History students may want to consider an interdisciplinary minor, which takes advantage of the wide variety of courses available in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students should design these minor programs carefully, and be sure to meet with an advisor. Many interdisciplinary minors include courses taught by the History faculty.
African and African American Studies – In the minor students will examine the cultural, historical, economic, and political dimensions and experiences of people of African descent in America, the Caribbean, Africa, and throughout the Diaspora. Students will learn theories and methodologies that are used to examine the complex dynamics of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in America.
HIST courses offered: HIST 130, 261, 262, 335, 336, 340, 466.
For more information, contact Wendi Manuel-Scott, Robinson Hall B 437, 703.993.1201, wmanuels@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-la-afam
Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology – This interdisciplinary minor is for students with diverse interests in the material culture of the ancient world. Course work combines the study of archeology, literature, art, history, philosophy, myth, and religion. The scope of the minor is not limited to Greece and Rome, but touches on all the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean and the heirs of late antiquity such as Byzantium and early Islam.
HIST courses offered: HIST 301, 302, 480.
For more information on the Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology minor, contact Jacquelyn Williamson, Robinson Hall B 348, 703.993.1250, jwilli98@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-la-artm
Asia-Pacific and Northeast Asian Studies – Designed for students whose interests focus on the humanities and social sciences and Asia’s role in global systems and the cultural mosaic of human experience.
HIST courses offered: HIST 251, 252, 353, 354, 356, 357.
For more information on the Asia-Pacific Studies minor, contact bson3@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-la-apns
Classical Studies – The minor in Classical studies is designed for students who wish to become familiar with Classical cultures. They can also broaden their knowledge of the foundations of Western civilization.
The requirements of the minor provide flexibility so that students can choose courses relevant to their primary interests.
HIST courses offered: HIST 301, 302, 388, 480.
For more information, contact Martin Winkler, 703-993-1220, language@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-mcl-cla
Islamic Studies – Designed for students interested in the societies, cultures, history, and politics of the Islamic world. It offers students the opportunity to study the many societies that have significant Muslim populations. These societies are not just in the Middle East. They stretch from North Africa to Southeast Asia and beyond. They include Europe as well as North America.
HIST courses offered: HIST 281, 282, 460, 462, 465.
For more information, contact Maria Dakake, 703-993-3582, mdakakem@gmu.edu
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-la-islm
Japanese Studies – Enables students to advance their Japanese language skills and develop a sound understanding of Japanese culture and history from a global perspective. Students may focus their course work on language or on history and culture.
HIST courses offered: HIST 251, 252, 356, 357
For more information, contact Manako Fuliwara, 703.993.4412, mfujiwar@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-mcl-jpns
Judaic Studies – The minor in Judaic studies is designed for students interested in the culture, history, and politics of Jewish communities across the world. It recognizes that Jews form a global community, and, thus, provides a global approach rather than a regional framework for exploring Judaism. This innovative approach encourages students to explore the historical role and contributions of Judaism beyond the Middle East and to appreciate the experiences that connect Jewish communities historically and in the present.
HIST courses offered: HIST 388 (Holocaust), 465.
For more information, contact Randy Rashkover, Robinson Hall B 447, 703.993.1290, rrashkov@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-reli-js
Latin American Studies – Latin American Studies focuses on the diverse and connected regions, societies, and cultures of Latin America. Students find that combining this minor with a major in another discipline is particularly attractive to employers.
HIST courses offered: HIST 271, 272, and as appropriate.
For more information, contact las@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-la-las
Middle East Studies – Provides undergraduates a strong grounding in the region, its history, and its international relations. This program provides an excellent foundation for graduate work in the field or for national and international careers involving the Middle East.
HIST courses offered: HIST 281, 282, 387, 460, 461, 462, 465
For more information, contact Bassam Haddad, Research Hall 347, 703.993.2962, mes@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-la-mes
Native American and Indigenous Studies – Committed to understanding both the unity and the diversity of present and past Native American tribes, cultures, and experiences. Will help students think critically and respectfully about the complex dynamics of Native American cultures, considered both individually and comparatively. In addition to practicing and developing critical thinking and writing skills, students will learn how value systems operate in different cultures, examine the roots of conflict and resolution across a broad historical and cultural spectrum, better understand the importance of language as a means of cultural expression, and heighten their appreciation of the unique status of present-day Native American tribes as nations with certain sovereign powers within the boundaries of the United States.
HIST courses offered: HIST 391, 401, 403, 404
For more information, contact Erik Anderson, Robinson Hall A, Room 405 C, 703.993.4418, eandersd@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-la-nais
Sport and American Culture –Provides students with the opportunity to study the meaning of sport in American society and culture. Through courses in the minor, students trace the history of sport in America and examine the role of sport in today’s society.
HIST courses offered: HIST 337, 338, 339, 340, 341
For more information, contact Chris Elzey, 703-993-1250, celzey@gmu.edu
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/e1-minor-rht-samc
Women and Gender Studies – The minor is for students who are interested in gender, sexuality, and feminist perspectives. While it is an especially good complement to a major in the humanities, social sciences, health and human services, or natural sciences, it is open to students in any major in the university.
The interdisciplinary minor in women and gender studies consists of two required courses and four electives. Students interested in feminist and gender issues choose their elective courses from a broad range of offerings. Those who wish to focus on LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues) issues, take an introductory course focused on these issues and two electives that incorporate more specifically such perspectives.
HIST courses offered include: HIST 350
For more information, contact Angela Jean Hattery,
240K Johnson Center, 703-993-2897, wmst@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-wgst-wgst
Other Minors of Interest
Art History – Art History, a liberal arts discipline, emphasizes the study of visual data in historical context and covers a broad spectrum of periods, cultures, and themes. Because the requirements are very flexible, students can shape coursework to their particular interests. This minor will enhance any major in arts and sciences, management, art studio, or information technology. Students find careers in art conservation, art and public policy, art administration or sales, and in design by making creative use of the art history minor. NOTE: History majors are permitted to use 3 credits of 300-level art history coursework toward the major.
For more information, contact Angela Ho, Robinson Hall B 334, aho5@gmu.edu.
http://chss.gmu.edu/programs/la-minor-hist-arth
