<p>How strong are the English and History departments at USC? I'm really interested in majoring in those two areas, but I know that USC is more famous for its journalism/communications.</p>
<p>Thanks to anyone who replies!!! =D</p>
<p>I'd be glad to talk to you more about this a bit later (I'm about to move in for RA training), but I'm an English major, and I'm having a great time. I've been in many awesome classes, and there are some great professors. I'm not sure exactly how "strong" they are, but I have enjoyed my experiences in them and have been challenged.</p>
<p>That's great to know, Nikara! And thank you for your prompt reply. </p>
<p>I would love to find out any helpful information/ fun details/ quirks regarding USC's English department or major because there's a short answer question on the application that states "Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC." English happens to be my favorite subject next to history. It would be great if I could relate to something concrete about USC's academics, particularly in the English area, to make my answer more vivid. Your "insider's" point of view will certainly help! =)</p>
<p>i would recommend the history department at usc 100%! i came into usc wanting to be a political science/journalism double major, and switched almost immediately to just being undecided. but i saw the history course catalogue, took a few classes to start out, and have loved every second of it since (i graduate spring of '09). it probably depends on what specialization you want and whether or not those particular classes will be offered by the right professor, but.. yeah. my favorite moments and favorite professors have been in my history classes. if it's your favorite subject, go for it--at least try a few. i really don't think you'll regret it.</p>
<p>I am a history major as well, and I am definitely enjoying myself! What you concentrate in will probably affect your experience a bit, but most of the history professors I have come across are very interesting. If you are unsure on what you want to major in, take a class or two in the periods/events/countries that interest you most.</p>
<p>Texastrojan and Misoobishi, </p>
<p>Thanks for the response! I'll be applying as a first year applicant this fall. </p>
<p>Can you tell me about your specific history classes? And some examples of the course material/books you are studying? Also, in your opinion, are the professors accessible? </p>
<p>I'm really interested in American and European history (I took AP US history my sophomore year and AP european history my junior year and loved both of those courses). I find the Enlightenment particularly interesting--Voltaire's Candide is one of my favorite books of all time!</p>
<p>If you like American history, take HIST 200 with Seip. It probably won't be too taxing if you already have a background in US history, but the professor's great and very accessible.</p>
<p>I agree about Seip. I am concentrating in Tudor-Stuart England, but I did take HIST 360 (19th Century US History) with him, and definitely enjoyed it. He's kind of a mellow and quiet kind of person, but his classes were always captivating, and he is very accessible. :)</p>
<p>If you're into another European history intro course, HIST 103 (Emergence of Modern Europe) with Harkness was pretty fun. I took HIST 325, Early Modern Britain, with her as well. She is very friendly, funny, and knowledgeable.</p>
<p>I have never taken a course specifically about the Enlightenment, but most European courses do go over it for some time. :)</p>