History (B.A./B.S.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

William Prigge, Department Head
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
West Hall Room 109
E-mail: will.prigge@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/history-political-science-philosophy-religion
Click here for additional information.  

Program Information

The history curriculum is adaptable to personal interests and needs, allowing students to explore the past and make connections to the present.  The Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree in history prepares students for careers in various professional occupations, law, journalism, teaching, business, public service, library sciences, international work, historical research, and provides a necessary background for graduate work or other specialized training.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students with a major in History will be able to:

• demonstrate a knowledge of the most important historical events in U.S. History, including an in-depth study of issues facing minorities within the U.S.  
• demonstrate a knowledge of the most important historical events beyond the United States.
• interpret the past in context; contextualize the past on its own terms.
• develop a disciplined, skeptical stand and outlook on the world that demands evidence and a sophisticated use of information.  This includes recognizing the difference between strong and weak arguments based on evidence, and seeking citations and peer review in other works.
• demonstrate an awareness that knowledge is often incomplete or imperfect, and thus multiple alternatives must be considered and conclusions are subject to change.
• know the difference between primary and secondary documents, demonstrate how and when to cite in the format of the profession.
• identify and summarize the historical arguments of other scholars.
• frame a historical question and develop research strategies to address it, generate historical argument that is reasoned and based on evidence selected, arranged and analyzed.
• effectively navigate the library and online databases, as well as the archives or in the community for primary sources, peer-reviewed literature and book reviews.

Academic Requirements

No more than 6 credits in  HIST 491 - Independent Study  and HIST 494 - Internship  may be counted toward the major or minor.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides courses online and face to face on campus and at various off-campus attendance centers.