Studying history gives you a window to the world. It makes you a critical thinker,
gives you a well-informed lens for current events, and helps you understand other
cultures on a deep level. When you study at the University of South Carolina you'll
be exposed to amazing faculty, hands-on research, and study abroad options.
Courses of Study
We offer both a B.A. and a minor course of study. You can find our course schedule
and program descriptions in the academic bulletin.
Undergraduate Concentrations
Undergraduate majors may declare a concentration within the major. A "concentration" means that the student has taken four HIST courses beyond the
100-level in the area/topic.
A student may declare up to two concentrations (three with the permission of the department).
Choosing a concentration is not required for the major, but it is a great way to demonstrate
that a student has specialized knowledge or background in a topic or geographical
region.
Geographic and Subject Area Concentrations
Global History
Regional Concentrations (Africa, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/North Africa,
United States, or U.S. South)
Subject Concentrations:
* African-American History * Cultural History * Digital History and the Computer Age * Gender and Women's History * History of Religion * History of Science, Technology, the Environment, and Medicine * History of Slavery * History of Social Justice and Humanitarianism * Legal History * Political History * Public History * Social History * War, National Security, and International Relations
Custom Concentrations
Students can develop a custom concentration upon discussion with the student’s advisor
and the Department, dependent upon courses and faculty. Examples of custom concentrations
would be Capitalism, Business, and Economic History; Christian, Islamic, or Jewish
History and Culture; Media History; and Race and Ethnicity.
B.A with Distinction
The Bachelor of Arts with Distinction for history majors requires a rigorous course
of study above and beyond that required of a traditional history student.
Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
Maintain 3.6 major GPA.
Complete an additional 9 hours of history courses at the 200-level or higher (maximum
of two 200-level courses may count toward the History major).
Notify the professor of your senior seminar or senior thesis in writing of your intention
to pursue a degree “with distinction” and complete to the professor’s satisfaction
the additional research necessary for work “with distinction”.
Publicly present your research project at Discovery Day.
Print and sign a B.A. with Distinction contract [pdf link].
Print and sign a senior seminar thesis contract [pdf link].
All B.A. with Distinction contracts must be submitted to the History Undergraduate
Coordinator in Gambrell Hall Rm# 245 or emailed to mcnamart@mailbox.sc.edu.
The senior seminar or senior thesis B.A. with Distinction contract should be signed
by the student and thesis advisor/seminar instructor upon enrollment in Senior Seminar
or Senior Thesis, and submitted to the History Undergraduate Coordinator.
Personal Advising
We have two dedicated student-services staff members in our department, Tyler Mcnamara and Jay Pou. They're happy to advise you on course and career advising, study abroad, internship opportunities, and anything else you need to make your time in the history
department more rewarding.
We also work hard to make sure all our students are able to take the classes that
are interesting to them. If a class is full, please emailmcnamart@mailbox.sc.edu or pouj@sc.eduregarding course override inquiries.