World History
A page within History
World History
This is the most comprehensive of the history majors, with requirements that diversify the degree to cover as much of the world as can be done in a 40-credit undergraduate degree. Like all majors, this one requires the completion of two courses unique to history students (HIS-200 and HIS-490), and then three courses from the 200-level surveys of regional history.
Along with that foundation, the history major requires the completion of other courses from a list which covers the history of women, gender and sexuality; two courses on U.S. history; other courses on different regions of the world; and one global-transregional course.
This major can be completed as either a B.A. or a B.S.
A Degree in History: BA or BS?
Along with choosing a major program in history, you will need to choose the degree -- that is, whether that major is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. We can broadly describe the differences between the two; specific and up-to-date requirements are in the undergraduate course catalog in the tab above.
With the B.A., you spend up to two years learning a global language; with the B.S., you conduct additional coursework in the sciences. Think about the following:
- Will you have the language skills to succeed in the workplace?
- Do you see yourself living in a major metropolitan area where business and public affairs are regularly conducted in languages other than English?
- Are you thinking about graduate studies in history? Most Ph.D. programs require the ability to read in at least one language other than English.
- Are you considering international journalism or business?
- Do you already have, or plan to take, additional courses in the sciences that might not count towards a B.A.?
- Are your interests in history linked to scientific, medical, or technological issues?
- Will you work in the public sector, in education or health?
UWL offers training in Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Russian and other global languages. See the Department of Global Cultures & Languages for additional information.
All of our faculty teach courses engaging in global themes.
The following faculty offer courses that satisfy the History of Women, Gender, and Sexuality requirement: Professor Mark Chavalas (Ancient World), Professor Victor Macias-Gonzalez (Latin America), Professor Gita V. Pai (South Asia), Professor Heidi Morrison (Middle East), and WGS Professor Jodi Vandenberg-Daves (US).
Information on faculty who teach particular regions can be found in the various tabs under the “Regional Emphasis” history major.
Global-Transregional History: Professor Tiffany Trimmer’s research and teaching focuses on global flows of trade and migrant labor. Professor Penelope K. Hardy teaches the history of science, technology, and medicine, and their place in and interactions between societies around the world, as well as the roles of science and technology in the history of the human relationship with the global ocean. Professor Gita V. Pai teaches a course on the British Empire—a global power that once controlled one-fifth of the world’s population and a quarter of the earth’s land—and conducts research on the impact of British imperialism in South Asia. Professor Kenneth Shonk’s research has centered on global aspects of Irish history; his courses on aspects of global history are often taught from a thematic perspective, including those on fascism and African decolonization and post-colonialism.
Sample degree plan for History Major with World History Emphasis - Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Below is a sample degree plan that can be used as a guide to identify courses required to fulfill the major and other requirements needed for degree completion. A student's actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Also, this sample plan assumes readiness for each course and/or major plan, and some courses may not be offered every term. Review the course descriptions or the class timetable for course offering information.
The sample degree plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UWL in the fall term. Students should use the Advisement Report (AR) in WINGS and work closely with their faculty advisor(s) and college dean’s office to ensure declaration and completion of all requirements in a timely manner.
General Education Program
The general education curriculum (Gen Ed) is the common educational experience for all undergraduates at UWL. Sample degree plans include Gen Ed placeholders to ensure completion of the general education requirements. Courses may be rearranged to fit the needs or recommendations of the student’s program of study. Gen Ed courses may be taken during winter term (January between the semesters) and summer to reduce the course load during regular terms (fall and spring). Students should consult with their advisor and/or the college academic services director in their college/school for assistance with course and schedule planning. Refer to the general education requirements for more specific details.
At least 40 credits of the 120 credits required must be earned at the 300/400-level.
Note: New students and transfer students with 15 or fewer credits earned are required to take FYS 100 First-Year Seminar (3 cr.) during one of their first two semesters at UWL.
This sample degree plan does not establish a contractual agreement. It identifies the minimum requirements a student must successfully complete, to qualify for a degree, in a format intended to assist the student in planning their academic career. Actual degree plans may differ.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HIS 110 (Gen Ed World History) | 3 | Gen Ed Natural Lab Science | 4 |
| Gen Ed Self & Society | 3 | HIS Core Course (HIS 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 280, or 285) | 3 |
| CST 110 (Gen Ed Literacy - Oral) | 3 | Gen Ed Minority Cultures | 3 |
| Gen Ed Math | 4 | ENG 110 or 112 (Gen Ed Literacy - Written) | 3 |
| Gen Ed Arts | 2-3 | FYS 100 (Gen Ed First-Year Seminar) | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| 102+ Level Gen Ed/CASSH Core Language1 | 4 | HIS Core Course (HIS 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 280, or 285) | 3 |
| CASSH Core Course | 3 | Gen Ed Arts | 2-3 |
| HIS 200 | 3 | US History Course | 3 |
| Gen Ed Global Studies | 3 | Gen Ed Health & Well-Being | 3 |
| HIS Core Course (HIS 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 280, or 285) | 3 | Minor Course | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Minor Course | 3 | CASSH Core Course | 3 |
| Gen Ed Humanistic Studies | 3 | Regional/World Cultural Zones Course2 | 3 |
| Regional/World Cultural Zones Course2 | 3 | Minor Course | 3 |
| University Elective | 3 | Ancient/Classical or Religious Studies History Course | 3 |
| Regional/World Cultural Zones Course2 | 3 | CASSH Core Course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Regional/World Cultural Zones Course2 | 3 | Minor Course | 3 |
| HIS 490 | 4 | US History Course | 3 |
| Minor Course | 3 | CASSH Core Diversity Course | 3 |
| Minor Course | 3 | Global-Transregional HIS Course | 3 |
| University Elective | 1 | University Elective | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 120 | |||
| 1 | CASSH Core Humanities and Fine Arts Tracks require 102+ level language. CASSH Core Language Track requires 202 level language. Students unprepared for 202 level will need to complete prerequisite course work. |
| 2 | World history majors need 12 credits of Regional/World Cultural Zones. One course from Asia; one course from Europe; select one course from two of the following subcategories: Africa and African Diaspora, Latin America, and Middle East. |
At least two courses must be designed as writing emphasis.