History students learn to think critically and creatively, to evaluate many different viewpoints, and to apply their knowledge of the past to produce an informed and articulate analysis of contemporary global issues. We do not expect that every student will pursue a degree in history; rather, we hope that the skills learned in our courses will contribute to a deeper understanding of today's world.
The study of History is as relevant to new high school graduates as it is to mid-career professionals. By understanding the peoples and cultures that have created our contemporary world, we are better able to navigate the complexities of our increasingly interconnected and globalized lives. While an interest in history often draws students into our courses, we also offer courses that are relevant to students in political science, business, sustainability studies, and many other areas of the university.
Important Program Change Information: Effective September 2021 students entering the BA Major or Minor will require 15 lower level credits rather than the current 12
Please click on 'future course offerings', in the sidebar, for a tentative timetable and course plan for the upcoming semesters.
Bachelor of Arts - Major in History
The Bachelor of Arts, Major in History, will provide you with the opportunity to study the many peoples and cultures whose contributions have created the world in which we live today. Our BA degree allows you to develop the knowledge and core competencies characteristic of a traditional BA program, while preparing you to respond creatively and innovatively to a range of challenges in our community and our world. You will gain the literacy and analytical competencies demanded by twenty-first century employers. Equally importantly, you will become a better-informed citizen of our increasingly interconnected world. Students majoring in History may also choose a concentration in Asian, Global, and/or North American History. These concentrations are recognized in a certificate from the Dean of Arts.
Bachelor of Arts - Minor in History
The Department of History launched a Minor in History as part of the Bachelor of Arts, General Studies, Degree in September 2005. Since that time we have introduced a number of new courses focusing on European History, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Asian History, Canadian, and US History. Our growing department is continuing to develop new courses at the third and fourth-year level, with a particular focus on seminar courses, in which students study in a smaller class and receive more intensive training in specific subjects. A Minor in History teaches students to think critically and creatively, to challenge accepted opinions, and to develop their own research and writing skills.
Associate of Arts - History
The Associate of Arts in History credential is a two-year associate degree program which provides students with a basic foundation in the study of History and also ensures that students obtain the literacy and numeracy skills essential to success in the workplace and in further studies. Students continuing on to upper-level courses at other British Columbia universities receive block transfer credit for an Associate Degree.
University Transfer Courses:
All KPU History courses, including upper-level courses, transfer to other accredited institutions in the province. Some transfer directly (for example KWAN HIST 1130/1131 = UBC HIST 125), all others receive either assigned or unassigned history credit. The British Columbia Transfer Guide (www.bccat.bc.ca) provides a comprehensive overview of transfer arrangements among British Columbia post-secondary institutions. While we hope that students will remain at KPU to complete a credential, we know that many students complete their first year or two with us in order to take advantage of smaller class sizes and more direct contact with their instructors, and then transfer to another institution. No matter what your choice, KPU History courses will meet your needs.
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