COURSE CURRICULUM

The Honours Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Ottawa is a 120-unit program that offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in historical thinking, analysis, and research. The program begins with 12 units of foundational courses designed to build essential academic skills in writing, critical thinking, literature, and interdisciplinary studies. Students take ENG 1100 (Workshop in Essay Writing), and select additional courses from options in philosophy and arts such as PHI 1101 (Reasoning and Critical Thinking), PHI 1301 (Philosophy: Ideas and Arguments), and AHL or ENG courses focused on literature and interdisciplinary learning. At the 1000 level, students complete 6 units from introductory history courses, including options like HIS 1101 (The Making of Canada), HIS 1110 (Introduction to Global History), or HIS 1120 (What Is Europe?), which lay the groundwork for understanding broad historical processes. In the second year, students take HIS 2100 (The Historian's Craft), a core course focused on historical methodology, along with a theory course such as HIS 2197 (Philosophy of History). The heart of the program consists of 60 units in history, including 12 units of advanced 4000-level seminars, 12 additional upper-level courses, and 24 units at any level (2000 to 4000), offering both depth and flexibility in areas of interest. To complete the degree, students take 48 elective units, which can be used to explore other disciplines, pursue a minor, or deepen historical specialization. This structure supports the development of strong analytical, writing, and research skills, preparing students for careers in education, law, public policy, media, and cultural institutions, or for further graduate study. The program emphasizes critical engagement with historical sources, fostering an informed and nuanced understanding of the past and its relevance to contemporary issues.