior year.
in geographic regions, like Europe, Africa, or Asia; they study
time periods, like the ancient or the very modern world; or they A major in Ancient History and Classics is available for students
emphasize thematic issues such as the history of women or military with an especially focused interest in this area. Details of such
history. a program should be discussed with faculty advisors in both the
Department of Greek and Latin and the Department of History. The
Pursuing History at Ohio State program will consist of at least 20 credit hours in Latin and/or Greek
All Ohio State freshman applicants are considered within a at the 200 level and above, and 20 credit hours in ancient history at
competitive admission process for the Columbus campus. The the 300 level and above. The remaining 10 credit hours are chosen
primary criteria for admission are the completion of the applicant’s in consultation with the faculty advisers from courses in Classics
high school college preparatory program, performance in that numbered 200 or higher, or appropriate courses in Greek, Latin,
program as indicated by class rank and/or grade-point average, History, History of Art, or Philosophy.
and performance on either the ACT or SAT. Upon admission to
the university, students can declare a major in history within Co-Curricular Opportunities
the Arts and Humanities. Interested students should contact the Ohio State offers many opportunities for students to learn and grow
Undergraduate History Office, 110 Dulles Hall, 230 West 17th outside of the classroom. These range from cooperative education
Avenue, and the College of the Arts and Sciences. (co-op) and internships to study abroad programs to student
organizations. Co-ops and internships place students in professional
Any student who wishes more information about history at Ohio environments while they are Ohio State students. In particular,
State should feel free to visit the Undergraduate History Office. History 489, History Internship, allows students to work directly
with professional historians. Ohio State offers more than 100 study
History Requirements abroad programs in 40 countries around the world. In addition,
A major program in history consists of a minimum of 50 hours of there are hundreds of student organizations on campus to meet the
course work at the 300-level and above. After consultation with and interests of a diverse student population.
approval by the student’s advisor, a student may apply up to 10 hours
of course work from outside the Department of History to the major. These experiences enable students to gain valuable work
All students must complete History 398, Introduction to Historical experience, learn about cultures, and take on leadership roles before
Thought, and History 598.01, the Senior Colloquium. These courses they enter the workforce. All of these experiences enhance learning
fulfill 10 of the 50 hours of the major. History H598 is available for and may provide an advantage in the job market.
students in the Honors Program. History 598 courses fulfills the
requirement for a third writing course, focused in the major. Honors & Scholars Opportunities
Ohio State offers the Honors and Scholars programs to create
Students majoring in history will acquire historical knowledge of an environment of intellectual support and stimulation within
at least two cultures as well as knowledge spanning chronological a close-knit community of high-ability undergraduate students.
periods before and after 1750. Students select at least 20 credit Through these programs, students have access to smaller classes,
hours in one of six geographic areas to provide depth and at least undergraduate research opportunities, close working relationships
15 credit hours in other areas for breadth. At least 10 hours of the with faculty, priority scheduling, and unique housing options.
For more information, check these web sites:
History: history.osu.edu Admissions: undergrad.osu.edu
Arts and Humanities: artsandhumanities.osu.edu Multicultural Center: multiculturalcenter.osu.edu
zycnzj.com/http://www.zycnzj.com/
Ohio State: osu.edu First Year Experience Program: fye.osu.edu

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Curriculum Sample* Honors and Scholars programs represent great opportunities to be part of a smaller
This is a sample list of classes a student can take to community within a large university. Good candidates for these programs are
pursue a degree in History. Since university students invited to apply upon admission to the university. For more information about these
need more than specific education in a narrow field, opportunities, refer to the Honors and Scholars web site at honors-scholars.osu.edu.
they also will take classes to complete the General
Education Curriculum (GEC). The GEC will allow Career Prospects in History
students to develop the fundamental skills essential History prepares the student for a wide variety of careers. Reports from the job
to collegiate success across major programs. Course placement office at Ohio State indicate that former history majors are working in
work options satisfying the GEC often come from a business, banking, teaching, government work, social work, library and archival
variety of academic areas of study allowing students work, publishing, and law. History has always been recognized as one of the best
undergraduate programs for those planning to go into law, but professional and
to tailor their GEC toward their interests. Note: This
business schools also value a well-rounded liberal education as a basis upon
sample represents one of several possible paths to a
which to build their programs. Of course, many students go into graduate work in
degree in History. Consult the departmental web site,
history, and the Undergraduate History Office maintains information on graduate
history.osu.edu, for details on each specific track. programs at other universities.
