History (BA)

History shapes the world we inhabit; it substantially determines the constraints and the possibilities of our experience; it colours the aspirations and aversions that drive us, individually and collectively. We can choose to live in ignorance of history, but we cannot live independently of it. History, in other words, is a burden we all share, but for some of us it is also a resource. It imposes limits but also supplies opportunities.

History is more than mere facts; it is a dynamic discipline built on analysis, debate and interpretation. When you study history, you develop a cultural vocabulary that examines humanity through events, culture and context. Our modern multimedia facilities bring history to life through images, texts, and sound recordings. Our faculty specialize in areas that reflect the world’s diversity. Whether your heart lies in modern Africa, medieval England or contemporary Japan, you will have the opportunity to study the historical periods and geographical locations that capture your attention. Complement your studies with thematic courses such as film in history, gender, the history of peace and war or environmental history.

A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

• Honours in History - Essay Option (60 credits)
• Honours in History - Seminar Option (60 credits)
• Honours in History - Public History (60 credits)
• Specialization in History (60 credits)
• Major in History (42 credits)
• Minor in History (24 credits)

• Joint Specialization in English and History (30 credits in English, 30 credits in History)
• Minor in Law and Society (24 credits)

Courses

Minimum cut-off averages

• Quebec CEGEP: 20 (Honours: 28)
• High School: C+ (Honours: B+)
• University Transfers (internal/external): C (Honours: B+)
• Bacc. français: 11 (Honours: 14)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26 (Honours: 31)

Course requirements for admission

No specific courses required. However:

Honours programs: Students applying directly to an honours program should list it as their first choice. If not admitted to honours, they will automatically be considered for the next highest program (i.e. specialization or major).

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Graduates leave with indispensable skills in communication, research and critical thinking, and are equally ready for graduate studies or careers in education, law, journalism, publishing, business, public service, museums and archives.