Undergraduate Program Requirements
Note: University regulations apply to all students at Laurier. If there is any discrepancy between the program or progression requirements outlined on this page and those in the university's academic calendars, the academic calendars are the official sources of information. The information below is from the latest calendar, and you may be following progression requirements from an earlier calendar. Students are responsible for checking the appropriate calendar. Contact your program coordinator should you notice any discrepancies.
A list of all Ancient Studies and History courses along with short descriptions are available in the undergraduate academic calendar.
Summary of Undergraduate Program Requirements
The following summaries of program requirements in History are intended to assist students with their selection of courses. Students with specific enquiries about whether their own course selection meets program requirements should consult the department's undergraduate officer. The summaries here present in abbreviated form descriptions that are available in the academic calendar. Should there appear to be a discrepancy between the summaries here and the calendar regulations, the latter statements apply.
Don't forget your GPA matters. If you want to learn how to calculate your GPA, visit the GPA calculator.
You may also wish to consult the progression requirements below for more detail.
Courses and Credits
The department offers two-term courses covering the 24 weeks of the fall and winter semesters, and it also offers one-term, or 12-week, courses. Two-term courses (designated by a *) count as 1.0 credit, and one-term courses count as one-half (0.5) credit.
Junior Courses
A "junior course" refers to a 100-level offering. Students registering for their first History courses will normally choose 1.0 credit at the 100-level. Students in an honours program may count no more than six 100-level credits toward their degree. Students in a general program may count no more than seven 100-level credits toward their degree.
Senior Courses
A "senior course" refers to a 200-, 300-, or 400-level offering. Students are advised to complete at least 2.0 credits at the 200-level before registering in a 300-level course.
Undergraduate Programs
The honours History program consists of 20.0 credits. A minimum of 11.0 of these 20.0 credits must be in History. No more than 6.0 of the 20.0 credits required for the degree may be at the 100 level, and one of these junior credits must be in History. A minimum of 10.0 History credits at the senior level (200-, 300-, or 400-level) is required for the degree, and these senior credits must fulfil the following area requirements:
- 1.0 credit Canadian history (courses that count towards this requirement are marked {C}): HI111, HI112, HI212, HI213, HI234, HI246, HI258, HI292, HI293, HI320, HI321, HI322, HI327, HI328, HI337, HI338, HI339, HI341, HI344, HI345, HI375, HI377, HI394, HI397, HI423*, HI424*, HI425*, HI426*, HI427*, HI429*, HI430*, HI473*, HI474*, HI475*, HI476*, HI479, HI480
- 1.0 credit global history area (courses that count towards this requirement are marked {G}):HI121, HI127, HI128, HI130, HI131, HI199, HI222, HI224, HI228, HI229, HI235, HI236, HI249, HI256, HI258, HI259, HI265, HI282, HI283, HI285, HI302, HI306, HI307, HI316, HI325, HI348, HI349, HI368, HI369, HI370, HI373, HI384, HI385, HI386, HI391, HI392, HI395, HI396, HI402*, HI404*, HI417*, HI418*, HI452*, HI454*, HI456*, HI460*, HI467*, HI468*
- 1.0 credit pre-modern history (courses that count towards this requirement are marked {P}): HI101, HI102, HI111, HI121, HI131, HI201, HI205, HI217, HI219, HI220, HI222, HI224, HI225, HI226, HI235, HI236, HI237, HI252, HI255, HI261, HI281, HI282, HI283, HI285, HI289, HI301, HI302, HI305, HI308, HI309, HI310, HI311, HI316, HI321, HI324, HI358, HI361, HI370, HI374, HI382, HI383, HI384, HI385, HI390, HI391, HI400*, HI401*, HI431*, HI448*, HI450*, HI451*, HI481*, HI498*
The 11.0 History credits must fulfil the following level requirements:
Year 1
- 1.0 credit of 100-level History
Year 2
- 3.0 credits of 200-level History
Year 3
- 2.0 credits of 300-level History
- 2.0 credits of 200- or 300-level History
Year 4
- 1.0 credit of 300-level History
- 1.0 credit of 400-level History Reading Seminar
- 1.0 credit of 400-level History Research Seminar
Resources
Download the BA in History worksheet. (LEGACY)
Download the new BA in History worksheet. (NEW, 2024-25)
The combined Honours History program consists of 20.0 credits. Not more than 6.0 of these may be at the 100 level, and 1.0 of these must be in History.
