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HSTRY-BA - History (BA)

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HistoryUndergraduate MatriculatedBA - Bachelor of Arts

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Program Overview

We live in a world shaped by the past. To make sense of the past, we must empathize with people who once thought very differently than we do today. We must learn how to see bygone lives and events on their own terms, to render the strange legible and the unfamiliar comprehensible. As a discipline, History teaches the analytical, interpretive, and expressive skills necessary to study the past and to understand social change over time.

 It might seem counterintuitive that one of the best ways to understand the present is by studying the past, but that is precisely why History is so important. When we appreciate that History is not, first and foremost, a body of knowledge – that is, a collection of names, dates, and events – but rather a way of seeing and thinking, it becomes a powerful tool for assessing contemporary challenges and promoting social change. Once we know how to penetrate different modes of thought and human behavior and can understand their inner logic, it becomes easier to make sense of the contemporary world, its diverse peoples and ideas. Studying history cultivates a crucial set of skills that help navigate not only the past, but the present as well.

Suggested Preparation for the Major 

Before declaring the History major, students must take one lecture course. They must take a second lecture course within one year of declaring. Fulfilling this requirement are courses numbered HISTORY 1-199 (with the exception of Frosh (xxN) and Sophomore (xxQ) Introductory Seminars).

Degree Requirements Overview

Completion of the major requires planning. History majors should plan to meet with their faculty advisors twice yearly, once in the Autumn and once in the Winter or Spring quarters. These meetings should take place within the first three weeks of the quarter, before the final study list deadline.

  1. Courses comprising the 63 units must be taken for 3-5 units and a letter grade, and the student must maintain a grade point average (GPA) in History courses of 2.0 or higher.

  2. At least nine courses must be taken from within the Stanford Department of History. Transfer students and those who study abroad may be granted exemptions from this requirement at the discretion of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

  3. At least six quarters of enrollment in the major. Each candidate for the B.A. in History should declare the major by the Autumn Quarter of the third year of study or earlier, if possible.

  4. One HISTORY 299S Undergraduate Directed Research and Writing taken for 3-5 units and for a letter grade may be applied toward the thirteen courses required for the B.A. in History.

  5. The History department organizes a series of events at which students present their honors theses.

  6. The department encourages students to acquire proficiency in foreign languages and study at one of Stanford's overseas programs. Such studies are not only valuable in themselves; they can provide an opportunity for independent research and a foundation for honors essays and graduate study.

  7. Advanced Placement credits do not fulfill any major requirements.

Completion requirement
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

Please note that courses fulfilling this requirement will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

Please note that courses fulfilling this requirement will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

One of these courses must be taken before declaring the major; the second should be taken within one year of declaring.

Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

Sources and Methods seminars constitute the department's 'skills' course and are oriented around two primary objectives: first, to introduce students to a wide range of historical sources and methodologies; second, to teach students how to research and write a "history paper." This latter writing component is typically broken down into the three classic types of “history paper”:  analysis of a primary source, analysis of historians in conflict, and argument-based research paper.

The Sources and Methods seminar should be taken as early as possible in a student's course of study, ideally before taking a Doing History course (below) and certainly before  enrolling in HISTORY209S Research Seminar for Majors (below).

Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

The "Doing History" series consists of rigorous undergraduate colloquia that introduce the practice of history within a particular field or thematic area.

Ideally taken after a Sources & Methods seminar and before course Research Seminar for Majors.

Students are strongly encouraged to satisfy this requirement in their sophomore or junior year.

Complete two 200-level undergraduate colloquia (HISTORY 200-298)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:

In completing this course, students must write a 20-25 page essay based on original research and including at least two drafts. course Research Seminar for Majors may be taken in either the junior or the senior year. Students planning to pursue an honors thesis should complete History 209S ideally in the junior year. See the "Writing in the Major" tab below for more information.

Prerequisite: Students must complete the Sources and Methods seminar before enrolling in the Research Seminar.

At least 6 additional courses to total a minimum of 63 units.
Completion requirement
The Department of History offers six tracks to the B.A. in History. These tracks are not declared in Axess and are not printed on the transcript or diploma. Faculty coordinators for each track are listed on the Department of History Website.

1. The General History track emphasizes breadth of study among historical areas and periods as well as concentration in one selected field.

