About this Program
- College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts
- Specialization: Legal History
- Credits for Degree: 120
- More Info
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Department Information
Undergraduate students in the Department of History come to the program as four-year residential students, PaCE students, and as transfers from Florida state colleges and out-of-state institutions. They join a large, diverse, and active community of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. Program highlights include a vibrant Honors Program, engaged student organizations, and numerous opportunities for undergraduate research.
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CONTACT
Email | 352.392.0271 (tel) | 352.392.6927 (fax)
P.O. Box 117320
25 KEENE-FLINT HALL
GAINESVILLE FL 32611-7320
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Curriculum
History students graduate as powerful thinkers, capable of synthesizing information and presenting compelling narratives and persuasive arguments. Whether examining archival records or collaborating on public history projects, students learn to connect historical insights to broader societal questions.
Our program emphasizes both intellectual depth and practical application. Experiential learning opportunities, such as contributing to our undergraduate research journal, holding internships, writing a senior thesis, and studying abroad, foster personal and intellectual growth. The History program builds skills that not only deepen historical analysis but also prepare students for an astonishing range of rewarding careers.
The history major focuses on the development of three related skill sets critical to professional success in today’s complex world:
WRITING
History is a writing-intensive discipline. Although assignments vary by course, students will be taught a set of critical skills and research techniques that will help them gather and analyze sources and then marshal the evidence in the presentation of coherent historical arguments.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In the typical upper-division course, students read an average of 75 to 125 pages each week. Students will be expected to synthesize the material effectively and come to class prepared to discuss the readings.
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Rather than merely recounting facts from readings and lectures, students will develop their own interpretations of historical events and ideas and discuss them with their peers and professor. They will be expected to contribute actively in the classroom and will on occasion lead discussions and give short reports.
Coursework for the Major
Required Coursework
All history majors must complete a minimum of 36 credits in history with minimum grades of C. Majors must take a minimum of 21 credits of history at UF. History majors may enroll in a maximum of three history courses per semester.
Majors must take a minimum of 21 credits of history at UF.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework | ||
| HIS 3942 | History Practicum (A methodical introduction to the study of history) | 3 |
| AMH/AFH/ASH/EUH/HIS/LAH/WOH 4930 | History Research Seminar: US 1 | 3 |
| History Major Electives | ||
| Legal History Group A 3000/4000-level course | 3 | |
| Legal History Group B 3000/4000-level course | 3 | |
| Legal History Group A or B 3000/4000-level courses | 3 | |
| 3000/4000-level History courses | 12 | |
| 1000 to 4000-level History courses | 9 | |
| Within the major electives, students must meet the following regional distribution requirements: | ||
At least 9 credits (three courses) in American history (AMH) and European history (EUH), with at least one course in AMH, one course in EUH, and one course in AMH or EUH | ||
At least 9 credits (three courses) in AFH, ASH, LAH, or WOH, with a maximum of two courses under any one prefix. | ||
The history research seminar may count toward the regional distribution, depending on the prefix of the course taken (AFH, AMH, ASH, EUH, LAH, or WOH). | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
AMH 4930 / AFH 4930 / ASH 4930 / EUH 4930 / HIS 4930 / LAH 4930 / WOH 4930 is the capstone course of the major and normally taken in the senior year, although students who plan to write an honors thesis are encouraged to take the course as juniors. In this seminar, students produce a substantial research paper based on primary source research. Enrollment in the research seminar is restricted to majors. The History Research Seminar must be taken at UF.
Legal History Specialization Major Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Group A course | ||
| History of Disability in America | ||
| Constitutional History of the United States to 1877 | ||
| Constitutional History of the United States Since 1877 | ||
| United States Legal History | ||
| Violence and Social Conflict in American History | ||
| Crime and Punishment in American History | ||
| Origins of the US Constitution | ||
| Group B course | ||
| Special Topics in Asian History (Imperial Japan) | ||
| Special Topics in Asian History (Global Histories of Prostitution ) | ||
| History of the Holocaust | ||
| Nazi Germany | ||
| Authoritarian Interwar Europe | ||
| Special Topics in European History (Inquisitions) | ||
| Special Topics in European History (The Holocaust in the Courtroom) | ||
| Special Topics in Latin American History (Crime and Criminality in the Americas) | ||
| Special Topics in Latin American History (History of Asylum) | ||
| Special Topics in Latin American History (Inquisitions) | ||
| History of Human Rights | ||
| Special Topics in World History (Global Histories of Prostitution ) | ||
In addition to these courses, the undergraduate coordinator may authorize substitute courses.
Only exam (AICE, AP, CLEP, or IB) credits with course equivalencies for UF courses count toward the requirements for the major and then only at the 2000 level. AMH L000, EUH L000, HIS L000, and WOH L000 do not count toward the major.
COMBINATION DEGREE PROGRAM
Majors who are interested in advanced training are encouraged to consider the 4/1 combination degree program.
More Info
RESEARCH
Majors are encouraged to consider advanced research opportunities in history. The department places special emphasis on participation in the history honors program.
More Info
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Students are advised to take HIS 3942 in their first year as a history major, and it must be taken no later than Semester 5.
