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Lasell University
Lasell University

School of Humanities, Education, Justice & Social Sciences

B.A. in History

History students

History Major at Lasell

The B.A. major in History degree provides students with an in-depth study of history and how societies evolve over time. History majors study and think critically about the complex relationships and inequities of human societies and cultures, and how they impact on all aspects of human experiences.

Students are prepared for careers in history, education, law, politics, business, international relations, and public service.

Program Features

  • The History major is flexible and interdisciplinary, enabling students to devise individual programs tailored to their specific interests.
  • Students who plan to be teachers at the secondary level can follow the Secondary Education Major (Grades 5-12) and History Major program plan to ensure that they meet requirements for licensure.
  • Earn academic credit through service learning applying what is learning in the classroom to the needs of the greater community
  • A senior year capstone project and an internship in an area to your individual interest. For many students, this thesis has served as a steppingstone to graduate school.
  • Students have attended and presented at the annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum with faculty.

What You'll Learn

From your first day, you’ll take courses in your major and advance towards graduation with a yearly plan. Not sure what classes to take? We’ll help you create the perfect plan. 

Learning Outcomes

    • Demonstrate an appreciation for the diversity of the human experience with a global and historical perspective.
    • Respond critically and analytically to moral issues and make informed ethical choices.
    • Participate as active citizens in local and global communities.
    • Be aware of ethical and legal guidelines and distinguish between argument and opinion as they gather data from appropriate sources to create a valid argument.
    • Speak, write, and interact in a professional manner while gaining insight in potential careers.
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    For a complete list of courses and Learrning outcomes, view the Academic Catalog >>


    Accelerated Master's Program

    Save time and money — earn your graduate degree in just 1 year with the Accelerated Master's program. Learn more and how to apply >>

    Undergraduate alumni return to Lasell for second (or third!) degrees 
    Read their stories >>

    Career Success with a History Degree

    Lasell’s degree in English major prepares students for careers in teaching, education, government, non-profits, and business.

    Our students have interned with:

    • Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation
    • Indochina Arts Partnership
    • Museum of Fine Arts
    • Nichols House Museum
    • Paul Revere House

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    HIST103 - World Civilization I

    Beginning with prehistory, this course explores early civilizations and then follows developments in a global context, showing interconnections between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Emphasis is placed on cultural, social, economic, religious, and political developments.

    HIST352 - Nature & Meaning of History

    The first half of this course examines selective theories of history from Herodotus through Braudel. The second part investigates the historiography of a single topic according to student interest. Readings are selected to introduce the student to interpretive issues surrounding the selected topic. The perspectives of several practicing historians are considered. Students write a research paper. This course is intended for history majors and as a capstone course for history minors; it is open to others who have successfully completed at least three history courses and have the permission of the instructor. This is a writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: a 200-level history course and permission of instructor.

    HIST400 - Individual Seminar in Reading & Research

    This course will serve as the first semester of a two-semester individualized history capstone sequence. Students will work closely on an individual basis with a full-time faculty member, meeting weekly to define a topic for in-depth examination through reading, research, and writing. Reading and research will begin during HIST 400 and will continue during the following semester in HIST 401. Students must complete HIST 400 before enrolling in HIST 401. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and HIST 352 (can be taken concurrently).

    HIST401 - Tutorial in History

    This capstone course focuses on research methodology and practice in history. The student must gain the written agreement of the faculty member who oversees the project. Each student defines a topic by the end of the first week of the semester. Subsequent weekly meetings address progress and problems encountered in research of the topic. The finished product is a substantial paper (ca. 30 pages) with full scholarly apparatus. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing, HIST 352, and HIST 400.

    HUM103 - Invitation to the Humanities

    This course invites students to consider what it means to be human from manifold scholarly perspectives. As such, students are introduced to the many disciplines included in the humanities. Arguably, there are eight: art, communication, history, language, literature, music, philosophy, and religion. Taking a thoroughly interdisciplinary approach, this course investigates how humanists employ these varied disciplines in studying and expressing humanness.

    HUM399 - Humanities Internship Seminar

    This seminar helps students to develop objectives and identify potential sites for the senior internship. Topics include the application of humanities course work to a professional career and the development of skills necessary to locate an internship. The final goal of this course is to locate an appropriate internship. Junior or senior standing is required; this course is designed for Humanities Department majors only.

    HUM400 - Humanities Field Experience

    This course provides individually arranged participation in a work setting related to students' majors. Students spend 150 hours at the internship site over the course of the semester. Primary responsibility rests with students in identifying and pursuing an area of interest in consultation with the instructor. Students participate in a one-hour seminar each week that focuses on reflective activities that enhance the internship experience. Students complete written exercises about and evaluations of the experience. Evaluation of the field experience is based on student performance as reviewed by the employer and instructor at the internship site, as well as participation in the seminar and written assignments. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, approval of instructor, HUM 399. Humanities Department majors only.

    PHIL101 - Introduction to Philosophy

    This course is an introduction to the basic problems of philosophy, such as the sources of knowledge, the relationship between mind and body, freedom as opposed to determinism, and the nature of values.