Overview
Understand the present by studying the past. Read broadly, think analytically, write effectively, and inform policy. Historians examine evidence and arguments to understand the relationship between ideas and actions, and individuals and social institutions. UBC Okanagan’s history program offers a wide variety of foundational and advanced courses that cover world regions and time periods. The program prepares students for graduate and professional programs, and to pursue a variety of careers.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Communicate their understanding of essential elements of history.
- Develop a broad understanding of historical periods, events, and trends before and since the twentieth century.
- Engage in exploration of primary and secondary sources through the application of historical methods, research, and analysis.
- Make oral and written scholarly arguments and critically evaluate those of others.
- Employ critical thinking, research and writing skills.
- Use methods of historical analysis to interpret past events and present trends.
Major in History
Degree Requirements
| Major in History | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundational Requirements | 21 |
| Distribution Requirements | 12 |
| Program Requirements | 48 |
| 300/400-level Electives | 18 |
| Electives any level | 21 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
Program Requirements
| First and Second Year | Credits |
|---|---|
| 100/200-level HIST | 12 |
| Any level HIST including at least 3 credits of Canadian history | 6 |
| Total 100/200-level credits | 18 |
| Third and Fourth Years | Credits |
|---|---|
| 300/400-level HIST | 18 |
| Breadth area HIST electives: Of the thirty 300/400-level credits, students must take at least one from each of the fourth breadth areas. See History Breadth Areas. | 12 |
| Total 300/400-level credits | 30 |
| Program Requirement Total Credits | 48 |
| History Breadth Areas:1, 2 | |
|---|---|
| Non-Euro-America: HIST317, 351, 352, 354, 384, 385, 396, 397, 452, 453, 494, ARTH370, ARTH375 | 3 |
| History 20th Century: HIST 301, 309, 312, 317, 329, 336, 351, 352, 354, 380, 384, 385, 395, 397, 402, 404, 407, 418, 443, 452, 453, 468, 469, 473, 494, ARTH 315, ARTH 316, ARTH 320, ARTH 321, ECON3 33, POLI 433 | 3 |
| History Pre 1800: HIST 300, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 314, 325, 327, 328, 343, 344, 353, 373, 374, 375, 406, 414, 420, 444, ECON 330, ENGL 340, ARTH 370, ARTH 375 | 3 |
| History Thematic Studies: HIST 308, 309, 310, 351, 352, 353, 373, 374, 375, 380, 384, 395, 408, 418, 420, 444, 473, PHIL 419 | 3 |
| Breadth-area HIST Electives | 12 |
1 Up to 6 credits from the following courses may be counted toward a History Major: ARTH 315, 316, 320, 321, 370, 375; ECON 330, 331; ENGL 340, 344; PHIL 419.
2Relevant Topics courses may be used to satisfy breadth requirements with permission from the instructor. Courses that are listed in two breadth areas can only be used to meet the breadth requirement for one or the other area, not both areas simultaneously.
Note: Not all History courses are offered each year. Students are advised to check the current schedule of course offerings. Check for cross-listings.
History Honours Program
The Honours degree program in History enables students specializing in History to increase their concentration in History and to gain research experience in the completion of an Honours thesis. Students are expected to satisfy high levels of competency in their academic achievement and to successfully complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The faculty supervisor must be approved by the department head.
Admission Requirements:
- Third-year standing;
- Minimum of 12 credits of History;
- Minimum overall average of 72%;
- Minimum average of 76% in History courses; and
- Submission of an application form with supporting materials.
Degree Requirements
| Honours in History | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundational Requirements | 21 |
| Distribution Requirements | 12 |
| Program Requirements | 54 |
| 300/400-level Electives | 18 |
| Electives any level | 21 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
Program Requirements
| First and Second Year | Credits |
|---|---|
| 100/200-level HIST | 12 |
| Any level HIST | 12 |
| Total 100/200-level credits | 24 |
| Third and Fourth Year | Credits |
|---|---|
| HIST 4923 | 3 |
| HIST 499 | 3 |
| HIST electives 300/400-level credits | 12 |
| Breadth area HIST electives: Of the thirty 300/400 level credits, students must take at least one from each of the four breadth areas. See History Breadth Areas above. | 12 |
| Total 300/400-level credits | 30 |
| Program Requirement Total Credits | 54 |
3Recommended in third year.
Graduation Requirements
- All general program requirements for the B.A. degree and History Major, including the English, Science, Language other than English, and Distribution requirements;
- Successful completion of HIST 492 (recommended in student’s third year) and HIST 499 (Undergraduate Honours Thesis);
- An overall average of at least 76% in History courses;
- An overall average of 72% in all courses;
- A minimum of 54 credits of History, including HIST 499.
Minor in History
To complete a Minor in History, students must accumulate no fewer than 30 credits in History out of the 120 credits required for the B.A. degree. At least 18 of these credits must be numbered 300 or above.
A maximum of 3 credits from the following courses may be counted toward a History Minor: ARTH 315, 316, 320, 321, 370, 375; ECON 330, 331; ENGL 340, 344; PHIL 419.