The study of history needs no defense. History is an essential part of civilized life, its value is simply a basic fact of human experience. As instinctive, indigenous, and spontaneous as art, music and literature, history also fulfills a fundamental need for clearer insight into objective reality.

Since the dawn of historical consciousness people have been fascinated with history because it recorded the deeds of great people. More utilitarian reasons for the study of history in our time include its pivotal significance as the basis for society's sense of direction and purpose, its promise to assist in one's efforts of personal cultivation and its (alleged) potential to help us shape and understand the future.

If you "always liked" history but find that people are trying to discourage you, do not feel you have to justify your decision. You are participating in an inquiry that is both natural and enjoyable, which through the millennia and into our own time has attracted many influential men and women. History majors can do anything they want.

This is what a history major equips you to do if you dedicate the time and the effort. You can:

* Participate knowledgeably in the affairs of the world around you, drawing upon understandings shaped through reading, writing, discussions, and lectures concerning the past.

* See yourself and society from different times and places, displaying a sense of informed perspective and a mature view of human nature.

* Read and think critically, write and speak clearly and persuasively, and conduct research effectively.

* Exhibit sensitivities to human values in their own and other cultural traditions and, in turn, establish values of your own.

* Appreciate your natural and cultural environments.

* Respect scientific and technological developments and recognize your impact on humankind.

* Understand the connections between history and life.

EMPLOYMENT

It should be apparent from the above that an accomplished history major is attractive to all kinds of employers in any number of fields, as well as to graduate and professional schools. You can find USF history alumni in the legal and medical professions, in business, government, foreign service, politics, and creative self--employment. In order to teach history on the secondary level, you will need to double-major or study for a master's degree in the College of Education. Opportunities to teach at the college level are presently limited. If you are interested in this career, seek advice from your professors.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

(Please, consult the current Undergraduate Catalogue for the official version. What follows is a brief and incomplete overview.)

Learning in history is not necessarily cumulative and does not need to be chronological. Yet "cafeteria-style" course selection serves no purpose either. Meaning in the past is most likely found through discovering the connectedness of things which stimulates and satisfies curiosity. This discovery may be the most important element in the shaping of a coherent major for you and must be undertaken with much care. Make use of your advisor's and professors' help.

A major in history requires 36 hours of course work. The Department of History considers the two course sequences in the fields of Ancient, Medieval, Modern European or American History the best foundation for upper-level study. Many transfer students will have taken American and World (or Western) History courses which fulfill this requirement. If you have passed two of these courses, you may, after consulting with the advisor, complete the 16 credit hour requirement on the upper level.

Upper-level courses, distinguished by greater depth and more rigorous demands make up the solid core of your history curriculum. Choose a minimum of twelve hours. There should be some rhyme and reason behind your selection to foster depth of knowledge and understanding in one area. However, do not carry that concentration too far: remember that your degree is in history, not in World War Two or Professor XYZ, and not even in American History. Your advisor can help. Eight additional credit hours (beyond the 36 required) of history electives can be taken, but Open University courses count only as electives.

During your last two semesters, you should enroll in the Pro-Seminar and the Theory of History courses. You must have at least a 2.25 GPA in the major coursework for History to enter into these capstone courses. You may not take both at the same time; long reading lists and extensive writing assignments make these your most demanding history courses. The Pro-Seminar takes on a very limited topic of study in great depth and requires a research paper. Thus, you ought to be broadly familiar with the field. Inquire about the Pro-Seminars offered well in advance of the semester in which you desire to enroll. Space is limited, and you need the professor's permission.

The Theory of History course explores basic questions about history and historiography and a wide variety of fields, periods, and approaches to history. Enrollment is limited to 25; you will need to sign up early.

Remember: a minimum grade of "C" or better is needed to have a course count towards your 36 hours in the major. AND you must have a GPA of 2.0 to graduate!  Also, do not delay tackling your foreign (or sign) language requirement!

The search for connectedness continues across the disciplines in your program of study. History majors will find electives of related interest in the Departments of Anthropology, Economics, English and Government, International Affairs, and American Studies.

In addition, the Department recommends very strongly the following electives: ENC 3310 Expository Writing, LIS 2001 Information Resources and Library Research, SPC 2023 Public Speaking, and CGS 3062 Introduction to Computers and Programming in Basic.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HISTORY MINOR

You will need a total of 18 hours, at least 8 hours at USF. Only one lower--level sequence counts and earns 6 credit hours. Choose the courses for the Minor according to your own interests but with an eye on connectedness. Open University courses do not count.