A minimum of 6.0 History credits at the senior level is required, and must include:
- 1.0 Canadian history credit (courses that count towards this requirement are marked {C}):
HI111, HI112, HI212, HI213, HI234, HI246, HI258, HI292, HI293, HI320, HI321, HI322, HI327, HI328, HI337, HI338, HI339, HI341, HI344, HI345, HI375, HI377, HI394, HI397, HI423*, HI424*, HI425*, HI426*, HI427*, HI429*, HI430*, HI473*, HI474*, HI475*, HI476*, HI479*, HI480*
- 1.0 credit from the global history area (courses that count towards this requirement are marked {G}):
HI121, HI127, HI128, HI130, HI131, HI199, HI222, HI224, HI228, HI229, HI235, HI236, HI249, HI256, HI258, HI259, HI265, HI282, HI283, HI285, HI302, HI306, HI307, HI316, HI325, HI348, HI349, HI368, HI369, HI370, HI373, HI384, HI385, HI386, HI391, HI392, HI395, HI396, HI402*, HI404*, HI417*, HI418*, HI452*, HI454*, HI456*, HI460*, HI467*, HI468*
- 1.0 credit of pre-modern history (courses that count towards this requirement are marked {P}):
HI101, HI102, HI111, HI121, HI131, HI201, HI205, HI217, HI219, HI220, HI222, HI224, HI225, HI226, HI235, HI236, HI237, HI252, HI255, HI261, HI281, HI282, HI283, HI285, HI289, HI301, HI302, HI305, HI308, HI309, HI310, HI311, HI316, HI321, HI324, HI358, HI361, HI370, HI374, HI382, HI383, HI384, HI385, HI390, HI391, HI400*, HI401*, HI431*, HI448*, HI450*, HI451*, HI481*, HI498*
The 7.0 History credits must fulfil the following level requirements:
Year 1
- 1.0 credit of 100-level History
Year 2
- 2.0 credits of 200-level History
Year 3
- 2.0 credits of 300-level History
Year 4
- 1.0 credit of 400-level History Reading Seminar
- 1.0 credit of 400-level History Research Seminar
Resources
Download the combination BA in History worksheet. (LEGACY)
Download the combination BA in History worksheet. (NEW, 2024-25)
The History minor consists of 3.0 credits. No more than 1.0 of these 3.0 credits may be at the 100-level. Students who are interested in having History as a teachable subject in an Education program are strongly advised to take 1.0 credit in courses in Canadian History (designated by a {C}).
Courses in Canadian history:
HI111, HI112, HI212, HI213, HI234, HI246, HI258, HI292, HI293, HI320, HI321, HI322, HI327, HI328, HI337, HI338, HI339, HI341, HI344, HI345, HI375, HI377, HI394, HI397, HI423*, HI424*, HI425*, HI426*, HI427*, HI429*, HI430*, HI473*, HI474*, HI475*, HI476*, HI479*, HI480*
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all academic program and course requirements have been met. Please refer to regulations in the academic calendar.
The History Research Specialization is available to Honours BA History and Combined Honours BA students. Students normally apply at the end of Year 2. Submit the Program Selection Form on the Enrolment Services website. Entry into the program is competitive and decisions are based on the applicant's History GPA as of April 30.
To be eligible, a student must have a minimum GPA of 9.0 in all History courses prior to admission. To proceed in and graduate with the option, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 9.0 in all History courses.
