爱荷华大学

Historical knowledge gives insight into the depth and range of human experience and perspective on the increasingly interconnected world in which we live. Students of history learn how to locate, verify, and interpret many kinds of evidence in order to understand the causes and effects of changes over time. History courses strengthen skills in analyzing and explaining the major ideas and complex problems of the past and the present. The history major provides students with the tools and perspective for active citizenship in a democratic, pluralistic society, as well as for success in graduate studies and a wide range of careers.

The undergraduate program is organized around the intertwined skills of research and communication—whether digital, written, or verbal. Students learn about significant events, places, and people of the past, but just as importantly, they learn how to engage in factual research about the past, how to understand the context of human actions, and how to identify the factors that brought about the world of the past and the world we know today.

Students of history acquire a broad knowledge of history and historical change, across multiple regions of the globe and a range of historical periods.
Students gain an awareness of their own place in today’s world and of the connections between past and present. This prepares the way for better understanding between individuals and across cultural boundaries.
Students learn to value the role of evidence in their understanding of the world, and how to assess and verify different types of data, whether written, visual, oral, statistical, or cultural.
Students learn how to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and how each kind of source is used. They develop an understanding of the possible impact of authorial bias, social background, or ideology. Students learn to employ differing methods of analysis, and they explore diverse ways of thinking about the past and human society.
Students develop skills in research, critical thinking, reading, and writing. History writing assignments sharpen students’ skills in original research and analysis, while reading assignments develop their abilities to synthesize information and grapple with varying points of view.

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in history requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 36 s.h. of work for the major. Of the 36 s.h., at least 24 s.h. must be numbered 2000 or above. No more than 3 s.h. in courses numbered HIST:1002-HIST:1099 may count toward the major. Courses that count toward the major may not be taken on a pass/nonpass basis. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major.

Students of history develop an understanding of change that enables them to function as active, well-informed citizens. Because of the geographical breadth required for the degree, history students develop a global consciousness that helps them to understand developments worldwide.

University of Iowa's history graduates win admission to the best graduate and professional schools in the country. Employers value history students’ ability to analyze human and social behavior, to research pressing problems, and to express themselves clearly. Graduates of the department occupy prominent positions in government, business, journalism, law, entertainment, education, the nonprofit sector, library science, social work, and philanthropy, among others. A recent study showed that history graduates with a B.A. earn more than graduates in any other humanities field.