History
The Program:
-The Program- -Why Study History- -Program Outcomes- -History Faculty- -Degree Requirements-
-Courses- -International Travel- -Employment Opportunities- -Honor Societies- -History Hall of Fame-
-National Fellowships- -Alumni Corner- -Links of Interest-
The University of Charleston's Public Policy Program includes a track that leads to a Bachelor of Arts in History. Our program is interdisciplinary, with coursework in American and European history, in addition to courses in Political Science, American Studies, Philosophy, and Leadership (as part of the Welch Colleague Program). The Bachelor of Arts in History requires 30 hours of upper division courses in History, as well as a 24-hour core of History, Political Science, and Geography courses.
If your career options include graduate school or law school, this is the ideal program for you. We require our students to complete an internship in either the public or private sphere. Students are also strongly encouraged to engage in publishable quality research and writing, and many of our students are competing in regional research paper competitions. The professional nature of our program turns out graduates who thrive in the business world, law school, and in graduate study more broadly. If you will need strong research, critical thinking, writing and speaking skills in your career, our program is perfect for you.
History is the study of the past. But that study is always done by people in the present, and by those who must consider what is yet to come. History is the oldest of the disciplines in all the history of the West. There is a good reason for its longevity. History is a language and form that forges educated citizens, productive workers, and sophisticated leaders.
History allows us to understand the world in which we live. It grounds our institutions, our values, our culture, and modes of thinking. It is no accident that almost every other discipline available at an American university is deeply rooted in history, the experiences of their subject matter in the past. By using history as a laboratory for national and personal examination, it gives us knowledge about the world and the people who live in it.
One of the most critical skills that all modern students must learn is the ability to understand the process of change over time. When change happens and how it occurs and what it might mean for the future. There is no better discipline to explore change than history, which is at heart a narrative explanation for how societies and institutions evolve over time. Though the modern world seems difficult to understand, there are reasons for the major events of our times, from the recent dominance of the Republican party to the growth of hip hop music to the War on Terror. History considers the origins of the changes and suggests how they might continue to change in the future. The beauty of the art of history, too, allows us to find meaning in our lives and in the human story. It offers us a framework for moral contemplation. We can know good from evil from watching the story of the past unfold. It allows us to put into meaningful context our modern social problems, from drug abuse to abortion. It gives us courage to do the right thing, even when “the moral right” is difficult and unpopular. It provides us with an identity. It is impossible to even explain who you are to another person, without referencing your personal, social, regional, religious, and ethnic past. It builds good citizens, which are the very foundation of a democracy.
For those interested in parlaying their college experience to well paying jobs, you need look no further than the discipline of history. Employers, from the business world to academe to the federal government want employees who can research and assess evidence, who can understand conflicting interpretations. They want employees who can consider the implications of change for their businesses. They want those who can read, write, think, act, and convince others to act.
Why should we study history? Because for more than two millennia it has been the best training for the elite members of society who seek to have influence in the world they live. The skills that make a good historian also make excellent professionals in the halls of corporate
Program Outcomes:
The history degree is rooted in the University's mission of productive work, enlightened living, and community involvement. It provides both the breadth and the flexibility to allow the student to meet individual career objectives. Students, who major in history, will demonstrate the following program outcomes:
• A sophisticated understanding of historiography
• Research skills using print and electronic resources
• A breadth of historical knowledge and depth in a limited area
• Communication and critical thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and presentation
• Professional engagement in their chosen track
• Research skills using print and electronic resources
• A breadth of historical knowledge and depth in a limited area
• Communication and critical thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and presentation
• Professional engagement in their chosen track
Opportunities for specialized studies and internships are readily available. Because the program is flexible, a number of students pursue double majors in another discipline, frequently in Public Policy or Communications.
Dr. Sarah J. Adams 
Professor of History
B.A. Maryville College
M.A. The Ohio State University
Ph.D. The Ohio State University
sarahadams@ucwv.edu
(304) 357-4768
Dr. Adams is a Renaissance/Reformation specialist. She has taught at the Ohio State University, the University of Alaska, and at Hebei University in China. She teaches World History, Asia, the Middle East, and Developing Areas.
