History Department Overview
History as a domain of knowledge embraces all past human
activity. There is no phenomenon without history.
Historians endeavor to discover and organize facts about people
and events and to create from them meaningful explanations and
narratives. Through a series of introductory and advanced
courses, history majors become familiar with past knowledge, the
forces of change, and the varieties of historical scholarship
dealing with societies throughout the world. They also learn to
collect, evaluate, organize, and interpret evidence, and to
present it in oral and written forms. Students with grounding in
historical knowledge possess the central core of an excellent
liberal arts education which may be used in numerous ways
including active citizenship, graduate school, and various
occupations.
The Department of History offers a major which leads to a
Bachelor of Arts degree and a minor for students majoring in
other disciplines. The major consists of 39 credit hours
in history plus a foreign language requirement. The minor
consists of 18 credit hours in history. In addition, the
Department offers an internship program in cooperation with area
historical societies, museums, libraries, and other
institutions.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
In order to be considered for admission to the
University, students must submit an application and arrange to
have official high school and post secondary school transcripts
sent to the Admissions Office. Unless a student has been
graduated from high school for more than three years, official
SAT (or ACT) results also need to be reported to USM.
Prospective history majors are expected to have completed the
following college preparatory units:
- English: 4 years
- Math: 3 years (include: Algebra I &
II, Geometry)
- Science: 2 years (with lab)
- History/Social Science: 2 years
- Foreign Language: 2 years of one language
Admissions decisions are based on a number of factors with
emphasis placed on academic performance and strength of the
student's program.. Work and life experience as well as
an autobiographical essay may also be considered. Please
check with the Admissions Department (207-780- 5670) for current
procedures, application fees and deadlines.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the variety of
internship opportunities in southern Maine. Students are
able to earn credit while using their research and writing
skills by working for government, private, or nonprofit
organizations. Positions have included work with
historical societies, museums, and libraries among many others.
Students also have the opportunity to study abroad with the
Department's exchange program at King Alfred's College in
Winchester, England. Students should contact the Office of
International exchange programs.
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