Make contact with your professors. They are interested in your academic development, and welcome your visits during their posted office hours.

A student of history must be a reader beyond the material assigned in class. Read on your own as much as you can from among these categories:

A daily newspaper (St. Petersburg Times, New York Times) via your own subscription, to keep abreast of current events and the history of tomorrow;

A weekly news magazine (The Economist, U.S. News. Time, Newsweek), for the same reason;

A book review (New York Review of Books, New York Times Book Review), to be aware of new publications of interest to educated people;

Historical non-fiction and fiction (Tom Clancy does not count). Develop a taste for good writing, as the reading of good books will serve you well for the rest of your life. Keep a list of worthwhile books during the semester and catch up during breaks. Ask your professors to recommend books and periodicals to you.

The world is the history student's expanded classroom. Use every opportunity to visit this country's historical sites and places. Participate in an exchange or study-abroad program or travel on your own ("backpacking in Europe" - ask the advisor). Foreign travel fosters personal growth while familiarizing you with other cultures and with your own. It is a significant and legitimate part of your college education. The International Student Exchange Office in CPR 273 offers a wide variety of options, e.g., in Great Britain, Italy, and Spain. Do not put this off until after graduation. Your junior year is best-suited for such purposes.

The university makes it your responsibility to keep track of your progress towards graduation. Access to Sunlink helps you. You should, however, see the advisor on a regular basis anyway. He can produce your SASS report for you, and help you with course selection and related advice.

Please note that this pamphlet cannot cover every aspect of interest. Contact your course instructor and specifically the faculty and staff members listed below with additional questions. We want to help you make the most of your studies in the USF Department of History.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: How many hours do I need for a major in History ?

A: 36 hours minimum (as a rule 12 credits of 2000 level course work, 16 credits of 3000 level course work, 4 hours of Theory of History and 4 hours of Pro-Seminar)

Q: How many hours for a minor in History ?

A: 18 hours (one lower level sequence which counts as 6 credit hours, plus 12 hours of 3000 level course work). 8 hours of the total need to come from the USF History Dept.

Q: Do I need a foreign language for a history degree?

A: You will need a two-semester sequence of either a foreign or of American Sign language.

Q: Will my Humanities, American Studies, International Studies, or Political Science classes count toward my major?

A: No. To count toward your major, the course must have the prefix of HTY, followed by AFH, AMH, ASH, EUH, HIS, or LAH. Exceptions are certain courses in Africana Studies and Women's Studies that are cross-listed with History courses.

Q: Does the History Department have a set program that must be completed for a History major?

A: No. A History major may pick 28 of the 36 hours required from the historical fields of his or her choice. All history majors must take: HIS 4104 Theory of History and HIS 4936 Pro-Seminar.  HIS 4104 and 4936 will be taken during your last two semesters.

Q: Why can't I take Theory of History and my Pro Seminar during the same semester ?

A: These two courses are your most demanding History courses. They both will have long reading lists and extensive writing assignments.

Q: Are there any requirements for entering Theory of History and Pro-Seminar?

A: Yes.  You must have a GPA of 2.25 to enter into Theory of Seminar.  If you don not, you will need to take additional course work to raise your GPA first.  You must have sufficient background in the subject matter to secure instructor's permission for Pro-Seminar.  For both courses, you must visit an advisor for a registration permit.

Q: After I have read the above and checked my SASS, do I still need to see my History advisor ?

A: Yes, you do. If for no other reason, you need to do so as you enter your senior year. It is because registration plans for the access-restricted courses of Theory of History and Pro-Seminar require close collaboration with your advisor.

Undergraduate Advisor: Janet Hall, SOC 274. Voice Mail: (813) 974-2688. Email: jhall@cas.usf.edu

Undergraduate Advisor: Paul Morgan, SOC 268. Voice Mail: (813) 974-2784. Email: pmorganl@.cas.usf.edu

Undergraduate Advisor:  Jennifer Dukes-Knight, SOC 262.  Voice Mail: (813) 974-6177.  E-mail: jdukes@cas.usf.edu

Office Manager: Sylvia E. Wood, SOC 270. Voice Mail: (813) 974-2809. Email: swood@cas.usf.edu

Program Assistant: Judy Drawdy, SOC 260. Voice Mail: (813) 974-2807. Email: jdrawdy@cas.usf.edu