History

At a Glance

I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?

At Scripps, a major in history emphasizes the study of the past as central to the understanding of human experience. We focus on how the past illuminates the complex origins of contemporary values and institutions, as well as the debates and conflicts that ultimately secured them and continue in our own time. The offerings of Scripps’ Department of History are especially rich in race, gender, sexuality, critical theory, and class for an understanding of human experience in the past.

What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?

First year students should feel free to enroll in any history course that interests them. We suggest the following:

Introductory Courses

HIST 048 SC: Gender and Testimony in Latin America and the Caribbean
HIST 050A AF: African Diaspora in the United States to 1877
HIST 050B AF: African Diaspora in the United States since 1877
HIST 070A SC: United States History to 1865
HIST 070B SC: Introduction to Modern U.S. History

If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?

HIST 180 Proseminar: What is History? should be taken in the spring semester of sophomore or junior year. There is no necessary order, but you will need two introductory courses and at least one course in each of the following areas: Pre-modern period (before 1800) and the Modern period (after 1800) for:

The United States
Latin America and the Caribbean
Europe

Introductory courses can be used to meet this distribution requirement.

Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?

Absolutely! Humanities, social sciences and life sciences are all common pairings.

What other useful information should I know about this field of study?

With the help of your adviser, two non-history courses can be defined as history courses towards the major. A research paper is required prior to your senior year, decided in consultation with your adviser. Up to four non-Scripps history courses are allowed. Up to two history courses taken abroad count towards the major. The major requires eleven courses in total.