2. The Global Affairs and World History track emphasizes an understanding of today's world through a historical examination of its evolution, from the early modern to the contemporary era.

The four tracks with interdisciplinary emphasis combine the study of history with the methods and approaches of other disciplines, and involve substantial course work outside of History. These are:

3. History, Philosophy, and the Arts

4. History of Science and Medicine

5. History and Law

6. Public History/Public Service

See below for more information about each track.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

Each course must be taken for 3-5 units and a letter grade.

Please note that courses fulfilling Field I will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

Each course must be taken for 3-5 units and a letter grade.

Please note that courses fulfilling Field II will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

Each course must be taken for 3-5 units and a letter grade.

Please note that courses fulfilling Field III will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

Courses fulfilling Field IV may also simultaneously fulfill a geographic field (Fields I, II, or III). Each course must be taken for 3-5 units and a letter grade.

Please note that courses fulfilling Field IV will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
To develop some measure of expertise, students must complete four courses in a single area (including one undergraduate colloquium or research seminar). The proposed concentration must be approved by the major advisor; a proposal for a thematic concentration must be approved by both the advisor and the department's director of undergraduate studies. Areas of concentration are:

  • Africa

  • Asia

  • Eastern Europe and Russia

  • Europe before 1700

  • Europe since 1700

  • Jewish History

  • Latin America

  • Science and Medicine

  • The United States

  • The Middle East

  • International History

  • Comparative Empires and Cultures

  • or a thematic subject treated comparatively, such as war and revolution, work, gender, family history, popular culture, or high culture.

Required Course: course History of the International System since 1914 is a required course for students who select the International History concentration. This course is usually offered in Spring Quarter. (In the event that History 102 is not offered, another History course with an international focus may be taken, with permission from the Major Advisor.)

The General History track consists of breadth and concentration requirements.

As for all History majors, students in this track must complete the core program requirements (see tab above) while completing the requirements specific to this track.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

Note: If a student wishes to take more than two of these courses, the additional course is applied to the methodological cluster.

AND
Complete at least 6 of the following Courses:

Majors selecting this track take at least 6 thematic history courses of global scope.

Please note that courses fulfilling the Methodological Cluster will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Students select four History courses in one geographic area, such as Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East, or Africa. All courses in this cluster must be pre-approved by the faculty coordinator for this track.
AND
Students electing the Global Affairs and World History track must acquire proficiency in a foreign language through two years of college-level course work (second-year, third-quarter) or by passing a proficiency exam. Language courses do not count toward the 13 required courses in the major; students may, however, be interested in pairing this track in the History major with a foreign language minor.

The Global Affairs and World History track is designed to offer an empirically rich curriculum for Stanford students interested in international affairs. The goal is to impart an understanding of today's world through a historical examination of its evolution, from the early modern to the contemporary era. This track appeals to students who are aiming for a career in the international arena, and who seek to inform themselves about the complexities of cultural diversity and spatial differentiation on the ground. Deploying both connective and comparative modes of analysis, majors who choose this track will acquire a robust understanding of the relevance of the past to current events.

The Global Affairs and World History track features gateway courses in Global Human Geography, a recommended skills component, a geographical concentration, and a core cluster of global and comparative offerings. Students choosing this track also develop proficiency in a foreign language at the second-year level or above. Incorporating primary sources in a language other than English into the capstone seminar or honors thesis is encouraged.

Overseas Study Experience: Students electing this track are encouraged to study abroad, with a Stanford BOSP program or another program approved by the directors of the track. Course work taken overseas may be accepted for credit in the track on a case by case basis, in consultation with a faculty coordinator.

As for all History majors, students in this track must complete the core program requirements (see tab above) while completing the requirements specific to this track.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

Note: If a student wishes to take more than two of these courses, the additional course is applied to the methodological cluster.

AND
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:

This two-course cluster teaches students how historians, in particular, analyze literary texts and philosophical works as documentary sources for writing cultural and intellectual history. Students choose two courses from among the pre-approved HPA methodology curriculum. These courses need not be in the student's geographic concentration.