Degree Requirements
Each student must satisfy the Liberal Learning Outcome requirements. These requirements can be met in a number of ways: traditional classroom settings, independent studies, and independent learning plans. There are few required courses for completion of the LLOs. Instead, you can pick and choose the courses that interest you, as long as those courses have been approved by the appropriate round table. In addition to the LLO's, students must complete the following coursework:
Core Courses (24 Hours):
- HIST 211 World Cultures I
- HIST 212 World Cultures II
- HIST 251 Foundations of the American. Republic
- HIST 252 Contemporary America
- MATH 115 College Mathematics
- PPOL 101 American National Government
- PPOL 151 Comparative Government
- GEOG 303 World Geography
Upper Division Requirements (30 Hours):
- 21 Hours of HIST at 300/400 level
- HIST 300 Methods/Historiography
- HIST 400 Senior Thesis
- HIST 490 Internship
Certificate in Historic Preservation
The history and interior design programs offer a combined 18-hour certificate program in historic preservation. The certificate allows students to work directly with the State Historic Preservation Office. The courses required include: HIST 251 and 252, IDES 321 and 322, HIST/IDES 408, and an internship.
Internships
At the University of Charleston you can watch history being made from a location directly across from the State Capitol. Research and internship opportunities are available at the State Archives Museum, the State Historic Preservation Office, and other government agencies, as coordinated by the UC Public Policy Program. Our program plans to arrange internships not only locally, but regionally and nationally in the next two years.
Our history students have the opportunity to compete for prestigious national fellowships. This summer, Sara Naylor (History and English) studied at New York University. Sara was a Scholar Finalist at the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, where she explored American slavery and abolition with some of the most eminent historians in America. Her colleagues included students from Stanford, Cornell, Duke, Vanderbilt, Brown, and other major research universities.
This year our students will also apply for:
- Fulbright Scholarships
- The Rhodes Scholarship
- James Madison Fellowship
- Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship
- Morris K. Udall Scholarship
University of Charleston students have numerous opportunities for international travel. The Morris Harvey Division of Arts & Sciences organizes and administers international trips for college credit. In 2006, we traveled to Italy, Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. In 2007, we have trips planned for China and Brazil.
History (HIST)
HIST 211
World Cultures I
An interdisciplinary survey of major past and present world cultures. Emphasis will be given to social, economic, political, religious, intellectual and artistic achievement in selected areas and historical periods to help students develop a world perspective of civilizations.
HIST 211
World Cultures I
An interdisciplinary survey of major past and present world cultures. Emphasis will be given to social, economic, political, religious, intellectual and artistic achievement in selected areas and historical periods to help students develop a world perspective of civilizations.
HIST 212
World Cultures II
World Cultures II
An interdisciplinary survey of major past and present world cultures. Emphasis will be given to social, economic, political, religious, intellectual and artistic achievement in selected areas and historical periods to help students develop a world perspective of civilizations. May be used to meet creativity breadth requiremen
HIST 251
Foundations of theAmerican Republic
American history from the discovery through Reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on the transplanting of European culture, the development of American political institutions, the rise of democratic capitalism, and the conflicts surrounding the Civil War and Reconstruction.
HIST 252
ContemporaryAmerica
American history from 1870 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the American response to industrialism, imperialism, and the First World War, the crisis of the 1930s, World War II, the Cold War, and post-industrialAmerica
HIST 300
Historical Methods and Historiography
A practical introduction to the subject of historical methods and writing, as well as a study of the origins and development of western historiography. The course consists of lecture, research, writing, discussion, and critique of student papers. Prerequisite: 6 Hours of 200-level history.
HIST 350
Topics in History
This course is designed to offer the student a broad selection of in-depth topics or special periods in history. Some of the topics offered will focus upon building the skills needed by those pursuing a career in history and related fields.