Semester 1
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 2
- Complete 1 history course at the 2000 level or above
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semesters 3-4
- Complete 1 history course at the 3000 level or above with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA (this course may be a course from Group A or B if it is passed with a 2.0 GPA or above)
- 2.5 GPA in critical-tracking history courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semesters 5-6
- Complete 1 history course at the 3000 level or above with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA (this course may be a course from Group A or B if it is passed with a 2.0 GPA or above)
- 2.5 GPA in critical-tracking history courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semesters 7-8
- By the end of semester 8, students seeking the Legal History Specialization must have completed 3 courses toward the specialization (either from the approved list or with the approval of the undergraduate coordinator) as follows: 1 from Group A, 1 from Group B, and 1 from either Group A or B with a 2.0 GPA or higher
- 2.5 GPA in critical-tracking history courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Students are expected to complete the Writing, Civic Literacy, summer enrollment, and Quest requirements while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H, or S) as part of the CLAS Basic Distribution requirements. One of the two general education mathematics courses must be a pure math course.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences allows students additional flexibility in its Distribution Requirements. Students may count a maximum of 6 credits TOTAL from the CLAS Distribution course lists towards Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or Biological and Physical Sciences, with no more than 3 credits of Humanities, 3 credits of Social and Behavioral Sciences, or 6 credits of Biological or Physical Sciences.
The full list of major-specific requirements for this major can be found on the Overview tab. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree requirements can be found on the College’s degree requirements page.
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 3942 | History Practicum (Critical Tracking; recommended in the first year) | 3 |
| State Core Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement | 3 | |
| State Core Gen Ed Humanities | 3 | |
| State Core Gen Ed Mathematics | 3 | |
| CLAS Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 1 | 4-5 | |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| Quest 1 | 3 | |
| History course (Critical Tracking; 2000 level or above) | 3 | |
| State Core Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences | 3 | |
| Natural Science Laboratory 2 | 1 | |
| CLAS Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 1 | 3-5 | |
| Credits | 13-15 | |
| Semester Three | ||
| Quest 2 | 3 | |
| History course (Critical Tracking; 2000 level or above) | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Physical Sciences | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences; area not taken in semester two | 3 | |
| Elective (or CLAS Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement if 4-3-3 language option) 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Four | ||
| AMH 3551 | Constitutional History of the United States to 1877 (Critical Tracking; Category A) | 3 |
| State Core Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Mathematics | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Humanities | 3 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Five | ||
| Group B elective (Critical Tracking) | 3 | |
| History course (Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Humanities | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Six | ||
| Group A or Group B elective (Critical Tracking) | 3 | |
| History course ( Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Biological Sciences | 3 | |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester Seven | ||
| Select one: | 3 | |
| History Research Seminar: US (Critical Tracking) | ||
| History Research Seminar: Africa (Critical Tracking) | ||
| History Research Seminar: Asia (Critical Tracking) | ||
| History Research Seminar: Europe (Critical Tracking) | ||
| History Research Seminar (Critical Tracking) | ||
| History Research Seminar: Latin America (Critical Tracking) | ||
| History Research Seminar: World History (Critical Tracking) | ||
| HIS 4970 | Senior Thesis (if honors candidate) | 2 |
| History course (Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) | 3 | |
| Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) | 6 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Semester Eight | ||
| HIS 4970 | Senior Thesis (if honors candidate) | 2 |
| Group A or Group B elective (Critical Tracking) | 3 | |
| History course (Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) | 3 | |
| Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) | 6 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
LEGAL HISTORY ELECTIVES
Group A
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AMH 3551 | Constitutional History of the United States to 1877 | 3 |
| AMH 3552 | Constitutional History of the United States Since 1877 | 3 |
| AMH 3558 | United States Legal History | 3 |
| AMH 4319 | Crime and Punishment in American History | 3 |
| AMH 4550 | Origins of the US Constitution | 3 |
Group B
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EUH/LAH 3931 | Special Topics in European History (Inquisitions) | 3 |
| EUH 3931 | Special Topics in European History (The Holocaust in the Courtroom ) | 3 |
| LAH 3931 | Special Topics in Latin American History (Crime and Criminality in the Americas ) | 3 |
| WOH 3205 | History of Human Rights | 3 |
In addition to the above courses, the undergraduate coordinator may authorize other legal history courses for the specialization.
The History major exposes students to key issues in the history of the United States, Europe and areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Students will develop the critical interpretative skills needed to assess both primary and secondary sources in the complex task of thinking about the past. Students will master a set of research skills that help them develop their own historical arguments. Significant emphasis is laid on effective written communication reflected in the cogency of arguments and use of evidence.
Before Graduating Students Must
- Complete the distribution requirements of the major (6 credits in AMH, 6 credits EUH, 6 credits in AFH, ASH or LAH) with minimum grades of C, as graded by department rubric.
- Complete HIS 3942 and HIS 4930 with minimum grades of C, as graded by department rubric.
- Complete 35 credits in history, including at least 26 at the 3000/4000 level, and all with minimum grades of C, as graded by department rubric.
- Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.
Students in the Major Will Learn to
Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs
Content
- Acquire and apply basic research skills learned through use of print and electronic resources of the library and web.
Critical Thinking
- Critically assess and interpret primary and secondary sources.
- Identify a historical research topic related to the focus of the research seminar, develop knowledge of the topic through research, and create historical arguments using evidence effectively with clear purpose.
Communication
- Produce an effectively written analytical research paper based in research of primary sources, framed within the secondary literature and offering a coherent historical argument supported by evidence.
Curriculum Map
I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed
| Courses | SLO 1 | SLO 2 | SLO 3 | SLO 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFH, ASH, LAH 3000-4000 level (6 credits) | R | R | R | R |
| AMH 3000-4000 level (6 credits) | R | R | R | R |
| AFH, AMH, ASH, EUH, HIS, LAH, WOH 3000-4000 level (15 credits) | R | R | R | R |
| AFH 4930, AMH 4930, ASH 4930, EUH 4930, HIS 4930, LAH 4930: Senior Seminar | A | A | A | A |
| EUH 3000-4000 level (6 credits) | R | R | R | R |
| HIS 3942 History Practicum | I, A | I, A | I | I |
Assessment Types
- Skills-set exam
- Capstone statement for final project