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Program Description The Bachelor of Arts in History allows students to specialize in the study of the American west, U.S. history, environmental history, and the history of science and technology. The history degree also provides an analytical gateway to areas beyond the United States, with courses of advanced study related to South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the ancient world. Internships at historical societies, museums, and Yellowstone National Park are also an important part of the educational experience and are strongly encouraged by the department. A degree in history prepares students for teaching, graduate studies, public resource management, government service, law school, journalism, and other career opportunities that require critical thinking and clarity of communication. Students participate in original research projects and student-centered learning activities; they learn to read and analyze primary texts, as well as secondary literature, and to write thoughtfully about them. Students learn to create knowledge by thinking creatively and basing their ideas in the empirical authority inherent in careful examination of historical documents. At all levels of the curriculum, the history degree provides students with the tools to think rigorously, to research and thereby generate knowledge empirically, and to articulate their thoughts coherently. In consultation with an advisor, students may select from a range of fields of concentration that are consistent with his or her interests and educational objectives. Science, the Environment, Technology, and Society (SETS) The SETS major offers students a multi-disciplinary course of study that analyzes science, technology, and the environment within their broader cultural contexts, including intellectual and social history, environmental history, religious studies, and philosophy. Students will choose one of several specialties as a focus for their coursework, such as Philosophy of Science, History of Science and Technology, Science and Technology Policy, or Environmental History. Moreover, students are required to become knowledgeable about one or more areas of science, technology, environmental studies, or public policy, as the department believes such literacy is an important part of a land-grant institution liberal arts education. Students will therefore be required to take at least 12 credits in an appropriate science, social science or engineering discipline. Finally, a capstone is required for all students; each will complete an original research paper synthesizing their scientific, technological, and humanistic knowledge.
