Historians also examine the principles and theories that influence the writing of history, seeking to understand the forces that have structured human life and the ideas that have shaped the way people perceive and experience their worlds. Historians are concerned with change and continuity within societies, and interactions among cultures, They pay particular attention to the effect of perspectives and values because their discipline involves the interpretation of findings, not just the collection of facts. The discipline can teach us many lessons, not simply about our past but also about the paradoxes and potentials of our present. The Department of History offers a wide range of courses in African, Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and United States history. Because it emphasizes analytic and critical thinking, history prepares students for further professional training in education, international studies, journalism, law, politics, and public policy, and for all manner of careers.
All students can benefit from the insights history provides into the human condition.
No more than 9 hours of upper-division history may be transfer credits.