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Bachelor of History

First year bachelor

In the first year of the Bachelor programme, students take five generic courses. These courses consist of an introduction to some essential human sciences (Philosophy, Arts and Literature) and of two basic history courses (History Criticism and World History). Next to these courses, seven generic historical introduction courses are being taught; five periodical courses (Pre- and Proto-history, Classical History, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times and Modern Times), one regional history course (History of Belgium) and one thematic course (Ecological History).  

The course “History Practice 1” provides students with a periodical and general introduction of historiography. Step by step, independent and critical research mechanisms are being taught. This practical course is being completed with a first concrete historiographical exercise.

Second year bachelor

In the second year, one regional introductory course is being taught (History of the Netherlands), with further emphasis on the historiographical method (quantitative or qualitative method, auxiliary sciences and paleography), on heuristics and again on two optional history exercises (History Practice 2).

Next to these courses, students choose their minor subject (equivalent to 15 credit points) from six preferred minor subjects: archeology, political and social sciences, art history, classical studies, law and economy & business administration.

Third year bachelor

In the final year of the Bachelor programme, the focus is on thematic analysis (economical history, political history, cultural history, global processes). In addition, historiographical methods are critically evaluated and methodological and minor subject courses (again 15 credit points) are completed.

The crowning achievement of the final year of Bachelor studies is the ‘research paper’ (Historical Practice 3), in which students independently carry out individual research projects under supervision of a promoter. In this exercise, different skills acquired during the Bachelor training (knowledge, understanding, analytic skills, source criticism, methods, synthesis) are brought together.

Minor

Bachelor students also take a second subject, the so called ‘minor’. As of the second year, students can get an additional education in humanities or social sciences. This ‘minor’ not only enables students to have a thorough introduction to a different science, but also to enter different Master programmes and complete them in a reduced timeframe.

The curriculum of the second and third year of the Bachelor programme reserves 15 credit points to an optional minor. The Education Commission recommends six ‘preferred’ minors to history students:

  • Archeology
  • Political and social sciences
  • Art history
  • Classical studies
  • Law
  • Economy.

More information can be found on the Philosophy and Literature faculty website in the information filePDF)  for minors (Dutch).

More information

  • Paper copies available through e-mail.