Please note that courses fulfilling the Methodological Cluster will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Students select four History courses in one geographic area, such as Europe, Britain and the countries of the former British Empire, Asia, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, or Africa.
AND
Four courses, taken outside the Department of History, must address the literature and arts, broadly defined, of the area chosen for the geographic concentration. All courses in this cluster must be pre-approved by the faculty coordinator for this track; these courses may not be double-counted towards a minor or major other than History.

The History, Philosophy, and the Arts (HPA) track is designed for the student who wishes to complement their work in History with study in literature and philosophy, particularly in a foreign language. For the purposes of this track, Arts are defined broadly, including fine art and art history, drama, films, memoirs and autobiography, poetry and novels, as well as canonical works in philosophy, political science, and history of political thought. It appeals to students who are interested in studying the humanities and its conceptual and linguistic worlds in their historical context, or who want to focus on both the literature and history of a specific geographical area while also learning the language of that area.

As for all History majors, students in this track must complete the core program requirements (see tab above) while completing the requirements specific to this track.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
AND
Complete at least 3 of the following Courses:

These History courses focus on the history of science and medicine. 

Please note that courses fulfilling the Methodological Cluster will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Students select four History courses in one geographic area, such as Europe, Britain and the countries of the former British Empire, Asia, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, or Africa. Courses in the history of science, technology, and medicine that have a geographic focus may be used to fulfill this requirement, but cannot be double-counted in the methodological cluster.
AND
 Students select four courses in scientific disciplines and/or in philosophy of science, anthropology of science, or sociology of science. Courses in this cluster must be pre-approved by the faculty coordinator for this track.

The History of Science and Medicine (HS&M) track is a collaborative program of the Department of History and the Program in the History and Philosophy of Science. The major is designed for students interested in both sciences and humanities, and in the interactions between the two. It is also especially useful for students contemplating medical school, since it allows them to study the history of medicine, biology, and allied sciences in conjunction with fulfilling the premed science requirements. 

As for all History majors, students in this track must complete the core program requirements (see tab above) while completing the requirements specific to this track.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete at least 4 of the following Courses:

Students enroll in at least four History department courses, including courses outside History taught by faculty affiliated with the department, that focus on how law, policies, constitutions, and legal structures affect the development of various societies. Note: The Methodological Cluster for this HIP contains one extra course since there is no Gateway course.

Please note that courses fulfilling the Methodological Cluster will be added to this list on a rolling basis.

AND
Students select four History courses in one geographic area, such as Europe, Britain and the countries of the former British Empire, Asia, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, or Africa.
AND
Students may select from courses offered in the School of Law, School of Education, and others as appropriate. Note: Courses in the School of Law and School of Education require the permission of the instructor before undergraduate students can enroll, since these are graduate-level courses. Courses in this cluster must be pre-approved by the faculty coordinator for this track.

The History and Law (HL) interdisciplinary track is for students who want to explore the intersections between historical and legal studies. The HL curriculum focuses on the role of legal institutions, policies, and structures in various societies. HL track majors enroll in at least four History department courses that focus on issues of law in civil societies and four courses that provide a geographic concentration. In addition, students enroll in four courses outside History that provide disciplinary or interdisciplinary perspectives on the role of law in shaping societies and a Research Seminar for Majors.

As for all History majors, students in this track must complete the core program requirements (see tab above) while completing the requirements specific to this track.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

Please note that courses fulfilling the Gateway requirement will be added on a rolling basis.

AND
Students select four History courses in one geographic area, such as the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East, or Africa.
AND
 Students select four courses from outside the History department that addresses a theme or topic of interest. The faculty coordinator must pre-approve all courses in this cluster.
AND
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

Students must engage in at least a one quarter internship through a community engaged learning course or through a full-time public service or public history summer internship or fellowship. This internship must be pre-approved by the faculty coordinator.

Students who complete a paid summer internship in lieu of one for academic credit must enroll in 3 units of HISTORY 299S Undergraduate Directed Research and Writing with the faculty coordinator of the PH/PS track and write a 20-page research paper related to their internship work. This research paper is in addition to that required for the Research Seminar for Majors.

If students elect to fulfill the internship requirement through a History Department service-learning course, they must enroll in an additional course in either the geographical cluster or the Interdisciplinary cluster in order to complete the 13 courses required for the major.

