History Minor

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Department of History, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

25 Credits

Introduction

Most students are required to study history in both elementary and secondary schools. At that level, students often are given the impression that the study of history simply requires memorization of names, dates, and other facts about events in the past. At the college level, however, the study of history facilitates the development of research, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive skills. History minors learn how to locate and access a wide range of sources, to analyze historical evidence, including textual and visual sources, to evaluate historical interpretations, and to develop and support their own interpretations. The quantity of writing and discussion required in history courses also helps students to develop effective communication skills.

Why Consider a History Minor?

If you are not a history major but like to read, write, and learn about the experiences of people in different places and times, you should consider the history minor. In addition to the knowledge and skills they acquire in their minors, history minors develop strong analytical, evaluative, and communication skills that are valued by all employers, including businesses and government agencies.

Contact Information

Minor Information and History Department Chair
Johann Neem
Bond Hall 332
360-650-2511
Johann.Neem@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

There are no prerequisites for declaring the history minor. Students who have earned Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit in history should not take the equivalent courses at Western. It is recommended that students contact a faculty advisor in the department as soon as they wish to declare the history minor.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. A minimum GPA in history courses of 2.50 is required for graduation.

Requirements

For this program history courses are grouped into the following fields:
❑ United States
❑ Europe
❑ East and South Asia
❑ Africa and Middle East
❑ Western Hemisphere (outside U.S.)
❑ Ancient

Credits should be distributed as follows:
❑ Two courses in one of the above fields
❑ Two courses in a second field
❑ Electives under advisement
❑ At least ten credits must be in upper-division courses

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements 2019-20
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement