<p>I am an intended History Major for the class of 2015, I was just interested in finding out more information about how rigorous and how prestigious the history program is. I definitely want to major in history and possibly a double major in history and political science, or in history and art history. I know the political science program is very prestigious but is it too rigorous to double major in? Also how is the art history program and are there any courses in political philosophy? I know there are a lot of questions in this, haha, but I'm very interested.</p>
<p>I am a sophomore at GWU and a history major, hopefully I can answer some of your questions.</p>
<p>First, the history program itself is not very rigorous, it is what you make it to be. The history major is one of the quickest majors to complete, you need the following: 3 introduction courses–38, 39, 70, or 71; 8 100 level courses from three different demographics–2 African history courses, 2 European history courses, and 4 U.S. history courses, for example; and the student needs to take history 102, a sophomore writing-intensive course, and history 199 (I believe), a senior thesis. </p>
<p>Overall, that is not many courses and you can realistically complete the major the major within your first two years, allowing you to easily double major. Of course you can splice your courses up and take two history, two political sciences, etc.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t call GWU’s history program prestigious, but it is good. Generally, undergraduate history programs are not ranked by prestige. Sure, some are better than others, but that’s usually reserved for graduate schools. Be prepared to be in large lecture halls for the introduction courses (100-200 people) and have discussion groups which meet once a week with a TA. Beyond that, still be prepared to be in larger classes, even at the 100 level. I’m in four history course currently, and the smallest is 17 students, which is the 102 and a bit of an anomaly–it has to be small. Other than that, my other courses range from 40-120 students. </p>
<p>For your benefit, Professor Silverman is one of the best members of the faculty, in my opinion. He’s young, fresh, full of energy and has a really engaging style of teaching. He teaches 70-71 American history as well as some introduction courses. Moreover, his exams are take home papers which you have the option of writing between two prompts; he gives you the topics the first day of class so there are no surprises. You can build your answers each lecture. Professor Kosek, who’s in the American Studies department (there’s a lot of crossover) is also a fantastic choice; he doesn’t give in-class exams but the course is writing intensive. And finally, Professor Blyden, who teaches African history, is really great, and again, gives take home essays and exams.</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>Hey thanks that was definitely helpful! I am definitely considering a double major now. I personally don’t have much of an interest in political science, but I want to take courses in political philosophy. What are the requirements for an Art History major, and what would I study? Also can you explain some of the history courses you described with numeric values. Thanks.</p>