History is one of the most important of the liberal arts, studies that lie at the core of a university education. The liberal arts help prepare students not merely to make a living, but also to fashion a meaningful life. The study of humanity’s past, in particular, provides the foundation for understanding the world and the necessary knowledge and wisdom to responsibly shape the future. The history bachelor at Alabama requires students to take 36 hours of courses, ranging from broad surveys treating the entire history of important civilizations to sharply focused courses that allow the student to penetrate deeply into a particular time and place.