Program Overview

History, BA: Political History

The Political History concentration invites students to explore historical and comparative approaches to the organization of political power, state institutions, and experiences of subjecthood, citizenship, and rights. Students will have the opportunity to confront questions about the nature and practices of democracies and non-democracies, the formation and dissolution of political parties, various means of structuring governments and constitutions, and formal political relationships among individuals, communities, and states. While the concentration is centered within the discipline of History, it also welcomes students to take some courses in related fields in the College, thus encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to the field’s vital intellectual questions.

The Political History concentration allows students and faculty to explore shared methodological questions and practices that cut across geographical, national, and chronological borders. A student may choose to focus on the political history of a particular nation, empire, or region, and may also examine comparative histories from across the globe. This approach allows students the opportunity to think deeply about how time, place, geography, and context shape differences and similarities in the development and permanence of political regimes and cultures.

Curriculum

• College General Education Requirements and Free Elective
  • Foundational Approaches + Sectors 1 + Free Electives: 20
• Major Requirements: 12
• Geographic Distribution
  • Select one distinct course in four of the six geographic regions
    • United States & Canada: Attribute AHUC
    • Europe and Australia: Attribute AHEA
    • Africa and the Middle East: Attribute AHAF
    • Latin America & The Caribbean: Attribute AHLA
    • East Asia and South Asia: Attribute AHES
    • Global Issues: Attribute AHGI
• Chronological Distribution
  • Select 2 Pre-1800 courses
    • With: Attribute AH18
• Seminars
  • Select 2 Penn History Seminars
    • HIST
    • Or with: Attribute AHEM
• Research Requirement
  • Select 1 Course in
    • HIST
    • HIST 4998: Senior Honors in History
• Political History Concentration
  • Select 1 Seminar in Political History
    • HIST with: Attribute AHPO
  • Select 3 courses (lectures or seminars) in Political History
    • With: Attribute AHPO
  • Select 2 additional courses designated as Political History, Political History-related, or approved by a student's History major advisor from inside or outside the department
    • With: Attribute: AHPR
    • With: Attribute: AHPO
• Other Courses for the Major
  • Select 4 additional courses in these ranges:
    • HIST
    • ANCH
• Total Course Units: 32

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.