BA History
The Department of History offers three programs of study at the undergraduate level: BA, BA (Honours), Combined BA (Honours). A complete description of these programs is available in the undergraduate calendar. Students should also consult the summary of degree requirements, below, which outlines the differences between these programs and provides information on the requirements for those who wish to minor in History.
The Department of History offers a number of programs of study at the undergraduate level: BA Honours, BA Honours (research essay), BA Honours with Concentration in Public History, BA Combined Honours, BA, and Minor in History. Below outlines the different requirements.
The BA Honours program offers hands-on research opportunities for students at the undergraduate level. All Honours students take fourth-year seminars, with small classes and opportunities to do independent research under the guidance of a professor. Students interested in a full-year research project should consider the BA Honours (research essay) option. Students interested in Public History should consider adding the Concentration in Public History to their BA Honours degree.
Students interested in combining History with another discipline may work toward a Combined Honors degree in History and another subject, or an Honours degree in History with a minor in another subject. Popular Combined Honors degrees include Political Science, Journalism, Geography and Environmental Studies and English. Students may also combine with interdisciplinary programs such as the Bachelor of Humanities (Great Books), European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, or African Studies.
Students interested in international experience may want to consider the Study Abroad Program or participate in the Exchange Program.
See Courses for information about individual courses.
History BA
Degree Requirements
The BA provides a sound introduction to the discipline and can normally be completed in three years. Graduation requires a total of 15.0 credits, of which 7.0 must be History credits, and a minimum 4.0 cumulative grade point average in all History courses completed.
BA Combined Honours
Degree Requirement
The BA (Honours) adds a fourth year of advanced study during which students take seminars and conduct research under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Graduation requires a total of 20.0 credits, of which at least 10.0 must be History credits, and a minimum 6.5 cumulative grade point average in all History courses completed. The BA (Honours) degree provides students with the option of pursuing graduate work. Since most universities in North America are moving towards 4-year degrees, students with sufficient CGPAs are encouraged to enroll in the Honours program. The Honours program includes the option of completing a major research essay for credit, but this may only be undertaken with the permission of a faculty member willing to supervise the project.
Concentration in Public History
Degree Requirements
The Public History Concentration will provide undergraduate students with new learning and training opportunities, allowing them to pursue a humanities degree while also learning about how academic training and knowledge can be applied to real world problem solving. A complete description of this programs is available in the undergraduate calendar. Students should also consult the summary of degree requirements, below, which outlines the differences between these programs and provides information on the requirements for those who wish to have a concentratioin in Public History.
BA Honours Co-Op
Degree Requirements
The Cooperative Education Option allows the student to gain valuable practical experience in a work environment related to History. Students admitted to the Co-op Option must satisfy the normal requirements for graduation in the BA History (Honours) and three paid work terms, with each work term lasting four months in order to receive the co-op designation on their final transcript and diploma. For more information, please consult Carleton’s Cooperative Education website.
Students interested in work experience may wish to apply for the Co-operative Education Option. Details are included in the Undergraduate Calendar section on Co-operative Education.
Degree Requirements Chart
The chart below outlines the requirements for BA Honours, BA Honours (research essay), BA Honours with Concentration in Public History, BA Combined Honours, BA General and Minor in History. Note that the chart is only a guideline. A complete description of these programs, including the Co-operative Education Option is available in the undergraduate calendar. Students should always confirm that they are following the proper academic requirements as outlined in the calendar.
| Requirements | BA Honours – 20 credits | BA Honours (research project) – 20 credits | BA Honours (Public History Concentration) – 20 credits | BA Combined Honours – 20 credits | BA – 15 credits | Minor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000-level courses | 1.0 credit | 1.0 credit | 1.0 credit | 1.0 credit | 1.0 credit | 1.0 credit |
| 2000-level courses | 2.0 to 3.0 credits | 2.0 to 3.0 credits | 1.0 to 2.5 credits | 2.0 credits | 2.5 credits | 1.0 to 2.0 credits |
| 3000-level courses | 3.0 to 4.0 credits | 2.0 to 3.0 credits | 3.0 to 4.5 credits | 1.0 credit | 3.0 credits | 1.0 to 2.0 credits |
| Theory & Method
(to be taken in 2nd year) | 0.5 credits: HIST 2809* | 0.5 credits: HIST 2809* | 1.0 credit: HIST 2809*and HIST 2811 | 0.5 credits: HIST 2809* | 0.5 credits: HIST 2809* | |
| Theory & Method
(to be taken in 3rd year) | 0.5 credits:
HIST 3810 or HIST 3820 | 0.5 credits:
HIST 3810 or HIST 3820 | 1.0 credit: HIST 3809 and HIST 3810 or HIST 3809 and HIST 3820 | 0.5 credits:
HIST 3810 or HIST 3820 | HIST 3810 or HIST 3820 is recommended but not required | |
| Practicum | optional | optional | 0.5 credit:
HIST 3807 or HIST 3815 | optional | ||
| 4000-level seminars | 2.0 credits | 2.0 credits | 2.0 credits | 1.0 credit | ||
| Honours Research Project | HIST 4910 (1.0 credit) | |||||
| Min. total history credits | 10.0 credits | 10.0 credits | 11.0 credits | 6.0 credits | 7.0 credits | 4.0 credits |
| Max. total history credits | 12.0 credits | 12.0 credits | 12.0 credits | 15.0 credits (both majors) | 8.0 credits |
* may use HIST 3809 or HIST 3811 instead of HIST 2809 if admitted prior to 2012-13
Having trouble? Students are advised to contact either the History Undergraduate Administrator, Tanya Schwartz, at 400 Paterson Hall, at tanya.schwartz@carleton.ca or the History Undergraduate Supervisor, Professor Susan Whitney, at 420 Paterson Hall, 613-520-2828, or history@carleton.ca.