Intensive History Major
The intensive major track offers history majors a pathway to enrich their study of history, refine their skills in writing and research, and receive a designation on their transcripts that signals their ambition and accomplishment to potential employers and graduate schools. All students are eligible to declare the intensive track, including junior transfers! If a student attempts but does not complete the intensive track they may still graduate with a standard history degree, provided the appropriate major coursework has been completed.
Course Requirements
The intensive history major requires a minimum of 15 history courses plus one year (or equivalent) of language study (see Language Requirement below). In addition to the 12 courses required for the standard history major, intensive majors will complete three additional upper-division elective courses.
Major Planning Worksheet
Copy an Intensive History Major Planning Worksheet to your UCSC Google Drive.
Advanced Research Requirement
Three of the 15 courses required for the intensive major must require advanced historical research. Advanced research and reading seminars (HIS 190 series, 194 series, or 196 series), the senior thesis (HIS 195A and 195B) and/or independent studies (HIS 199) conducted under faculty supervisor may satisfy this requirement. At least one seminar or senior thesis must be completed in the student's chosen region of concentration to ensure the UC Santa Cruz comprehensive exit and disciplinary communication (DC) requirement is satisfied.
Language Requirement
Intensive majors must pursue training in a second language by completing three quarters of college level language study in a single, non-English modern or ancient language (e.g. Italian 2-4, Latin 1-3, etc.). Students with prior training in a second language are advised to complete a language placement exam to determine the appropriate level of language course instruction. With prior approval by the Undergraduate Director, the language training requirement may be satisfied by at least one quarter study abroad with foreign language instruction. Students do not necessarily need to pursue a language related to their region of concentration, but are encouraged to do so when possible. After consultation with the Undergraduate Director, students can petition for alternative ways by which to satisfy this requirement.