The History Research Specialization Option includes HI398 (normally completed in Year 3) and a minimum of 4.0 credits of 400-level History courses.
Year 3
- 1.5 credits of 300-level History
- 0.5 credit of HI398
- 1.0 credits of 200- or 300-level History
Year 4
- 2.0 credits of 400-level History Readings Seminars
- 2.0 credits of 400-level History Research Seminars
Resources
Download the History Research Specialization worksheet. (LEGACY)
Download the History Research Specialization worksheet. (NEW, 2024-25)
The Honours BA in Ancient Studies consists of 20.0 credits, of which at least 14.0 must be at the senior level. A minimum of 10.0 and a maximum of 13.0 credits must be from the list of Ancient Studies courses. These must include:
Year 1
- 1.0 credit at the 100-level from list of Ancient Studies courses
Year 2
- 3.0 credits at the 200-level from list of Ancient Studies courses
Year 3
- 3.0 credits at the 300-level from list of Ancient Studies courses
Year 4
- 1.0 credit at the 400-level from list of Ancient Studies reading seminar courses
- 1.0 credit at the 400-level from list of Ancient Studies research seminar courses
Additional Requirement
- 1.0 credit at the 200- or 300-level from list of Ancient Studies courses
List of Ancient Studies Courses
- 100-level: AR104, AR105, HI101, HI121, HI131
- 200-level: AR201, AR216, AR221, AR225/HI225, AR226/HI226, HI222, HI224, HI235, HI236, HI237, HI255, HI261, HI281, HI282, HI283, HI285, HI289, PP256, PP259, RE204, RE250
- 300-level: AR332, AR338, HI301, HI305, HI358, HI370, HI384, HI385, HI390, HI391, RE335, RE344
- 400-level: HI448* (reading seminar), HI498* (research seminar)
Notes
- Certain courses may have prerequisites which do not appear in this list.
- Some courses may be offered on a rotating basis; it is the student's responsibility to plan his/her program accordingly.
- Students who are planning to pursue graduate studies in this or a related field are encouraged to plan their program with that goal in mind, and should consider the department’s offerings in ancient languages as applicable.
Language Courses
Languages other than English can contribute to a deeper understanding of Ancient Studies. For this reason, Ancient Studies majors are encouraged to study ancient languages (including but not limited to Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Akkadian, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese, Classical Japanese), and subject to the following provisions:
- Ancient Studies majors may count up to 1.0 credit of language study toward the additional Ancient Studies requirement.
- For Ancient Studies majors who take Year 1 language courses during Year 2, Year 3, or Year 4, and who have already accumulated 6.0 junior credits, these courses (up to a maximum of 1.0 credit) will not be counted toward the maximum 6.0 limit on 100 level credits.
- Language courses may be taken at Laurier, at other recognized universities in Canada, or abroad on a letter of permission. The prior written consent of the History department is required for all language courses.
Resources
Download the BA in Ancient Studies worksheet. (LEGACY)
Download the BA in Ancient Studies worksheet. (NEW, 2024-25)
The Honours BA in Ancient Studies in combination with another Honours BA program consists of 20.0 credits, of which at least 14.0 must be at the senior level. Of these, 7.0 credits must be from the list of Ancient Studies Courses. These must include:
Year 1
- 1.0 credit at the 100-level from list of Ancient Studies courses
Year 2
- 2.0 credits at the 200-level from list of Ancient Studies courses
Year 3
- 2.0 credits at the 300-level from list of Ancient Studies courses
Year 4
- 1.0 credit at the 400-level from list of Ancient Studies reading seminar courses
- 1.0 credit at the 400-level from list of Ancient Studies research seminar courses
List of Ancient Studies Courses
- 100-level: AR104, AR105, HI101, HI121, HI131
- 200-level: AR201, AR216, AR221, AR225/HI225, AR226/HI226, HI222, HI224, HI235, HI236, HI237, HI255, HI261, HI281, HI282, HI283, HI285, HI289, PP256, PP259, RE204, RE250
- 300-level: AR332, AR338, HI301, HI305, HI358, HI370, HI384, HI385, HI390, HI391, RE335, RE344
- 400-level: HI448* (reading seminar), HI498* (research seminar)
Notes
- Certain courses may have prerequisites which do not appear in this list.
