Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2018-19 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2018-19 [Archived Catalog]

History Major (A.B. in History) [offered through Honors Tutorial College]


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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. Tutorials in the first, second, and third years will be 3 credit hours each. Two tutorials in the senior year, devoted to the thesis, will be between 3 and 9 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 Grade Requirements


Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher overall.

HTC Seminar


First-year students must complete the following course:

Transfer students


Transfer students may substitute an HC special topics seminar for their HC 2500 requirement.

Tutorials


Complete six subject area tutorials, one each semester enrolled from first to third year. The first tutorial will be an introduction to the discipline; students will complete tutorials in US, World, and European history by the end of their second year.

Senior Honors Tutorial Thesis


Complete two tutorials focused on the development and completion of a thesis during fourth year of program.

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.

Writing Requirement


Complete the following course during the second year of study.

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 history courses under HIST 2999 as advised by the Director of Studies.

Advanced History Courses


Complete ten history courses beyond HIST 2999.

Electives


Complete five electives, in consultation with the History director of studies.

Breadth Requirement


Complete seven College of Arts and Sciences non-history courses, chosen in consultation with the History director of studies.

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