THE HISTORY MAJOR The mission of the Department of History is to teach history: a remarkably simple idea often buried under loads of pedagogical jargon. Historians believe that the past is worth knowing, and that the most important wisdom that they can contribute to the education of young Americans is knowledge of where they stand in the stream of time. The Department believes that students must have the ability to think in time, to draw causal inferences from the past, and to understand the complex, sometimes perverse, contours of human development. Students have to recognize that historical materials, by their nature, pose unique challenges of interpretation and use. They must learn how to weigh evidence, quote with proper identification of voice, and use proper footnote form. No department at Montclair State University more fully subscribes to what the Board of Trustees has deemed "the special purpose of ... examining, preserving and transmitting the culture of our society to succeeding generations." CAREERS FOR HISTORY MAJORS History majors and other liberal arts students often express concern
that they are not prepared for a specific career. But lifetime jobs are not always
made in college. Many successful individuals change positions three or four times in
the years after graduation. Adaptability and flexibility are important assets in
today’s mobile society and rapidly changing job market. A solid program in
history develops basic skills that are the best preparation for a variety of occupations
where special training is best acquired on-the-job. As noted in the American
Historical Association’s survey, Careers for Students of History:
"Historians, in particular, learn to analyze, interpret, and organize useful data; to
write with grammatical accuracy and clarity; to prepare well-documented reports; to
present an argument and to debate it logically and succinctly; and to exercise originality
and creativity in using research materials. The ability to handle written
information thoughtfully and accurately is an important skill in business, education, and
government." Teaching is therefore only one of the many careers open to history
majors. History graduates are also prepared to enter law schools, politics,
journalism, radio and television, book publication (editing, marketing), library science,
museums, historical preservation agencies and state or local historical societies.
Federal, state and local governments offer a variety of opportunities for
historians. Rewarding careers are also found in business: advertising, market
research, banking, insurance, real estate. HISTORY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS Please see the specific curriculum guide for
your major (the Fall 2006 major and pre-Fall 2006):
Fall 2006
History Major Curriculum Guide (for students declaring History as their
major beginning Fall 2006 or later) or
Pre-Fall 2006 History Major (for students declaring History as
their major before Fall 2006 with 2002 GER) Curriculum Guide or
Pre-Fall 2006 History Major (for students
declaring History as their major before Fall 2006 with 1983 GER). If
you aren't sure which curriculum guide you should be following, please see
your department advisor. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN HISTORY The department regularly schedules independent study courses in history
-- HIST 408 (European), 409 (Asian), 410 (American) -- to provide opportunities for
students to do research under faculty supervision in areas not generally dealt with in
basic departmental courses. Freshmen are not eligible to register for these
courses. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.67 is required.
History majors may apply no more than 6 s.hrs. of independent study toward the 36 s.hrs.
major. Interested students should obtain the form "Independent Study
Application" available in the History Office (Dickson Hall room 427). This form
must be approved by the Chairperson prior to registration. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Transfer students electing to major in history must meet all the
requirements of the major as described above, and should enroll in The Study of History
(HIST 100) during the first semester at Montclair. A student who transfer from
another college or university with advanced standing in history must complete a minimum of
12 s.hrs. of upper level (300-400) courses in history at Montclair. Transfer
students who decide also on teacher education should inquire about admission to the
program as soon as possible. All transfer students are advised to meet with their
departmental faculty advisor during the first semester at Montclair. |