- Some courses may be offered on a rotating basis; it is the student's responsibility to plan his/her program accordingly.
- Students who are planning to pursue graduate studies in this or a related field are encouraged to register for the single Honours BA Program in Ancient Studies.
- Students majoring in Ancient Studies may not double-count more than 1.0 credits from the list of Ancient Studies courses towards a combined Honours BA in History or Archaeology and Heritage Studies.
Language Courses
Languages other than English can contribute to a deeper understanding of Ancient Studies. For this reason, Ancient Studies majors are encouraged to study ancient languages (including but not limited to Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Akkadian, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese, Classical Japanese), and subject to the following provisions:
- Ancient Studies majors may count up to 1.0 credit of language study toward the additional requirements for honours Ancient.
- For Ancient Studies majors who take Year 1 language courses during Year 2, Year 3, or Year 4, and who have already accumulated 6.0 junior credits, these courses (up to a maximum of 1.0 credit) will not be counted toward the maximum 6.0 limit on 100 level credits.
- Language courses may be taken at Laurier, at other recognized universities in Canada, or abroad on a letter of permission. The prior written consent of the History department is required for all language courses.
Resources
Download the combination BA in Ancient Studies worksheet. (LEGACY)
Download the combination BA in Ancient Studies worksheet. (NEW, 2024-25)
The Ancient Studies minor consists of 3.0 credits selected from the list of Ancient Studies courses. No more than 1.0 credit can be in 100-level courses.
List of Ancient Studies Courses
- 100-level: AR104, AR105, HI101, HI121, HI131
- 200-level: AR201, AR216, AR221, AR225/HI225, AR226/HI226, HI222, HI224, HI235, HI236, HI237, HI255, HI261, HI281, HI282, HI283, HI285, HI289, PP256, PP259, RE201, RE204, RE250
- 300-level: AR332, AR338, HI301, HI370, HI384, HI385, HI390, HI391, RE335, RE344
- 400-level: HI448* (reading seminar), HI498* (research seminar)
The Digital Humanities Minor consists of 3.0 credits (DH100, 0.5 from the Digital Humanities list, 1.0 from the Applied elective list, and 1.0 from the Contextual elective list).
A minimum of 1.5 of the required 3.0 credits must be outside of the major.
The minor is administered by the Department of History. For academic advice, students should consult the History Undergraduate Advisor.
Required Course (0.5 credit)
DH100: Digital Creativity
Digital Humanities Course (0.5 credit)
DH200: Digital Narratives
DH201: Introduction to Generative AI
DH299: Special Topics in Digital Humanities
DH300: Digital Editing and Publishing
DH301: Advanced Generative AI
DH399: Advanced Special Topics in Digital Humanities
Applied Elective list (1.0 credit)
AR250: Digital Heritage and Archaeology
AR341: Analytical Archaeology and Data Management
BU205: Introduction to Applied Statistics
GESC251: Cartography
GG351: Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization
GG368: Computer Applications in Geography
GG369: Geographical Information Systems
GG469: Advanced Geographical Information Systems
HI326: A History of Conspiracies
ML305: Medievalism in Video Games
PO218: Answering Questions in Political Science: Research in Practice
PO465: Media Analysis for Politics and Policy in a Digital Age
SY280: Quantitative Methods
SY382: Social Statistics
Contextual Elective list (1.0 credit)
AN347: Science, Technology and Body Culture
CS213: Technology and Society
CS325: Digital Media and Culture
CS350: Political Economy of Communication and Culture
CS353: Internet Studies
CS371: Social Media and Social Life
EN281: Contemporary Science Fiction
EN381: Gaming and Narrative Theory
FS345: Film Theory and Mass Media
FS348: Film Theory in the Digital Age
FS447a: Digital New Media
HI326: A History of Conspiracies
HI393: Multimedia Applications in History
KS220: Networked and Digital Cultures
PO360: Citizen Politics
WS305: Gender, Culture and Technology
The History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) minor program requires 3.0 credits, including 0.5 credit from each of the following three categories (A, B and C). The remaining courses are from any of these categories. Students are responsible for meeting course prerequisites and exclusions as directed by the relevant department.
