History: General History, BA
The Department of History offers a variety of courses dealing with the political, social, diplomatic, intellectual, economic, and cultural history of the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, from the early medieval period to the present. The History Major gives undergraduates both specific mastery of particular times, places, and aspects of the human condition and the critical skills to think historically about both long-term and modern phenomena, emphasizing the dynamics of change and continuity over time. The History Department at the University of Pennsylvania has a long tradition of distinction, both in its scholarship and in its undergraduate teaching. Beginning as one of the first programs in the United States to offer doctoral study in history, the department continues to pioneer new areas of scholarship. History faculty have assumed a leading role in introducing and promoting new varieties of historical research and writing.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 32. Double majors may entail more course units.
8 courses must be taken in History at the University of Pennsylvania.
For more information: http://www.history.upenn.edu/undergraduate/history-major
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | 12 | |
| Geographic Distribution | ||
| Select one distinct course in four of the six geographic regions 2 | ||
United States & Canada | ||
Europe and Australia | ||
Africa and the Middle East | ||
Latin America & The Caribbean | ||
East Asia and South Asia | ||
Global Issues | ||
| Chronological Distribution | ||
| Select 2 Pre-1800 courses 2 | ||
| Seminars | ||
| Select 2 Penn History Seminars at 2000-Level or Above | ||
| Research Requirement | ||
| Research requirement fulfilled | ||
| General Curriculum Requirements | ||
| 4-8 Additional History Courses | ||
| Other Courses for the Major | ||
| Select 8 General Elective courses | ||
| Total Course Units | 32 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
May be taken abroad. No Major-related courses.
Honors
Required: A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.5 in Major related courses.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 4997 | Junior Honors in History | 1 |
| HIST 4998 | Senior Honors in History | 1 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.