History (A.B.)

Updated May 2022

Recommended First Quarter Schedule

Course

Units

Entry Level Writing Course (ELWR)^ or Lower Division

College English Composition

3-4

Any lower division History course (listed 1-99)^

3-4

Foreign Language*

GE Course or First Year Seminar**

1-3

Total Units:

12 - 16

Alternative Courses

*Additional GE Course if Foreign Language has been

met with AP/IB or exam score.

3-4

^ Students should not take GE or major courses with Writing

Experience (WE) until ELWR is satisfied.

Explore First Year Seminars: https://fys.ucdavis.edu/

**Consider the History Department’s First Year Seminar:

“The One Where You Learn About History” when it is offered.

History (A.B.)

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bluecluster.ucdavis.edu/history

First Quarter Schedule Notes:

• Students are encouraged to begin their first quarter taking one

lower division History course, one foreign language beginner

course, and the College of Letters & Science composition

requirement to create a balanced first quarter schedule.

• Do not take more than two History courses at a time! The

reading workload can be extremely dense, and two History

classes a quarter tends to be a good balance for students in the

major. Be aware of taking similar discipline courses alongside

History, such as Comparative Literature, English, etc. and the

reading amount it will require.

Placement Exams

Recommended

Foreign Language: All students pursuing an A.B.

degree in the College of Letters and Science

complete a Foreign Language through the 15-

unit level (For example: through SPA 003 or

above.) Please see the UC Davis Language

Center website for details on course placement

or proficiency exams if you have familiarity with

a language other than English.

Not Required

Math: The History major requirements do not

require the Math Placement Exam. If you plan

to take Math courses, be sure to review

placement requirements prior to enrollment.

Chemistry: The History major requirements do

not require the Chemistry Placement Exam. If

you plan to take Chemistry courses, be sure to

review placement requirements prior to

enrollment.

Computer Science: The History major

requirements do not require the Computer

Science Placement Exam. If you plan to take

Computer Science courses, be sure to review

placement requirements prior to enrollment.

Recommended First Year Goals

 Understand the different concentrations available within the History major and explore interests the different

regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, United States, and World.

 Make progress completing the 5 lower division courses for the History major requirement.

 Confirm with major and college advisors about how any transfer coursework or AP/IB scores will apply to your major

and/or degree requirements.

 Explore a new area of interest –History is highly interdisciplinary!

 Read the History Weekly Announcements email for information on programs, internships, and course offerings.

Updated May 2022

Additional information:

Students can complete a year-long History Honors Thesis Program during their senior year (HIS 104A, 104B and

104C) and the latter two courses can be used towards major requirements credit (except for HIS 101/102/103

seminars).

The History department includes Study Abroad programs to Cuba, Vienna, and more! Students are also encouraged

to explore UC Education Abroad Programs to study in foreign countries and gain credit towards the major – just see

department advisors first!

The History major requires a total of 60 units, which leaves at least 120 units to complete for the College

requirement, so many students in the major also pursue a minor or double major, you may be interested in looking

into other studies to pursue along with History. Popular choices include Political Science, International Relations,

and Sociology.

AP/IB Exams and Major Requirements

AP/IB Exams

Score

UCD Course

Can repeat for credit at UCD?

AP US History

3,4,5

HIS 17A and 17B