- No more than 1.0 credit at the 100-level can be counted toward the HPS minor.
- No more than 1.0 credit in the honours program(s) can be counted towards the HPS minor.
List of History and Philosophy of Science Courses
- Core courses: HP201, HP202
- Disciplinary courses: HI342, HI343, HI377, HI424*, HI425*, HP390, PP201, PP204, PP216, PP217, PP224, PP225, PP226, PP256, PP259, PP262, PP263, PP264
- Science in Historical and Philosophical Perspective: AN202, AS101, AS102, BI226, BI236, BI296, CH313, CS213, CS304, EC327, GG452, MA233, MA235, MA238, MA318, PC235, PC242, PO316, PS390, RE203, RE216, SY321, SY406, WS305
The Digital Humanities Option consists of 4.0 credits (0.5 required, 2.0 from the pathways and 1.5 from the elective list). All honours program students are eligible to apply for the Digital Humanities Option. A cumulative GPA of 7.00 in the courses specific to the Digital Humanities Option is required to graduate.
- At least 2.0 of the required 4.0 credits in the option must be outside the major.
- Students should note that many option elective courses have prerequisites.
- Completion of the option requirements will result in a "Digital Humanities Option" designation on the student transcript.
- The option is administered by the Department of History. For advice on the option, students should consult the History undergraduate advisor.
Required Course
- DH100: Digital Creativity (0.5 credit)
Pathway Courses (2.0 credits; students may specialize in one pathway, but are encouraged to choose courses from both):
Design Pathway courses:
- CP104: Introduction to Programming
- CP202: Website Design
- DH200: Digital Narratives
- DH201: Introduction to Generative AI
- DH299: Special Topics in Digital Humanities
- DH300: Digital Editing and Publishing
- DH301: Advanced Generative AI
- DH399: Advanced Special Topics in Digital Humanities
- HI393: Multimedia Applications in History
Applications Pathway courses:
- AR250: Digital Heritage and Archaeology
- DH299: Applied Digital special Topics
- GESC251: Cartography
- GG351: Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization
- GG368: Computer Applications in Geography
- GG369: Geographical Information Systems
- GG469: Advanced Geographical Information Systems
- HI326: A History of Conspiracies
- ML305: Medievalism in Video Games
- PO360: Citizen Politics
- PO465: Media Analysis for Politics and Policy in a Digital Age
Elective Courses
1.5 credits from among any of the following list of courses:
Programming courses:
- CP164: Data Structures I
- CP212: Windows Application Programming
- CP213: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
- CP363: Database I
Statistics courses:
- BU205: Introduction to Applied Statistics
- PO218: Answering Questions in Political Science: Research in Practice
- ST259: Probability I
- ST260: Introduction to Statistics
- SY280: Quantitative Methods
- SY382: Social Statistics
Critical Perspectives courses:
- AN347: Science, Technology and Culture
- AR341: Analytical Archaeology and Data Management
- CS213: Technology and Society
- CS325: Digital Media and Culture
- CS350: Political Economy of Communication and Culture
- CS353: Internet Studies
- CS371: Social Media and Social Life
- EN281: Contemporary Science Fiction
- EN381: Gaming and Narrative Theory
- FS345: Film Theory and Mass Media
- FS348: Film Theory in the Digital Age
- FS447a: Digital New Media
- HI326: A History of Conspiracies
- KS220: Networked and Digital Cultures
- ML305: Medievalism in Video Games
- WS305: Gender, Culture and Technology