The History major in the Bachelor of Arts four-year program is designed to provide students with a broad base of knowledge in Canadian, European, and American History. Students will also have the opportunity to study a variety of other topics such as Film and History, Indigenous History, and Public History. In addition, students will also develop an understanding of the methods of historical research and analysis, and historical reasoning that distinguish History as a branch of knowledge in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Beyond the intrinsic value of historical study, a BA in History prepares students for graduate studies in History and/or careers in areas such as teaching, law, archival studies, international affairs, journalism, and public administration.

Mount Royal’s BA in History aims to provide students with the following competencies:

1. foundational knowledge in Canadian, European and/or American History and introduction to a variety of other topics such as Film and History, Indigenous History, and Public History;
2. the ability to locate, read and understand primary and secondary historical sources;
3. an understanding of historical reasoning and analysis;
4. a critical understanding of the nature and diversity of past political, economic, social and cultural institutions;
5. an awareness of the importance of historical context and its relevance to understanding the contemporary world;
6. the ability to formulate and present, both orally and in writing, cogent interpretations of the past.