History - James Madison University

History from James Madison University is a Campus Bachelor History degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. Mission Statement The Department of History supports the academic mission of James Madison University by providing the highest quality educational experiences within the liberal arts tradition that meet students' needs and prepare students for meaningful careers and active citizenship. The department focuses on the student as individual learner and global citizen. Our dedicated faculty members are classroom innovators and scholars who work responsibly and supportively with students to expand their knowledge and skills and to create a foundation for their lifelong learning. Goals To carry out the above mission, the Department of History seeks the following goals, which focus on student knowledge, skills and experiences. Knowledge Students studying history at JMU will: acquire knowledge of the world's great literary, philosophical, religious and artistic traditions. comprehend the historical and social context of major political, intellectual, religious, economic and cultural developments. comprehend the major achievements in the fine arts in world civilizations and the achievements' historical, social and cultural context. evaluate the evidence, ideas and models needed to perceive how people relate to each other, to institutions and to communities as well as to make judgments about the world. discern the values, ethics and legal issues in world civilizations, including their own, and how these issues relate to Western ideas of a free society. Skills Students studying history at JMU will: read, write and speak critically, mastering how to make informed judgments based on existing evidence. locate printed and online information sources to research a topic exhaustively. critically evaluate textual evidence by identifying a thesis, noting sources used in the argument, discerning the conclusions and determining the perspective, bias and reliability of the argument. write clear, well-organized, grammatical prose. solve problems. communicate persuasively. use computers effectively. speak a foreign language proficiently. Experience Students studying history at JMU will: handle responsibility to become independent, creative and self-directed learners and complete scholarly projects on time. consider thoughtfully a number of perspectives before supporting one. develop ways of perceiving, evaluating and behaving within cultural systems different from their own. understand the importance of change and continuity over time, different peoples' responses to change and the importance of cause and effect in history. discern the dynamics of an increasingly multicultural society. Career Opportunities and Marketable Skills Career opportunities open to those receiving a B.A. in history include: Archiving Education Industry Local, state and federal government Museum curation Private business With additional training, many graduates pursue careers in law or academia. Many graduates also have pursued careers in the health and technology professions. Students completing an undergraduate degree in history possess marketable abilities in: Analyzing Researching Writing They also possess computer abilities and skills in: Data base development Statistical analysis Web site development Word processing View more details on James Madison University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related History courses.