History and Civilizations

History and Civilizations at American University in Bulgaria is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical processes, cultural developments, and societal transformations from ancient to modern times. This program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills, research methodologies, and a global perspective on historical events and civilizations, preparing them for diverse career paths in academia, education, public history, cultural management, journalism, and international relations. Throughout their studies, students explore a wide range of topics including European, Middle Eastern, and Balkan histories, integrating interdisciplinary approaches that combine history, archaeology, anthropology, and cultural studies. The curriculum emphasizes both chronological and thematic courses, enabling students to examine historical phenomena from multiple angles and develop their own informed interpretations. Furthermore, students gain hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and participation in academic conferences, fostering practical skills applicable in various professional contexts. The program is delivered by dedicated faculty members who are active researchers in their fields, providing students with access to current scholarly debates and advanced pedagogical techniques. Students also have opportunities to participate in study abroad programs and collaborative projects, enhancing their intercultural competencies and global outlook. With a strong focus on critical thinking, narrative construction, and evidence-based analysis, the History and Civilizations program prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to society, whether through academic scholarship, cultural preservation, or policy development. By the end of the program, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of diverse civilizations and the ability to interpret their historical significance within contemporary global issues. This program is ideal for students passionate about exploring past societies and their impacts on today's world, committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding and intellectual engagement.

Total: 12 courses (at least 36 credits)

Required Courses (3 courses): 

HTY 101 Global History to 1500
HTY 102 Global History since 1500
HTY 291 Historical Methods

Distribution Electives: 9 courses (at least 27 credits)

At least two courses from the following:

HTY 201 Myth-making in History
HTY 210 Medieval Europe
HTY 212 Early Modern Europe
HTY 213 Modern Europe
HTY 214 Eastern Europe in the 19th and 20th Centuries
HTY 241 United States History to the Civil War
HTY 242 United States History from 1865 to present

At least two courses from the following:

 HTY 208 Greece, Thrace, the Black Sea and the Ancient World
 HTY 209 Rome and the Ancient World
 HTY 221 The Medieval Balkans
 HTY 222 The Modern Balkans
 HTY 223 History of the Ottoman Empire
 HTY 224 Bulgarian History
 HTY 230 Byzantine History
 SES 238 Archeology in Southeast Europe

At least four courses from the following:

 HTY 301 Falsifications in History
 HTY 304 Topics in European History
 HTY 305 Topics in Southeast European History
 HTY 306 Topics in Ottoman History
 HTY 307 Topics in American History
 HTY 308 Topics in Global History
 HTY 310 History of Christianity
 HTY 401 Critical Issues in History
 HTY 491 Senior Thesis I
 HTY 492 Senior Thesis II
 SES 325 Environmental Issues in Southeast Europe
 SES 390 Byzantine Religious Art and Architecture in Southeast Europe
  
Disciplinary Honors in History and Civilizations
The History and Civilizations major has a Disciplinary Honors option. To achieve a major in History and Civilizations with Disciplinary Honors requires the completion of two semesters of HTY 491/492 (Senior Thesis I and Senior Thesis II) with a grade of A- or better in both courses.

Program Requirements:

To enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in History and Civilizations at American University in Bulgaria, prospective students must meet the university's general admission criteria, including the completion of secondary education with a recognized high school diploma or equivalent, and demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS unless they have completed education in an English-medium institution. The program requires applicants to submit official transcripts, a completed application form, and supporting documents as specified by the admissions office.

Once admitted, students are expected to fulfill core curriculum requirements that include foundational courses in humanities and social sciences, with an emphasis on history, cultural studies, and civilizations from various periods and regions. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, requiring students to take courses in archaeology, anthropology, political science, and literature to develop a comprehensive understanding of historical processes and cultural interactions.

Students must complete a minimum of 120 ECTS credits over the duration of the program, which typically takes four years of full-time study. The curriculum includes mandatory courses such as Introduction to History, Civilizations of the Mediterranean, Modern European History, and World Civilizations, alongside elective courses that allow specialization in areas like Ancient History, Middle Eastern Studies, or Balkan History.

A significant component of the program involves research and practical skills development, requiring students to undertake independent research projects, participate in internships, and complete a thesis or final project under faculty supervision. English language proficiency must be maintained throughout the program, and students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs, internships, and conferences to enhance their academic and professional development.

Graduates of the program will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree, which qualifies them for further education, research positions, or careers in education, cultural institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. The program’s requirements are designed to ensure that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for understanding and analyzing diverse civilizations and historical contexts.

The American University in Bulgaria offers a comprehensive financing studies program designed to equip students with essential financial management skills, an understanding of economic principles, and the ability to analyze financial data within historical and civilizational contexts. The program emphasizes the development of analytical thinking, quantitative skills, and a deep understanding of financial systems that have shaped civilizations throughout history. Students engage with courses such as Principles of Finance, Financial Analysis, International Economics, and the History of Economic Systems, which collectively provide a holistic view of financial practices across different eras and cultures.

Funding options for students enrolled in the financing studies program include a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages provided by the American University in Bulgaria. These financial supports aim to make education accessible to a diverse student body and include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and support for specific groups such as international students or those demonstrating leadership and community engagement. Additionally, the university encourages students to seek external funding sources, including government scholarships, private organizations, and international fellowship programs.

The university also offers work-study opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience while financing their studies. Students can participate in on-campus employment programs, internships, and cooperative education arrangements that provide relevant work experience in finance-related fields. The financial aid office provides counseling and support services to help students navigate the application process for various funding opportunities and develop personalized financial plans throughout their studies.

Overall, the financing studies program at the American University in Bulgaria combines rigorous academic coursework with robust financial support mechanisms. This integrated approach ensures that students can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial burden. The university's commitment to accessible education, along with its strategic partnerships and networking opportunities, helps graduates secure internships, employment, and career advancement in the dynamic fields of finance, economics, and civilizational studies. Consequently, students graduate with not only a strong educational foundation but also the financial literacy and resources necessary for success in their future endeavors.

The Bachelor of Arts in History and Civilizations at the American University in Bulgaria offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the diverse histories, cultures, and civilizations that have shaped the world. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for historical contexts and their impacts on contemporary society. Students engage with a wide array of historical periods, regions, and themes, ranging from ancient civilizations to modern history, fostering a global perspective and intercultural competence. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and primary source analysis, encouraging students to examine historical evidence critically and to develop well-informed interpretations.

Throughout their studies, students benefit from a flexible course structure that allows specialization in areas such as European history, Middle Eastern history, or global civilizations, catering to their particular interests and career aspirations. The program also integrates interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating insights from anthropology, political science, and cultural studies to enrich students' understanding of historical processes. Practical skills such as research methodologies, writing, and oral presentation are core components of the program, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, journalism, public policy, or international organizations.

The university emphasizes experiential learning through study trips, internships, and seminars with visiting scholars and experts in the field. These opportunities provide practical experience and networking possibilities that are valuable in the competitive job market. Faculty members are experienced scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and scholarly excellence. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue further studies or enter the workforce with a strong foundation in historical knowledge and analytical skills, ready to contribute thoughtfully to society.