Theme: Indigenous Cultures
Sample Course Path
The Department of History has a number of teaching scholars who specialize in the study of indigenous societies in the past and present. Taken together, the cultural impact of these peoples on colonial and national histories has been and continues to be profound. The following path emphasizes several eras and parts of the world where the investigation of indigenous cultures has been particularly well developed, leading students through fascinating investigations of cultures that they may or may not have encountered in their earlier educational experiences.
Please note that the courses listed below are only suggestions. Students’ individual selections may vary due to course availability and personal interest. See advisors for questions about specific courses or requirements.
Why It Works
Following a path like this would allow a student to specialize in the history of indigenous peoples of Africa, North America, and South America while fulfilling the 49 required credits for the major.
These upper division courses would fulfill at least 8 credits in pre-1800 history and give a student 8 credits each in three fields of study (Africa/Middle East, Latin America, and US). Note that particularly at the 400-level, a student might take another topic in HIST 469 or a 400-level African history course rather than HIST 415 and achieve the same result.
A HIST 407 research seminar is required of all majors, and the topic in this example (Mesoamerican Conquests) also counts towards the field requirements and the overall minimum for upper division credits.
In terms of language, Spanish is suggested because of its significance in the history of the Americas. However, French, Italian, German, or an African language, are also recommended choices.