About the Minor in History
Historians study the past as a window into the human experience over time. We study it for its own sake, and for the ways it helps us understand our present. History can be a valuable minor alongside any other degree program.
History majors may wish to consider adding a minor in one of the following areas:
African, African-American, and Diaspora Studies
The minor in African, African-American, and Diaspora studies broadens students' world perspectives by enhancing their acquaintance with and understanding of the peoples, cultures and institutions of Africa and the African Diaspora in the Western Hemisphere.
American Studies
The minor in American studies is based on the desirability of developing a coordinated understanding of American civilization, past and present, acquired through selected courses offered by the traditional departments and special courses offered by the program itself. Focus in humanistic subjects and the social sciences will provide the student with the means of exploring the interrelationships among diverse aspects of our culture and changing patterns of ideas and values.
Asian Studies
The purpose of this interdisciplinary program is to broaden the students' perspective by enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Asian culture and institutions. This program combines the offerings of several departments, such as art, economics, history, foreign languages, political science, religion and sociology and anthropology.
Classical Studies
The minor in Classical Studies introduces students to the literature, culture, philosophy, history, and languages of Greco-Roman civilization.
Disability Studies
The minor in disability studies engages students in an examination of the many ways disability is defined and constructed. Students will build knowledge of the political, rhetorical, social, educational, historical, legal and medical frameworks of disability through both classroom and experiential study in courses drawn from several disciplines. Students will examine the ways systems inhibit and promote full participation of people with disabilities, explore how communities define and reinforce norms, and understand disability as an inherent part of diversity and inclusivity.
Environmental Humanities
The Environmental Humanities minor invites students from all majors to discover how their creative and critical thinking skills can lead them to environmental engagement now and in their professional futures. Environmental Humanities is an interdisciplinary minor offering opportunities to explore the complex interactions between humans and the natural environment though the study of literature, history, communication, religion, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts.
Environmental Science
The environmental science minor is a cross disciplinary program that can be elected by any student. Students pursuing programs ranging from the physical, natural or social sciences, to education, journalism or business could benefit from this broadly-based environmental curriculum. The program draws from courses that focus on the application of scientific concepts and principles to the understanding of environmental problems and their solutions. The minor draws upon the expertise of faculty in areas of biology, chemistry, geography, physics, and integrated science and technology.
Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies Minor exposes students to the socio-cultural and natural processes that underlie human/nature conflicts and the problems that emerge.
Family Studies
The minor in family studies is designed for undergraduates seeking enhancement of their major, desiring to increase understanding of self and relationships, and seeking to make a positive contribution to society. A substantial knowledge of family-related issues, family processes, policies, laws, services and the interrelationship of families and societies will enhance majors in many fields including anthropology, early and middle education, health sciences, management, nursing, psychology, social work and sociology. The minor encourages students to make connections between their major field and family studies.
Historical Archaeology
While open to all majors at JMU, the minor in historical archaeology is designed as a complement to existing majors in anthropology and history, though it should be of interest to students in art history, museum studies and administration.
Social Studies
The social studies minor offers a program of integrated study that exposes students to diverse methodologies, philosophies and controversies that define the social sciences.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
This minor allows students to acquire a deeper understanding of Latin America. Students are encouraged to explore the possibility of studying in a Latin American country for a semester or summer session.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies
The minor focuses on the period from the fall of Rome (5th Century C.E.) to 1700. Students can take courses in Art History, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and a range of languages (Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Latin as well as medieval languages such as Old English and Middle English) in the original or in translation.
Middle Eastern Communities and Migrations
The Middle Eastern Communities and Migrations minor concentrates on social and political issues involving Muslim, Christian and Jewish populations in their own right and in relation to one another in the territory between the Nile and Indus rivers during the modern period. The program is also designed to accommodate consideration of other communities including Hindus, Turks and Mediterranean peoples in the larger area stretching from North Africa to Southeast Asia as well as Middle Eastern diaspora communities in Europe and the Americas from the ancient period to the present.
Modern European Studies
The minor in Modern European Studies provides an interdisciplinary understanding of social dynamics in Europe from the Enlightenment (18th century) through the present. Students enrolling in the minor will develop a wide-ranging appreciation of this important and dynamic world region.
Russian Studies
This minor offers students a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on Russian culture, history, political institutions, economy and geography. This program deepens the students' understanding and knowledge of the Russian and non-Russian peoples of the former Soviet Union, and prepares them for careers in teaching, government and international business.
Science, Technology and Society
The minor in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) offers students the opportunity to critically examine science, technology, and medicine as expressions of human cultures, past and present. Students learn to scrutinize the ideas, values, and materials embedded in the world they inhabit today and to relate them to other times and places.
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
The Women's Studies minor explores the scholarship related to gender and equity issues. Women’s, gender and sexuality studies is concerned with gender as it intersects with multiple categories such as race/ethnicity, sexuality, economic class and age. This concern is framed by recognition of increased globalization and technological growth impacting social institutions and gendered identities.