Freshman Year:
Western Civilization Antiquity to the To assist students with career planning, every spring the Undergraduate History
17th Century 5 Office offers a Career Night for all history majors. This event features a panel
Western Civilization 17th Century to
of history faculty and successful alumni who speak on various topics such as
Modern Times 5
Elementary French 1 5 “Graduate Studies in History” and “History and Careers in Law.” Students who
Elementary French II 5 have attended this Career Night in the past have found it very informative and
Intermediate French 5 helpful. We encourage all interested students to come and participate.
GEC (English composition) 5
GEC courses and electives 15 Career Counseling and Job Placement
Arts and Humanities Survey 1 Students can explore career options by utilizing Career Connection as well as
Freshman Seminar 1
Total hours 47 the Arts and Sciences Career Services Office. Providing complimentary services,
Career Connection focuses on helping students establish a career direction,
Sophomore Year: while the Arts and Sciences Career Services Office assists students with finding
Introduction to Historical Thought 5 internships—experiences that are essential to testing out the suitability of career
Intermediate French II 5
French Revolution and Napoleon 5 fields they are considering. Located in 48 Townshend Hall, the Arts and Sciences
France in the 20th Century 5 Career Services Office also assists seniors and recent graduates with finding
Masterpieces of Greek Literature in entry-level career employment. More information about both offices is found at
Translation 5 asccareerservices.osu.edu and careerconnection.osu.edu.
Literature and Religion 5
GEC courses and electives 20 More About History
Total hours 50 In addition to its classes and conferences with faculty advisors, the Department
Junior Year: of History stays in touch with its majors through an e-mail list, a semi-annual
History of East Asia to 1800 5 newsletter, Taking Time, a web site, and the aforementioned Career Night. It
History of Classical Greece 5 also supports a chapter of the national history honorary, Phi Alpha Theta, which
Medieval England 5 promotes social and academic activities for history students throughout the year.
Women and Religion 5
Music Cultures of the World 5 Phi Alpha Theta initiates members in the spring quarter, and is open to students
GEC courses and electives 25 with a grade point average of 3.00 overall and a 3.15 average in at least twenty
Total hours 50 credit hours of history courses.
Senior Year:
Tudor-Stuart England 5 The department also recognizes the achievement of history majors through annual
History of Modern Africa 5 awards and prizes. In monetary amounts that vary, the following scholarships are
Senior History Colloquium 5 awarded in the spring on a competitive basis for outstanding history majors.
History of the Early Church in the West 5 The Lloyd Roberts Evans Scholarship is for a junior or senior based on both merit
GEC courses and electives 15 and need. The Adrienne A. and Marvin R. Zahniser Scholarship, awarded on the
Total hours 35 basis of superior academic achievement, supports a student entering his or her
*One benefit of the history major is its flexibility and responsiveness senior year. The Marge Haffner Memorial Scholarship assists a deserving student
to the interests of the individual student. The program presented here
emphasizes modern Europe and takes advantage of the student’s with financial need. The Gerry D. Guthrie Award goes to an incoming history major
French language and interests in classical Greece and early religion. or a student in the first year of study. The Sydney N. Fisher Award is awarded
But another student could just as well emphasize American history, to the history major who wrote the best research paper. The K. Austin Kerr Prize
ancient history, or the study of any other part of the world, at any period
in human history. recognizes the student with the best internet-related project.
Revised September 2009. For the most up-to-date information on the history
program, please visit history.osu.edu.
Contact information:
Maria Mazon | Department of History | 106 Dulles Hall
230 West 17th Avenue | Columbus,
zycnzj.com/http://www.zycnzj.com/ Ohio 43210-1367
(614) 292-2674