The Public History/Public Service (PH/PS) interdisciplinary history track is designed for students who wish to include in their course of studies the application of historical study in

  1. public settings such as museums and heritage sites, national and state parks, public agencies, and private foundations, and

  2. public service settings in non-profit organizations, public agencies, and educational institutions.

As for all History majors, students in this track must complete the core program requirements (see tab above) while completing the requirements specific to this track.

Completion requirement
Complete ALL of the following Courses:

This course may be taken in either the junior or senior year, but not before completing the Sources and Methods seminar requirement. Students write a 20-25 page research essay. Original research and revision are important parts of the research essay. Students must conduct substantial original research in the libraries and must submit at least two drafts (a rough draft and a final draft) of the essay, with substantial revision in response to instructor feedback. Students who wish to write an honors thesis should take course Research Seminar for Majors in the junior year.  Where appropriate, a student can use the research seminar to begin working on the honors thesis. 

course Research Seminar for Majors fulfills the WIM requirement only. It does not fulfill geographical requirements or small group course requirements.

Students select their research topics based on the general topics of each quarter's offerings.

  • course Research Seminar for Majors

    • Autumn 2021:

      • Honors with Professor James P. Daughton (for those students who studied abroad for the entirety of their junior year or were otherwise unable to complete 209S in their junior year for an approved reason);

      • Early Modern History with Professor Nancy Kollmann

    • Winter 2022:  

      • Open Topic with Professor Steven Zipperstein;

      • The Arms Maker in History and Culture with Professor Priya Satia

    • Spring: 2022:

      • American Political History with Professor Jennifer Burns;

      • Section with Professor Thomas Mullaney

Completion requirement
Complete ALL of the following Courses:

For a limited number of majors, the department offers a special program leading to Departmental Honors in History. Students accepted for this program, in additional to fulfilling the general requirements stated above, begin work as early as Spring Quarter of the junior year and complete the essay by mid-May of the senior year. In addition to course Junior Honors Colloquium, students must enroll in 11-15 units of Senior Research in the senior year, to be distributed as best fits their specific project. For students in the Honors program, Senior Research units (course Senior Research I, course Senior Research II, course Senior Research III) are taken in addition to the thirteen required courses in History.

To enter this program, the student must be accepted by a member of the department who agrees to advise the research and writing of the essay, and must complete the Junior Honors Colloquium (299H) offered in Winter Quarter. An exception to the latter requirement may be made for those studying overseas Winter Quarter of the junior year, but such students should consult with the director of the honors program, if possible, prior to going overseas. Students who study abroad for the entire junior year and want to write an honors thesis should plan to take the Research Seminar for Majors in the first quarter following completion of the study abroad program.

In considering an applicant for such a project, the advisor and director of the honors program take into account general preparation in the field of the project and expect a GPA of at least 3.5 in the student's previous work in History and a 3.3 in overall University work. Students completing the thesis with a grade of 'B+' or higher are eligible for Departmental Honors in History. To enter the Honors program, apply at the Department of History office.

Outstanding honors essays may be considered for the University's Robert M. Golden Medal, as well as for the departmental James Birdsall Weter prize.

Honors Program Requirements

To graduate with departmental honors in History, students must:

  1. complete course Junior Honors Colloquium in the junior year.

  2. maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 in overall University work and a 3.5 in the History major during the final 5 quarters of enrollment/thesis preparation, or obtain the consent of the Director of the Honors Program.

  3. select both a primary thesis advisor (who is a member of the Stanford History faculty) and a secondary advisor (who is a Stanford University faculty member with an active teaching appointment for the duration of academic year 2021-22) no later than Autumn Quarter of the senior year.

  4. submit a completed honors thesis on May 2, 2021 by noon that meets submission requirements and receives a grade of 'B+' or better.

  5. enroll in the 11-15 units of Senior Research as specified below.

  6. participate in mandatory Honors Program activities throughout senior year (including, but not limited to, writing workshops and the annual Honors Presentation Luncheon) as specified in the Honors Program Handbook.

course Senior Research I, course Senior Research II, course Senior Research III do not fulfill any history major requirements other than honors, but the units do count towards the 180 required for B.A. degree conferral.

An exception (for course Junior Honors Colloquium) may be made for those studying overseas Winter Quarter of the junior year, but such students should consult with the Director of the Honors Program prior to going overseas.

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