HIST 352
Colonial and RevolutionaryAmerica
A study of the political, economic, and social history of colonial development from the time of contact through 1801, with primary, but not exclusive, emphasis upon Anglo-America, and a particular emphasis upon the emergence on constitutional traditions.
Foundations of the
American history from the discovery through Reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on the transplanting of European culture, the development of American political institutions, the rise of democratic capitalism, and the conflicts surrounding the Civil War and Reconstruction.
HIST 252
Contemporary
American history from 1870 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the American response to industrialism, imperialism, and the First World War, the crisis of the 1930s, World War II, the Cold War, and post-industrial
HIST 300
Historical Methods and Historiography
A practical introduction to the subject of historical methods and writing, as well as a study of the origins and development of western historiography. The course consists of lecture, research, writing, discussion, and critique of student papers. Prerequisite: 6 Hours of 200-level history.
HIST 350
Topics in History
This course is designed to offer the student a broad selection of in-depth topics or special periods in history. Some of the topics offered will focus upon building the skills needed by those pursuing a career in history and related fields.
HIST 352
Colonial and Revolutionary
A study of the political, economic, and social history of colonial development from the time of contact through 1801, with primary, but not exclusive, emphasis upon Anglo-America, and a particular emphasis upon the emergence on constitutional traditions.
HIST 353
Age of Jefferson and Jackson
A study of the
HIST 354
The American Civil War and Reconstruction
A survey of political, social, and economic issues from the late antebellum period through Reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on the causes of the rebellion, the course and nature of the Civil War, and the problems of postwarAmerica
HIST 355
Populism and Progressivism
This course examines the great changes wrought by the Industrial Revolution and the development of modern corporations, labor unions, and economies of scale. It focuses on the social and political unrest associated with those developments and highlights the emergence of alternative political initiatives, middle class reform movements, and the growth of Social Darwinism, Scientific Racism, as well as major religious and cultural trends of the era of 1878-1917.
HIST 356
The Age of the World Wars
This course examines the political, social, economic, and cultural history of theUnited States
HIST 357
RecentAmerica
This course examines the political, social, economic, and cultural history of theUnited States
HIST 358
ModernAmerica
This course highlights the cultural wars of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, through an examination of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the American people in that thirty year period. The course focuses on energy and environmental policy, political corruption, the rights of women, American foreign policy, debates over technology, the drug war, abortion, and the roles of media,Hollywood
HIST 359
ModernEurope
A history and geography ofEurope from the Renaissance to the present, with emphasis on the development of nation states, the capitalistic system, cultural achievement and international conflict and cooperation.
HIST 361
History ofEngland
A survey of English history highlighting important events and focusing on major themes in the development of English institutions and society.
HIST 371
History of the Middle East
A history and geography of the Middle East that focuses on the development of the Islamic state, the culture of the Saracenic and Ottoman periods, the impact of the West, Arab nationalism and modern crises and conflict in an interdependent world.
HIST 373
History ofAsia
China
HIST 374
History ofRussia
A history and geography of the foundations ofRussia , including the influence of Byzantium and the Mongolian invasion on subsequent cultural and constitutional development, and the rise of Russia
HIST 377
History of Developing Areas
An interdisciplinary approach to the development of modern political, economic, and social problems in the Third World—Africa, Asia, Latin America, and theMiddle East . Students will study the legacy of imperialism and current global problems such as poverty, hunger, overpopulation, use and abuse of resources, debt, and the misuse of power.
HIST 400
Senior Thesis
A course designed to provide senior students a capstone opportunity for independent research in history. Prerequisite: Completion of Public Policy Program core and approval of program coordinator.
HIST 408
Historic Preservation
This course briefly surveys the development of urban America, examines the concepts of architectural style and urban design, explains the development of the historic preservation movement, and focuses on contemporary problems for the conservation of the built environment. (Cross-listed with IDES 408).
