Frequently Asked Questions

Home Undergraduate Program Frequently Asked Questions

How do I declare my major/minor?

The process starts at the Undergraduate Advising Center website. Complete steps 1 through 3. When you arrive at step 4, visit the website of the academic program you wish to declare for further instructions: History, German Studies, Classical Studies, East Asian Studies, Jewish Studies

Should I be learning a foreign language?

German Studies, Classical Studies and East Asian Studies all require proficiency in one language besides English. Consult the individual program's webpage for further information.

There is no language requirement for the history major. However, proficiency in a foreign language is strongly recommended for all history students and is essential for those who plan to pursue graduate studies. Many Ph.D. programs in history require applicants to read one or two additional languages besides English. In addition, many programs offered through the Education Abroad Program (EAP) require study in an appropriate foreign language.

You are assigned to a faculty adviser in your region of concentration or plan of study. We assign students in order to maintain an even number of students per faculty adviser. Generally, your faculty adviser is important primarily for administrative procedures.

Is it important who my faculty adviser is? What if I don't like my faculty adviser?

Not terribly. Faculty advisers help you finalize a plan of study when you declare and approve course substitutions for upper-division courses outside the major. It is important to maintain a good relationship with them, but if your interests are not exactly the same as your faculty adviser's, it is not terribly important. You should, of course, be going to the office hours of the faculty members whose research area is closely aligned with your own (see the question about office hours below!).

Can I switch regions of concentration (History Majors ONLY)?

Absolutely. There are a couple of things to think about. Make sure that in switching, you won't be wasting any classes you've already taken, or if you are, that you don't mind doing so. Keep in mind that your degree is in History, and that's what it will say on your diploma. You're not getting a degree in "European History" or "The History of the Americas and Africa." If you're switching to meet external expectations, don't. Switch only because you want to study a different area of history. That being said, all you have to do is fill out a new plan of study, and attend drop-in advising hours with the Undergraduate Adviser. We'll take care of changing your concentration in AIS.

Can I take classes outside the department and use them towards my degree?

Yes, with the approval of your Faculty Adviser. Consult the Course Substitutions page.

My schedule doesn’t allow me to come to the first day of class. Is that ok?

No! Students who don’t show up on the first day of class get dropped from the course. That clears up space for the students who are still hoping to enroll. If attending the most important day of the quarter isn’t high on your list of priorities, your enrollment in the course isn’t high on the instruct.

I’ve scheduled something for the day of the mid-term, final, or one of the quizzes. Can I take the test another time?

No. You can’t. The only instances in which instructors arrange for a special exam are for DRC students and in cases of a verifiable personal or family emergency. DRC students are required to identify themself and make arrangements with their instructor within the first two weeks of the quarter. Some other situations sometimes legitimately come into play (religious observances among them), in which case, students must also identify themself and make arrangements with their instructor within the first two weeks of the quarter.

Should I be going to office hours?

Yes! The importance of office hours in your undergraduate career cannot be stressed enough. It is probably the first and only place where you'll receive one-on-one attention from your professors. Office hours a great venue for introducing yourself to and building a rapport with your professors, which is essential if you plan on going to a credential program (because they are, after all, teachers!) or graduate school (because they've all been!). Office hours also provide you with the opportunity to explore topics not covered in lecture or section. Have a question? Ask your professor. They have an amazing wealth of knowledge and skill. Plus, they're generally some of the coolest people around. Office hours are posted on each faculty member's directory listing on our website's Faculty section.

Should I be collecting letters of recommendation as an undergraduate?

Yes! If you plan on going out into the workforce or on to graduate school or a teacher credential program, you should ask your professors for letters of recommendation in your junior and senior years. This is yet another reason for going to office hours: professors can't write you decent letters if they don't know you or have forgotten you. Another great thing about collecting letters of recommendation as an undergrad is that the Career Center will keep your letters on file and send them for you when applying to grad programs, medical, law or other professional schools, credential programs, jobs and the like. Information on the letter service can be found on the Career Center's Letter Services Homepage.

If I want to go on EAP, what do I need to know?

Just a few things, really. Consult the History Department EAP webpage.