Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Rivier Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Rivier Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Bachelor of Arts in History (Day)


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Courses in history are designed to help students develop a sense of historical perspective so that they can appreciate their rich cultural heritage and understand contemporary world problems. Civilization in Western Perspective I and II surveys the historical, political, social, and cultural movements and social events of the world from ancient times to the new globalism. Other history courses range from a survey of United States history to more specialized courses in United States Constitutional History,  modern China, modern Russia, modern Greece, Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich, and Global Transformation.

The spectrum of courses in history offers great breadth not only in chronology, but also in regional diversity. The program is committed to developing students’ awareness of and expertise in the historical roots of the global challenges facing the world today. Similarly, in keeping with the College’s mission, the program is committed to developing students’ awareness and appreciation of the rich Catholic Christian tradition which has shaped western civilization and the students’ own continuing responsibility within that tradition.

In Historian’s Tools, the methodology course and beyond, the history major provides the academic background and the analytical and writing skills appropriate for positions in both the public and private sector. The major also provides an excellent preparation for graduate level or professional study.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduating majors in history should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a mastery of the principles of scholarly research and writing in history to a level expected of baccalaureate work;
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of both classic and current historiography;
  • Explain major historical developments in oral presentations, but also in a significant research essay;
  • Relate past events to the present;
  • Demonstrate a familiarity with various cultures;
  • Appreciate the historical inter-relationship of issues of Catholic social teaching with political, economic, and cultural developments.

Assessment

Proficiency in subject knowledge is assessed through class discussion, examinations, research papers and oral reports, capstone experiences, and internships.

Europe (choose one):


Non-Western (choose one):


Political Science Electives (choose two):


  • POL - Two electives

General Education Requirements (42-45 credits)


Associated with General Core


Who is My Neighbor?  Students explore this question in their second and third years.(6 credits)

  • HUM200 Literature, Art, and the Human Credits: 3
    Students take one -200 level interdisciplinary course that addresses a basic human question from the perspectives of the literary, visual, and musical arts.
  • HIS203 Interactions: The West in the World I Credits: 3 or
  • HIS204 Interactions: The West in the World II Credits: 3

How Shall We Live? Students explore this question in their junior and senior years. (6 credits)

  • Religion: Faith, Religion, and Social Justice Credits: 3
    Students take one Religion course developed with this theme at its center.
  • Philosophy: Ethics, Values, and Moral Choices Credits: 3
    Students take one Philosophy course developed with this theme at its center.

What, then, Shall We Do?  Students explore this question in their junior or senior year. (3 credits)

  • Capstone: Justice and Global Responsibility Credits: 3
    Students take one of a number of offerings under Justice and Global Responsibility. This seminar serves as the culmination of the Common Core. Informed by problem-solving pedagogy, this seminar enhances the student’s connection with the Catholic vision of the University by focusing on justice and global responsibility.

Area Distribution Courses: The Core Complement
Humanities and Social Sciences (6 credits)

  • One course from: English, History, Modern Language, Philosophy, Religious Studies Credits: 3
  • One course from: Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology Credits: 3

Mathematics and Natural Sciences (6 credits)

  • One course in Mathematics:  MA112 College Algebra or above Credits: 3
  • One course from: Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Science Credits: 3-4

Culture through Language (6 credits)
Students must demonstrate university-level introductory competency in a language other than English.

General Electives (minimum 42 credits)


Degree Requirements (120 credits)


SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN


History, Bachelor of Arts

Year 1 - Fall

Year 1 - Spring

ENG115

FYS: Expositions & Arguments

3 cr

REL115

FYS: God & Created Order

3 cr

HIS101

US History I

3 cr

HIS102

US History II

3 cr

MA112

College Algebra or above

3 cr

___ ___

Social Science Elective

3 cr

___ ___

Modern Language

3 cr

___ ___

Modern Language

3 cr

___ ___

Natural Science Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

LNS108

WC: Student Success I

1 cr

LNS109

WC: Student Success II

1 cr

 

 

16

 

 

16

Year 2 - Fall

Year 2 - Spring

HIS203

The West & the World I

3 cr

HIS204

The West & the World II

3 cr

HIS250

Historian’s Tools   

3 cr

POL___

Political Science Elective

3 cr

___ ___

Humanities Elective

3 cr

BIO112

Stewards of the Living World

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

HUM200

Literature, Art & Human

3 cr

PHI ___

Philosophy Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

 

 

 

SL100

SL: Serving the World

1 cr

 

 

15

 

 

15

Year 3 - Fall

Year 3 - Spring

   

 

 

 

 

HIS320

Modern Russia

3 cr

HIS375

Hitler & the Third Reich

3 cr

HIS___  

History Elective 300-400 level

3 cr

JYS___

Junior Year Seminar

3 cr

REL ___

Religion Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

 

 

15

 

 

15

Year 4 - Fall

Year 4 - Spring

HIS307

US Foreign Policy  OR

 

POL___

Political Science Elective  

3 cr

HIS401

Constitutional History of US

3 cr

HIS475

Senior Seminar  OR

 

HIS___  

History Elective 300-400 level

3 cr

HIS495

Internship

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

___ ___

General Elective

3 cr

 

 

15

 

 

15

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