1. INTRODUCTION

The BS program of the Department of History is within the same general structure as all undergraduate programs of the IIU and modeled on the same pattern as the other undergraduate programs of the Faculty of Social Sciences. It is a four year BS program followed by a graduate MS program leading to Ph. D. The mission of the Department is to develop a program with measurable objectives and outcomes so as to enable its students to capture their share of the job market and at the same time make value additions to the historical knowledge. A ladder system has been developed to enhance knowledge, skills, concepts, understanding and ability of abstraction of the students not only from one semester to the next but also within each semester. The compendium of courses has been structured to provide a strong base for higher level historical studies as well as a wide range of topics for practical use in the society.

2. AIM & OBJECTIVES

In line with the University’s mission to provide instruction, research, and dissemination of knowledge of the world to an international student body, the Department of History is committed to developing its capacity in all fields of historical studies. It is through this process that we hope to contribute to the development of Muslim communities of the world in particular and the global village in general in order to render benefit to the public. The students should, therefore, become useful citizens and intellectual engines of social change for the future. The Department strives to ensure high quality teaching, strong research activity, valuable service to community and effective contribution to the development of the country emphasizing high level of professionalism and Islamic values.

2.1       Teaching Objectives:
The mission of the Department is threefold:

1. To provide quality teaching with the aim of establishing effective and innovative undergraduate and graduate programs to contribute to development of a much needed historical consciousness for the poly-national body which the IIU serves.
2. To enhance fundamental research to a level comparable to that of contemporary leading centers of historical research in the world.
3. To play an active role in the development of the University and the country through inter-departmental cooperation and development of interdisciplinary programs. It is committed to broadening and deepening the historical training of students at all levels.

2.2      Learning Objectives:
The graduates of the History Department should be able to

1. analyze the chronological causal relationship of events logically,
2. analyze historical statements [historiography] logically to verify facts, opinions and interpretations and distinguish them from each other,
3. prove or disprove historical statements on grounds of logic and inconsistencies or historical errors within the texts or in comparison with other texts,
4. use software for computational and Organizational purposes,
5. formulate conjectures of their own regarding the veracity of a fact or the argument on which an opinion or interpretation is based,
6. demonstrate historical reasoning and problem solving,
7. collect and analyze data and make inferences,
8. broaden and deepen historical knowledge independently,
9. pursue higher studies in History and related fields,
10. function in teams,
11. communicate historical knowledge effectively,
12. Function professionally and ethically.

Strategic plan:
In order to achieve the program mission and objectives, the main elements of the strategic plan are outlined as follows:

1. Undergraduate Teaching

• Attract the maximum number of students to the subject of History in the BS four year Undergraduate Program.
• Hire and retain high quality faculty and support staff.
• Continually improve and update the curricula and “readers” for courses.
• Introduce individual/group projects in history to develop a research culture in the discipline starting from elementary data collection in the second semester and ending in collation and preliminary analytical research at the end of the bachelors program to lead on to higher analysis in graduate programs.

2. Research

• Attract students to the graduate program in History.
• Introduce Post Doctoral Fellowships in the Department when possible.
• Encourage faculty members to apply for more funded projects.
• Strengthen the areas of excellence in research in the Department.
• Provide research grants for faculty members in addition to funded research projects.
• Support and encourage conference attendance for faculty members.
• Encourage interdisciplinary research with other departments.
• Invite local and international distinguished scholars to the Department to give talks and/or lecture series.

3. Role in the University and the country.

• Develop interdisciplinary courses and programs.

Encourage research cooperation with faculty members from other departments and other universities within and outside the country.

• Explore the research needs of the governmental and
  private sectors.

Some observations are put forward for consideration.

1. Course material is appropriately distributed in the syllabi over 16 teaching weeks of the term.
2. Course syllabi explicitly specify learning outcomes.
3. Students are to be adequately tested through terminal exams with the proviso that learning outcomes are reflected in the examination and evaluation which will be duly notified to the students at the beginning of the semester.
4. Assessment policy in multi-section courses in terms of giving quizzes as well as duration versus length of exams may differs significantly in various courses.
5. Homework must relate to program objectives at each level thus a ladder structure such that students are facilitated in raising the level of knowledge, skills and analytical ability at each evaluation within the semester as well as from one semester to the other.

3. BS in History

Objectives:
The undergraduate program of the Department of History should prepare the students to:

1. acquire knowledge of historical concepts, develop analytical and critical thinking to facilitate analysis of real life systems.
2. do independent studies, communicate historical skills for those who seek a career as teachers and researchers of History, assist those who need historical knowledge for other disciplines to acquire the relevant skills of using historical techniques and the data of History for their own disciplines and generally enhance the social historical consciousness in all students such that they become better citizens.
3. Function in teams, develop oral and written communication skills, and contribute to society with good professional manners and Islamic values and traditions.

3.1 B.S Eligibility Criteria
As per advertisement

3.2 Admission Criteria
Admission will be given on merit determined through following criteria.
Academic Qualification                       40%
Admission Test                                   60%

3.2 Degree Requirement
Each candidate for the BS in History degree is required to complete successfully the following undergraduate studies which are subdivided into five categories: Compulsory Courses (51 Credit Hours), General Courses (24 Credit Hours), Foundation or core courses (30 Credit Hours), Major (39 Credit Hours), and Elective Courses (12 Credit Hours). Total 132 Credit Hours.   Compulsory & General Courses (51 Credit Hrs = 27 + 24)

Foundation or Core Courses (30 Credit Hrs)

Major Courses (39 credit hours = 13 courses)

To be chosen out of two streams: Muslim History or Global History

  Notes:  

• Courses listed as History of Muslims would be taken from the list of annexure ‘A’
• Courses at numbers 11, 12 and 13 will be common in both streams
• Students may chose courses from either or both streams to complete requirements for a major
• Students may also chose courses other than those which have been part of their studies for the ‘major’ as elective courses or select electives from other disciplines or faculties to complete 12 credits in four courses for “elective” requirements.

Scheme of Study for 4 Year BS in History