Undergraduate Programs

Understanding the complexities of the human experience is the historian’s goal. The History Major broadens the student’s knowledge of his or her own society and its past, and introduces the student to other cultures. The Social Studies Major leads to careers teaching in middle or high school. Committed teachers and scholars join students in a cooperative community with a shared purpose. The Department offers a Minor in History, and also contributes to the Museum Studies Minor and many Interdisciplinary Minors. Students in all history programs may also participate in an array of short-term or semester-long study abroad experience through the Department's collaboration with the Office of International Education.

Our programs are designed to train students in the fundamental habits of mind of the historian’s craft: analytical and communication skills that will provide a foundation for excellence in a wide variety of careers and professions, including business, public policy, non-profit management, social work, the law, museum administration, library science, and, of course, advanced graduate work in history! (see our alumni wordcloud or read about our amazing alumni!)

HISTORY B.A.

The Social Studies Adolescence Education program prepares students for initial certification in Adolescence (grades 7-12) Social Studies. The major requires coursework in Education and in social studies disciplines. Majors take a sequence of field experience courses intended to develop pedagogical and classroom management skills. The program culminates in the student teaching semester, when majors teach social studies at the middle and high school levels.  Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Develop a body of historical knowledge within the fields of history, economics, geography, and political science. 
• Foster critical habits of mind which are essential for engaged global citizenship.
• Engage in historical inquiry, research, and analysis to craft historical narratives and arguments.
• Develop effective written and oral communication skills.
• Create and implement lessons based on sound pedagogy.

Image: Students role play and create a new constitution for South Africa after the fall of apartheid in Prof. Fabian's course, Conflicts and Crises in African History.