HIST 490
Internship
This course places senior history majors in an internship in some area or aspect of public history, the legal profession, or the functions of government. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator.
HIST 499
Professional Seminar
A professional practicum and independent study on the art of historical study, designed to produce publishable work and/or contribute to development of the Program. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator.
The American Civil War and Reconstruction
A survey of political, social, and economic issues from the late antebellum period through Reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on the causes of the rebellion, the course and nature of the Civil War, and the problems of postwar
HIST 355
Populism and Progressivism
This course examines the great changes wrought by the Industrial Revolution and the development of modern corporations, labor unions, and economies of scale. It focuses on the social and political unrest associated with those developments and highlights the emergence of alternative political initiatives, middle class reform movements, and the growth of Social Darwinism, Scientific Racism, as well as major religious and cultural trends of the era of 1878-1917.
HIST 356
The Age of the World Wars
This course examines the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the
HIST 357
Recent
This course examines the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the
HIST 358
Modern
This course highlights the cultural wars of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, through an examination of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the American people in that thirty year period. The course focuses on energy and environmental policy, political corruption, the rights of women, American foreign policy, debates over technology, the drug war, abortion, and the roles of media,
HIST 359
Modern
A history and geography of
HIST 361
History of
A survey of English history highlighting important events and focusing on major themes in the development of English institutions and society.
HIST 371
History of the Middle East
A history and geography of the Middle East that focuses on the development of the Islamic state, the culture of the Saracenic and Ottoman periods, the impact of the West, Arab nationalism and modern crises and conflict in an interdependent world.
HIST 373
History of
HIST 374
History of
A history and geography of the foundations of
HIST 377
History of Developing Areas
An interdisciplinary approach to the development of modern political, economic, and social problems in the Third World—Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the
HIST 400
Senior Thesis
A course designed to provide senior students a capstone opportunity for independent research in history. Prerequisite: Completion of Public Policy Program core and approval of program coordinator.
HIST 408
Historic Preservation
This course briefly surveys the development of urban America, examines the concepts of architectural style and urban design, explains the development of the historic preservation movement, and focuses on contemporary problems for the conservation of the built environment. (Cross-listed with IDES 408).
HIST 490
Internship
This course places senior history majors in an internship in some area or aspect of public history, the legal profession, or the functions of government. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator.
HIST 499
Professional Seminar
A professional practicum and independent study on the art of historical study, designed to produce publishable work and/or contribute to development of the Program. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator.
Our recent graduates include:
e.
- Heather, who is studying law at West Virginia University
- Jennifer, who was admitted to the history program at the University of Arkansas
- Amanda, who is in graduate school at Marshall University
History Hall of Fame:
A collection of notable accomplishments by our majors since 2006:
- Hope Noland, Paper Presentation, Ashland University, 2006
- Oliver Langland, Paper Presentation, Ashland University, 2006
- Sara Naylor, Gilder Lehrman Finalist, New York, 2006
Politicians
Theodore Roosevelt (President)
Woodrow Wilson (President)
Franklin Roosevelt (President)
John F. Kennedy (President)
Richard Nixon (President)
George W. Bush (President)
W.E.B. DuBois (founder of the NAACP)
Henry Cabot Lodge (Senator)
George McGovern (Senator and Presidential candidate)
George Mitchell (Senator)
Henry Kissinger (Secretary of State)
Newt Gingrich (Speaker of the House)
Antonin Scalia (Justice of the Supreme Court)
Entertainers
Katharine Hepburn (actress)
Conan O'Brien (late night talk-show host)
Lauryn Hill (singer)
Edward Norton (actor)
Ellen Barkin (actress)
Michael Palin (member of Monty Python and travel writer)
Janeane Garofolo (comedienne)
Jimmy Buffet (singer)
Tony Danza (actor)
Athletes
Joe Namath
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
News Media
Chris Berman (ESPN Sportscaster)
Wolf Blitzer (CNN anchor)
Seymour Hersh (investigative journalist)
Charles Kuralt (travel and news correspondent)