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The study of the past involves mastering complex bodies of knowledge and questioning widely held assumptions. In an electronic age, the ability to carry out research, evaluate evidence, think creatively, write clearly and argue effectively is more essential than ever.
The History Department prides itself on offering students a wide variety of course topics and learning experiences. The expertise of the full-time faculty members extends across Asia, Canada, Brazil, Britain, Europe, Latin America and the United States of America. Many of our courses also contribute to other programs, such as Atlantic Canada Studies, Asian Studies, Global Development Studies, Irish Studies, The School of the Environment, Spanish and Latin American Studies, as well as Women and Gender Studies.
Graduates from Saint Mary’s History Department have moved on to successful careers as lawyers, journalists, teachers, archivists, museum administrators, public servants, web designers, business leaders, teachers and university professors. Many of our students who have chosen to remain in academia have won prizes, fellowships, and research grants of their own.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a well-established, foundational degree and requires the requirements listed below alongside general graduation requirements.
To obtain a major in history, students must complete at least forty-two (42) credit hours in history, as follows:
Note: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required for courses designated for a major (see the general regulations concerning Arts Degree requirements).
All students majoring in history are strongly advised to take twelve (12) credit hours in a foreign language. In the case of students concentrating in Canadian history, French is specified as the recommended language.
To obtain a concentration in History in partial fulfillment of the B.A. General degree (i.e., one with Double Arts Concentration):
Further details are available from the chairperson.
All prospective honours students should refer to the section of this Calendar pertaining to honours degrees and apply to the Registrar for enrolment in that program after completing eighteen (18) credit hours or more of History courses.
To qualify for the honours program, students must obtain and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher as well as a cumulative grade point average in History courses of 3.30 or higher.
Applicants who are below either of these minimums may consult with the Honours Coordinator. Students must also achieve a grade of 3.30 or higher in Honours Seminar (HIST 4500).
To obtain an honours degree in History, students must:
To satisfy the requirements for a Minor in History, students must complete at least twenty-four (24) credit hours in the field of study.
Applied History explores the uses of history in everyday life as seen, for example, in films, on the internet, museums, heritage sites, archives, archeological digs, and public monuments. Students gain an understanding of the scholarly contributions of multiple disciplines. Courses within this minor emphasize the practical application of the study of history in the community with a focus on experiential learning. Students are provided with training and opportunities outside of the classroom with field trips to museums and monuments, within the digital humanities, and with new forms of media. The Applied History minor puts into practice the skills of understanding local, national, racial, gender and cultural identities through heritage sites, tourism and marketing.
An Applied History minor consists of at least twenty-four (24) credit hours:
In addition to the programs cited above, information on a Minor in British Studies, may be found in the British Studies section of this Academic Calendar.
Certain courses offered by the Departments of Languages and Cultures, Anthropology, and Religion may, in special circumstances, be cross-listed and counted in a student’s History concentration. In such cases, the student must obtain the Department’s permission.
Graduate students should refer to the Master of Arts in History Degree, in the Graduate Academic Calendar.
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