Degrees & Programs Offered
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Bachelor's Degree Program
The History Department's undergraduate program represents a balance between student choice and the need for breadth and logical intellectual development. This is achieved first by requiring majors to complete three geographic survey courses in addition to History 100X. Students may then proceed to upper division courses at both the 300 and 400 level.
Whether fulfilled through survey or advanced courses, students must complete coursework in at least three areas, currently defined as American, European, and other areas (women, Asia, military, Northern, etc.). To develop historiographic sophistication, students must complete both an introductory course in historical methods (Perspectives on History) as well as a two-semester capstone sequence (Historiography and Senior Thesis). History courses generally blend lecture and discussion with 400 level courses including more aspects of a research seminar. History courses provide a range of learning opportunities both with regard to subject and course format.
HIST F453 Fire, Ice, and the Fate of Humanity: A History of Energy and Climate
Change (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
This course examines how energy regimes and climatic changes have structured the history of the world, with a focus on North America. From the Little Ice Age to the Atomic Age and the Anthropocene, energy and climate have contoured the fate of humanity.
Minor in History
A history minor trains you in critical analysis, writing, research, public presentation and other very marketable skills that will be an asset in almost any career.
Graduate Degree Program
Although there is no graduate program in history at UAF, most faculty members work closely with interdisciplinary programs on campus. Many of the history faculty chair or serve on Northern Studies graduate committees. Ties to the School of Education, the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, and interdisciplinary programs in Arctic Biology and Resource Management (RAPP and IGERT) also exist and are being expanded.
Asian Studies
A minor in Asian studies provides interdisciplinary instruction in the varieties of Asian languages and cultures. It enables students to consolidate various course offerings into a meaningful and cohesive program relevant to several major fields of specialization. (Combining a Japanese Studies major with an Asian Studies minor requires approval from both programs.)