History Major

    St. Olaf’s history offerings are structured to help students achieve different learning goals at different levels. In Level-I seminars, students approach history as a way of learning through a focused analysis of primary sources in context.  In Level-II courses, students explore historiography and the constructed nature of history in topical, regional and thematic contexts.  Level-III seminars center research skills and challenge students to formulate their own questions about history, historiography, and historical methods.

    Level-I seminars are open to juniors, sophomores and first-year students only.

    Before entering Level-III courses, students with little or no background in a particular area or period should consult with the instructor. Level-III courses are not open to incoming first year students.

    Requirements for the Major

    History majors are required to take nine courses, including:

    One Level-II Methods Seminar

    Three Level III Seminars

    Six Additional Courses

    *Three Level-I courses may count toward the major.

    Students must take at least one course in each of three global areas:

    Category 1 (Africa, Asia, Latin America)

    Category 2 (United States)

    Category 3 (Europe and Russia).

    Typically this area requirement should be fulfilled in Level-I or Level-II courses. Students may count one St. Olaf course taken outside of the History Department toward the History Major, either by application or by successfully completing a course on the department’s pre-approved list.

    Petition to Transfer Credit for History Courses Taken Off-Campus

    If you are planning to study abroad, please send the following information to History Dr. Abdulai Iddrisu regarding the course(s) you plan to take:

    1. Syllabi for the course.
    2. Any assessment prompts.
    3. One paragraph outlining why this course should count toward the History major, and where it should count:
      • 1) Africa, Asia, Latin America
      • 2) United States
      • 3) Europe and Russia

    Careers in History

    Additional helpful documents when considering a history major and planning which courses to take, are
    listed below: