History (BA)

The History Honours (BA) Program

The Honours History program allows students to further enrich their understanding and practice of History. This is accomplished primarily through their participation in two specialized Honours courses. The first, History 490 (Honours Historiography and Research Methods), provides students with an in-depth examination of the diversity of theoretical approaches and research strategies employed by past and present historians. This course also sees students read a significant number of historical works designed to provide them with valuable context in preparation for the second specialized course: History 491 (Honours Thesis). Working under the direction of an agreed upon faculty supervisor, History 491 gives students the opportunity to undertake a level of research, and produce writing, that will anticipate standards at the Masters level. Honours History graduates will thus leave VIU with a skill set and a depth of knowledge that will prepare them well for graduate study and/or professional situations in the field.   

Program Outline

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements as outlined in the Calendar, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2: Eighteen credits of History, six of which must be earned in foundational Canadian History, the options being: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 113, one of HIST 114 or HIST 115, and HIST 116. Six credits must also be earned in foundational non-Canadian History, the options being: HIST 101, 102, 119, 120, 121, 122, 131, 132, 140, and 141.

Years 3 and 4: Forty-two credits of History numbered 300 or above, including HIST 490 and HIST 491.

Recommended Electives: First Nations Studies, Liberal Studies, Women’s Studies, Political Studies, Art History, Sociology, Anthropology, Creative Writing, English, Media Studies, Philosophy, Psychology.

Completion Requirements

Honours students need an average GPA of 3.67 (A-) on all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program.

Residency Requirement

Students are expected to complete all additional 12 credits at Vancouver Island University. With the approval of the appropriate Dean and under exceptional circumstances, this amount may be reduced.

Admission Requirements

Students may apply after completion of 60 credits. Along with meeting the GPA requirement of a minimum "A-" (3.67 GPA) that is earned for the last 45 credits taken, students are required to submit a written statement of interest to the History department Chair prior to admission into the Honours program. The department chair, in consultation with the intended supervisors will vet applicants for admission as required.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Students apply through the Program Chair, who will notify the Degree Advisors of successful applications.

Students may apply throughout the academic year, once they complete 60 credits with the required 3.67 GPA on the most recent 45 credits taken. However, it is strongly advised that applications be submitted at least three months prior to enrollment in HIST 490.

Career Opportunities

The study of History provides excellent preparation for a number of professional careers, including those in fields such as education, at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels, public service, law, journalism, heritage, marketing, research, library/archives, and politics.