OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2017-18
[Archived Catalog]
History Major (A.B. in History) [offered through Honors Tutorial College] |
Major Code BA1909
Honors Tutorial College
35 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2723
Fax: 740.593.9521
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors
Miriam Shadis, director of studies/contact person
shadis@ohio.edu
Program Overview
The HTC program in history offers exceptional students the opportunity to develop a sophisticated understanding of the historical discipline through a combination of lecture courses, one-on-one tutorials with faculty members, and guided research on topics they choose for their junior composition project and senior thesis. The discipline of history comprises diverse philosophies and methodologies, while the chronological and geographical scope of history presents various challenges to interpretation. The HTC program, therefore, encourages diversity even as it allows students freedom in shaping their studies around their interests. Doing research and writing essays introduce students to the professional expectations and ethical practices of the discipoine. Through their creative work as historians, students are prepared for graduate study or professional careers that demand critical analysis, synthesis, and communication. Graduates received a degree of Bachelor of Arts in History from the Honors Tutorial College.
Tutorials
Students are required to complete eight tutorials within the College of Arts and Sciences, History Department, including two devoted to the thesis for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 credit hours each. In addition to the tutorials, the student must complete the Tier I English requirement, including HIST 3111J; two years of a foreign language; two introductory history courses, and 10 history courses above HIST 2999; seven non-history Arts and Sciences courses; and an appropriate number of approved electives. Internships and/or study abroad may be included within the program with special permission from the director of studies (credit will only be given once). Honors Tutorial students take a minimum of 15 hours per semester, except in the last semester, when the minimum is 12.
Advising and Monitoring
Each student receives initial advice from the director of studies regarding selection and sequencing of courses, choice of a thesis advisor and other procedural matters. A committee, composed of the director of studies and the advisor, will monitor the thesis work. A typical tutorial will meet on a weekly basis for a minimum of one hour. The student and the tutor will discuss the current reading and written assignments, discuss problems and solutions, debate and offer critical analysis, and the tutor continuously evaluates the progress of the student. A final grade is made based on many facets of evaluation available to the tutor: written assignments, written exams, oral exams, discussions, presentations by the student, field work, etc.
The Honors Thesis
The honors thesis is a reflection of the student’s special interests. Its acceptance, dependent upon an appropriate mixture of research and analysis, relies upon the judgment of his or her committee or the director of studies. It is expected that this major paper will constitute work of the highest quality in investigating a problem of concern to both scholars and practitioners. Although an intensive study of relevant theoretical and research literatures is the underpinning of the thesis, students are encouraged to augment this scholarly base with field data whenever possible.
Evaluation
Students throughout the program earn letter grades consistent with the University grading system and are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students who earn less than a B (3.0), or who maintain less than a 3.5 GPA will need to confer with the director of studies and/or the Dean of the College. In addition to letter grade assessments both the student’s academic standing and academic attitude are evaluated.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
Students are selected by the director of studies of the history tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College on the basis of superior ability and sustained motivation. We look for good scores on standardized tests (30 composite score on the ACT or a combined score of 1300 on the SAT), but we also require a good high school record (class standing in the top 10%). An interview with the director of studies is required for acceptance into our program. Recommendations from two high school teachers are strongly recommended. The personalized aspects of the tutorial system occasionally make it possible for us to accept students who have not performed well on standardized measures of ability but who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in other ways. The priority deadline for application for admission is December 1st, and admission interviews are held in January.
Change of Program Policy
First-year students at Ohio University may apply to transfer into the history tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen. The priority deadline for application is December 1st.
External Transfer Admission
First-year students at another institution may also apply to transfer into the history tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen. The priority deadline for application is December 1st.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Graduate school, government service, law school, medical school, and international business are all available to the graduates of this program.
Requirements
HTC Seminar
First-year students must complete the following course:
- HC 2500 - Honors Seminar Credit Hours: 3
HTC Thesis Requirement
Approval of a completed thesis or professional project by the advisor, director of studies, and Dean of the College.
English Composition
Complete the following course during first year of study.
- ENG 1510 - Writing and Rhetoric I Credit Hours: 3
Writing Requirement
Complete the following course during first semester of second year of study.
- HIST 3111J - Historical Research and Writing Credit Hours: 3
Foreign Language
Complete at least two years of a language, regardless of the level at which you entered the university.
Introductory History Courses
Complete two of the following courses:
- HIST 1210 - Western Civilization: Antiquity to 1500 Credit Hours: 3
- HIST 1220 - Western Civilization: Modernity from 1500 Credit Hours: 3
- HIST 1221 - The First Universities: History & Learning in Europe, 1100-1600 Credit Hours: 3
- HIST 1320 - Introduction to World History Before 1750 Credit Hours: 3
- HIST 1330 - Introduction to World History Since 1750 Credit Hours: 3
- HIST 2000 - Survey of United States History, 1600-1877 Credit Hours: 3
- HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History, 1865-present Credit Hours: 3