Understanding the complexities of the human experience is the historian's goal. The history major broadens the student's knowledge about his or her own society and its past, and introduces the student to other cultures. The Social Studies major leads to careers in middle school or high school. Both are designed to train students in the fundamental habits of the mind of the historian's craft-skills and attitudes that will provide a foundation for excellence in a wide variety of careers 
and professions, including teaching, law, journalism, business, public history, and government. Committed teachers and scholars join students in a cooperative community with a shared purpose. We also offer a minor in history, and beginning in the fall 2008, we will inaugurate our minor in museum studies.
History Major
The history major, the academic home of about 100 students, consists of 39 hours (13 courses) in American, European, and non-Western history. Faculty born in Morocco, the Netherlands, France, China, and Canada (and some born in the U.S., too) teach courses on every major area of the world, examining Asia and East Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Russia and the United States from a variety of broad historical perspectives, emphasizing critical thinking and writing skills while preparing students for life in a complex, global community. History majors also take a sophomore-level seminar, Doing History, an introduction to the discipline-to reading, writing, and researching the past, as well as, a capstone course
in their senior year. Students in the Department's honors program may take a senior honors seminar. History majors may also participate in the activities of the History Club, present their work at local and regional conferences, or take advantage of the Department's growing program of museum internships.
Image: During the spring '08, history major Kelly Mongillo '09 interned at the Barker Museum, Fredonia, NY
Social Studies Adolescence Education
The program in Social Studies Adolescence Education, leading to initial certification, is designed to prepare future high-school and middle-school teachers. This is a "full" program, with 37 hours of coursework in the School of Education (including 5 field experiences) and another 51 hours in Social Studies courses, including many in history as well as offerings in economics, political science, and other disciplines. The Social Studies portion of the major is grounded in the Department of History's pioneering program in world history. Some 160 students currently major in Social Studies Adolescence at Fredonia.
Minors
The department offers a minor in history in the following areas: Global Studies, American Studies, North American Studies, Middle East/Asian Studies, and Europeans Studies. Requirements for the history minor include 18 credit hours of course work in history, including 9 credit hours at the 300-level or above. Students should consult a faculty advisor before selecting courses.
The Museum Studies minor provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the field of museum work. Students may choose a public history, art, or anthropology track depending on their interests. This minor will prepare students for graduate work in museum studies and for professional careers in history, art, anthropological, or science/natural history museums