The Department of History is distinguished by the breadth of its faculty?s expertise. The faculty includes distinguished scholars in United States, European, Latin American, African, and Asian history. These faculty resources enable the department to offer major fields of study in United States history, European history, and African, Asian and Latin American history.
Most history courses are open to any undergraduate. Few have specific prerequisites. History majors have priority in registering for classes, but the majority of students enrolled in most history courses are majoring in other departments and schools. The history faculty welcomes this diversity of students.?
The purpose of the major is to help students understand themselves as products and makers of history. History courses introduce them to historical patterns and problems in a variety of areas and periods, as well as to different historical materials and techniques of analysis. Our courses encourage students to learn to think critically and to search deeply in at least one area of concentration. Achievement of these goals depends heavily on effective use of faculty advice, and each student should see his or her advisor as soon as one is assigned. Thereafter, each student should confer with the advisor at least once each semester to ensure smooth progress through the program of study.
Our faculty and advisors will work closely with you to tailor your education to your interests and goals so that you can both take full advantage of the History Department?s rich and extensive course offerings and succeed academically within your degree program.? In the process of studying history, you will acquire valuable skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers.