Minor in History

The history minor emphasizes the value of historical study to the development of the musician as an informed and responsible world citizen. Students explore concepts of historical thinking and research. They examine and evaluate primary and secondary sources, and learn to incorporate sources in their own writing. Students also learn to synthesize multiple views. Students develop their own analyses of historical events, as they assess and organize historical evidence, and confront bias in historical writings. The history minor provides artistic, philosophical, cultural, and historical context for the music and art that students study. The minor enhances students' artistic and cultural perspective.

Entrance Requirements

Students must complete the following coursework before beginning the minor.

*In certain cases, or according to the preference of the professor teaching the class, LENG-211 may be waived. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a minor in history, students will:

  • apply concepts of historical thinking;
  • evaluate major themes, trends, and key terminology in the study of history;
  • evaluate primary and secondary sources;
  • synthesize multiple views;
  • assess historical evidence;
  • evaluate bias in historical writings;
  • connect the study of history with the study of music; and
  • employ speaking and writing to reflect, develop ideas, pose questions, solve problems, analyze arguments, and recognize faulty logic.
Curriculum and Courses

Four courses for completion of the minor (12 credits).

Students choose four courses from the following list, at least one of which must be a 300-level course:

  • LHIS-301 International Human Rights (3 credits)
  • LHIS-217 The Modern Age: Europe 1700-1945 (3 credits)
  • LHIS-219 History of Nazi Germany (3 credits)
  • LHIS-220 Cinema in Hitler's Germany (3 credits)
  • LHIS-223 History Topics* (3 credits)
  • LHIS-224 Africana Studies: The Sociology of Black Music in American Culture (3 credits)
  • LHIS-225 Africana Studies: The Theology of American Popular Music (3 credits)
  • LHIS-226 Africana Studies: Biographies in Black (Music, Lives, and Meanings) (3 credits)
  • LHIS-228 Contemplative and Mystical Traditions (3 credits)
  • LHIS-229 Contemplative Studies (3 credits)
  • LHIS-321 America from the Jazz to the MTV Age (3 credits)
  • LHIS-334 Contemporary History (3 credits)
  • LHIS-363 Gender and Power in History (3 credits)

*LHIS-223 topics change on a regular basis. For a complete list of offerings, please visit the Liberal Arts Department page.