History

• Degree Plans

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  Several degree options are available. Major / bachelor’s degree options include:

  Students selecting this option are required to complete a History thesis for which a tripartite series of courses has been designed to teach and hone the skills necessary for excellence in undergraduate research in history.

  The History thesis constitutes the heart of this undergraduate program, as it requires students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at St. Mary’s. The History thesis permits students to demonstrate proficiency in the fundamental skills of the historian: research, writing, interpretation and critical thinking.

  Students enroll in the History thesis course in the final semester of their senior year to revise their manuscripts extensively and professionalize their candidacies for employment and graduate programs.

  See the catalog for the full degree plan:

  Bachelor of Arts in History

  B.A. in History (Thesis Option)

  Students take an introductory course in Public History and a practicum/internship in a Public History setting. Public history refers to how history is presented and interpreted in non-academic environments.

  It involves not only the historical content but also the approaches, tools and strategies for presentation that enhance the general public awareness of the past and its connection to the present.

  

  The contributions of public history may be seen at the national, state, county and local level through historical associations, heritage tourism, museums, public access archives, and online digitized historical information, historic preservation, commissioned histories for historic sites, foundations, corporations and public agencies of many kinds.

  Public historians develop collaborative relationships among historians, community leaders, activists and those interested in preservation of heritage for practical or commercial purposes.

  Through making explicit links between the past and the present, applied history activities enhance tourism, economic development and a general sense of community, which is inspired by knowledge of a shared past.

  See the degree plan:

  Bachelor of Arts in History – Public History Track

  Public History track

  Students in this program are not required to take the final courses devoted to the senior thesis.

  History students should speak with the chair of the Department of History or the chair of the Department of Teacher Education about the general requirements for a major in History with Teacher Certification. Specific questions and concerns about the Teacher Education program should be directed to the Department of Teacher Education.

  Bachelor of Arts in History with Teacher Certification (Secondary)

  Teacher Certification

  Students can also pair a history minor with another major:

  Minor in History

  Students can also pursue a combined degree, where they earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree with tuition discounts:

  Combined Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts

• History Courses

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  History students take a variety of courses, including the St. Mary’s Core and College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences school core. This better prepares them for success outside the classroom.

  Course highlights include:

  Historical Writing
  Historical Analysis: U.S. History to 1877
  Introduction to Latin American History
  Historiography, Method and Research

  See the catalog for a list of all courses and descriptions:

  Course Catalog

San Antonio is full of history and culture, from famous attractions like the Alamo and historical missions, to cultural events like Fiesta, a two-week-long celebration in the spring. Students can also choose from a variety of events and activities on campus, and choose to participate in special programs such as:

Endowed in 1982 by the Thomas O’Connor family of Victory City, Texas, the O’Connor Chair in the History of Hispanic Texas and the Southwest supports a permanent professor at St. Mary’s University.

During his or her tenure, the O’Connor Professor teaches one course per semester, conducts research, writes and offers periodic lectures to the University and surrounding community.

Besides contributing to scholarly knowledge on the history of Hispanic Texas and the Southwest, O’Connor Chair occupants also provide St. Mary’s students, especially history majors, the opportunity to interact with an active research historian working on a specific ongoing project.

This is of particular value for students writing Senior Theses and those interested in pursuing graduate studies in history. Contact Gerald Poyo, Ph.D., O’Connor Chair, or call 210-436-3703 for more information.