The study of history provides students with: critical and reflective thinking abilities; communication skills; and an understanding of the rich diversity of human cultures that is valuable to personal and professional development.
History students not only read about, but also conduct active research into the past to gain an understanding of history. They also develop the writing skills for the effective communication of their understanding.
As part of a capstone sequence, history majors undergo a rigorous training in the historian’s approaches to research methods, writing, and ethical responsibilities, and produce a seminar paper representing significant historical research. The capstone sequence begins in the spring of junior year, followed by the Seminar in fall of senior year.
The History Department encourages students to study overseas and partake in active learning through the department’s internships. To better understand other cultures, students must also complete two courses in the same modern foreign language at the intermediate level or its equivalent.