History Major

Summary of Requirements

• Minimum of One 100-Level Course
• Minimum of One 200-Level Course
• Minimum of One 300-Level Course
• Minimum of One 400-Level Course
• HIST 299 - Introduction to Historical Methods  
• One Pre-Modern Course
• Geographic Distribution Requirement
• Additional Electives

Notes:
At least five full courses must have the HIST prefix.

No more than three full courses taken from selected courses based on historical methodologies taught in other departments or programs may apply to the major.

Courses that count towards the major but originate in other departments can be used to fulfill any History major requirement except that of the 300-level course.

Credit earned in First-Year Seminars taught by members of the Oberlin History Department may be applied toward the major but cannot be used to fulfill the 100-level course requirement.

Transfer of Credit

Students seeking to transfer credit toward the History Major for classes not taken at Oberlin must consult with their advisors and/or the chair of the History Department in advance, and gain written preliminary approval for courses they wish to take elsewhere.

Students may be eligible to transfer toward the major credit for a maximum of two full courses completed outside Oberlin. Other courses may be transferred for general credit toward graduation. Normally, the History Department does not accept toward the major any courses completed at two-year institutions after a student has declared a major in History at Oberlin.

Visit the department website for a detailed explanation of History Department Transfer Guidelines.

Study Away

No more than 2 full courses taken in approved study-away programs may apply to the major.

Honors

The Honors Program in history offers the opportunity for recognition of distinguished achievement in historical research and writing. Qualified students apply to enter the program in their sixth semester. Proposals are due in mid-April and should be prepared in consultation with department faculty. Further information is available from the chair or the History Honors coordinator.

Visit the department website for more detailed guidelines.

History Major Course Lists