World History

Program Introduction

The Bachelor's program in World History aims to cultivate professionals with a global perspective, historical thinking, and foreign language proficiency. This program originated from the World History Research and Teaching Office, established in 1960, and was officially incorporated into the Faculty of History in 2017.

Training Objectives

This program is dedicated to developing interdisciplinary talents with a solid foundation in world history, high proficiency in foreign languages, a broad knowledge base, and a global perspective. The specific objectives include:

1. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of world history, mastering key historical paradigms, and analyzing historical materials;
2. Developing in-depth knowledge of world history since the Age of Exploration and China's relations with the world;
3. Acquiring strong foreign language skills and familiarity with related humanities and social sciences;
4. Applying historical knowledge in practical fields, working in international organizations, multinational enterprises, and government institutions.

Graduation Requirements

Graduates of this program are expected to master the following knowledge and skills:

1. Strong Chinese writing skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in at least one foreign language;
2. A thorough understanding of the development of global civilizations and the history and culture of different countries and regions;
3. Familiarity with fundamental theories, research methodologies, and historical sources of Chinese and foreign historiography, with independent research capabilities;
4. Adequate knowledge of related disciplines such as philosophy, political science, sociology, and economics;
5. Basic computer skills and the ability to utilize specialized research databases.

Academic System and Degree

This program follows a credit-based academic system with a four-year standard duration. The minimum and maximum study period ranges from three to six years. Students may choose to pursue a minor in another discipline within the prescribed time limit.

Course and Credit Requirements

Students are required to complete a total of 155 credits, including:

1. Major courses: 99 credits (67 compulsory, 32 elective)
2. General education courses: 32 credits
3. Free elective courses: 12 credits
4. Practical training: 12 credits

Core Courses

Compulsory Major Courses (67 credits)

• General History of the World (I & II)
• General History of China (I & II)
• Introduction to Historiography
• History of Foreign Historiography
• History of Sino-Foreign Relations
• Close Reading of Chinese Historical Documents
• Close Reading of Global History Literature
• Academic Writing in History
• Professional Foreign Language (English, etc., 37 credits)

Elective Major Courses (32 credits)

Courses cover Western and Chinese historiography, regional history, and specialized historical topics, such as:

• Ancient Greek History, Roman History, Byzantine History
• British History, American History, German History, French History, Russian History, Japanese History, etc.
• History of Global Diseases, History of Science and Technology, History of Colonialism, etc.
• Translation in Historiography

General Education Courses (32 credits)

Includes courses in Marxist Theory, Modern and Contemporary Chinese History, Computer Applications, Physical Education, etc.

Research Directions

The program offers multiple research directions, covering global history, knowledge migration, Chinese history, and Sino-foreign relations. Research is conducted in collaboration with institutions such as the Conceptual History Research Center and the Knowledge Migration and Study Abroad History Research Center.

Practical Training

1. Military Training (End of the 2nd semester, 4 weeks, 2 credits)
2. Social Practice and Field Study (Summer of the 2nd-3rd semester, 2-4 weeks, 2 credits)
3. Professional and Graduation Internship (Summer of the 6th-7th semester, 2-4 weeks, 2 credits)
4. Study Abroad Program (5th-6th semester, 0.5-1 year, with internship credit conversion)
5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice (1st-8th semester, 2 credits)
6. Graduation Thesis (7th-8th semester, 4 credits)

Degree Awarded

Students who complete the required credits and submit a graduation thesis will be awarded a Bachelor of History degree.

Career Prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in government agencies, international organizations, multinational corporations, media, cultural and educational institutions, or continue their studies at the master's and doctoral levels.

Related Majors

This program is closely related to disciplines such as

• Chinese History
• Archaeology
• Political Science
• International Relations.

University Ranking

1. Peking University
2. Nankai University
3. Wuhan University
4. Renmin University of China
5. Northwest University