Division of History and Social Sciences

Introductory history and social science courses (ANTH 201 or ANTH 211 ; ECON 201 ; POL 220 , POL 230 , POL 240 , POL 260 , or POL 280 ; and SOC 211 ) provide a foundation for advanced work in the various fields of the division. History courses at the 200 level also provide introductory work in their respective historical and geographical areas, but they are not required as an introduction to the discipline as a whole. The introductory courses are open to first-year students, with the exception of ANTH 211 or SOC 211 and some History courses, which require consent of the instructor.

Divisional Requirements

Divisional Requirements: History and Social Sciences

Admission of Junior Transfer Students to Division

The division accepts eligible transfer students at the junior level. Degree programs can be finished in two years’ residence at Reed.

Senior Thesis

In addition to college rules and policy on completion of the senior thesis, the division requires students to submit a thesis first draft. This requirement applies to both those completing the thesis in the fall and those completing in the spring. The deadlines for submitting the first draft are set every year, but generally occur about one month before the college fall and spring final thesis deadlines. The purpose is to ensure sufficient time for the thesis adviser and the thesis first draft reader to read the draft and offer suggestions, and for the author to make revisions before the college deadline and oral exam. Students should consult their adviser and the division’s annual thesis memoranda for specific first draft requirements and procedures for the thesis. The completion of the thesis first draft by the stipulated divisional deadline is mandatory. Because the division considers the first draft an essential portion of the thesis course, any student who does not meet the first draft deadline risks not graduating at the regular time. If, in spite of this, the thesis is accepted for graduation, the final grade for the thesis course is likely to be lower. Advisers and first readers are not required to give comments on late first drafts. Students should review the Senior Handbook or talk with their adviser about the deadline.

Departments in the Division of History and Social Sciences