People have a world of information at their fingertips today, but they have never been more confused, conflicted, and unable to determine what is real or “fake.” Historians are scholars who learn how to do deep, serious research to figure out “what happened.” They are writers of non-fiction creating  a roadmap for the past, helping to shape what we think we know.

Whether you become a writer or editor, a teacher or scholar or someone who enters business or the law, everyone today needs to know:  is this true? Can the facts be relied upon? How do we know?

If you choose to study history, you will engage with fascinating topics such as the Cold War, the American Revolution, women in Middle Eastern societies, Nazi Germany, East Asian civilizations, and many more. You will become a proficient researcher and writer and develop your public speaking skills. You will be that rare and valuable person who can sort out fact from fiction and write your own future!

History Course Offerings at Ramapo College:

The History program at Ramapo treats history as a narrative of the past, an exploration of different cultures, an example for the present, and a guidepost for the future. Through coursework, students may explore geographical areas including the United States, Europe, Latin America, East Asia, the Middle East and Islamic world, or Africa. Our courses span historical periods as varied as Ancient Greece, nineteenth century Europe, and the United States since 1945. Students can elect to study the history of specific groups of people or take courses on subjects as diverse as Biblical archaeology, the history of Communism, Islamic art and architecture, military history, the American West, and Women and American politics.

Hands-On Opportunities When You Study History at Ramapo College:

History majors at Ramapo have several hands-on opportunities to write and present history. Through coursework and independent studies, students are encouraged to research and write about historical topics that interest them. Ramapo’s annual Scholars’ Day provides a forum for students to share their work outside the classroom. The Ramapo Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, also provides several opportunities every year for students to present at regional and national conferences.

History majors can gain additional perspective from study abroad and a variety of opportunities related to the discipline of history. We are particularly excited that the Jane Addams Papers Project is housed at Ramapo College. This initiative provides students with paid opportunities on campus to digitize and sort the collection of this leading social reformer and peace activist from the early twentieth century. Digital history is the future of the field, and work on the Jane Addams Papers and other projects prepares our graduates for writing and research in a digital age. 

Goal 1: Write clearly and properly attribute your sources in accordance with the conventions of the historical discipline.

Outcome 1: Produce an organized, researched written work with a well-developed historical argument.

Outcome 2: Consistent and proper use of the University of Chicago/Turabian documentation style adopted by historians.

Goal 2: Locate and analyze primary sources and scholarly historical secondary sources, including relevant historiography.

Outcome 3: Locate, contextualize, and critically analyze required historical sources in a written work.

Outcome 4: Demonstrate an awareness of historiography relevant to course content.

1. Students are required to take 10 courses to complete this major, one of which (HIST 150, History Matters) can be waived with credit from AP examinations. We also welcome transfer courses from other colleges and universities.
2. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers do not apply to Major Requirements.
3. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
4. Writing Intensive Requirement (five courses):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing II and Studies in the Arts and Humanities.  Within the major, the three courses will be HIST 201 (How to Make History), HIST 410 (Capstone:  Historical Research), and any 300-level Writing Intensive HIST course selected in consultation with an advisor.
5. Each student must complete at least one HIST course listed as “Hands On History.”
6. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.
7. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation. Visit the Cahill Career Center.

HISTORY MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

Requirements of the Minor

1. Students are required to take 5 courses (20 credits) to complete this minor.
2. Courses fulfilling the requirements for the primary or second major may count towards the requirements of the minor, but may not exceed one-half of the credits required in the minor. A School core does not need to be completed for a minor.  Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

If you wish to have a non-(HIST) course that covers significant historical content be considered
to count toward the History Minor, please contact the Convener of the History Program.

HISTORY MINOR

For the Social Studies teacher certification, a candidate needs 30 credits (i.e.,12 at the 300 or 400 level) in one of the social studies disciplines. A History major seeking this certification must successfully complete*:

• One HIST course in American history (the word “America/n” or “US” must be in its course title), and one HIST course in the history of some region outside the United States.

Candidates must also complete all courses required for the Teaching Certificate of their choice.  Please see the Teacher Education program website or consult with the Assistant Dean of Teacher Education for more information.

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
Digital Humanities
History Convening Group Website (see disclaimer below)
School of Humanities and Global Studies Website
Faculty Profiles