The curriculum of the History Department is intended to develop an understanding of the human past. History courses include a consideration of cultures, ideas, values, and value systems as well as fostering an appreciation of historical writing as a form of literature and teaching the methods of historical analysis. As a discipline, history provides special insights into the culture in which students live by stimulating them to view their culture through the perspective of time and change. Equally, it provides the tools to understand and to value other cultures both in their own right and for their contributions to the culture in which the students live. The history major prepares students for careers in such fields as law, journalism, the foreign service, public administration, and teaching as well as other professions where the techniques of historical research, analysis, and synthesis are applicable.
History also serves as a preparation for a career as a historian.
History courses are especially pertinent to students of business, politics, the humanities and fine arts. The history major enjoys considerable flexibility, and majors should consult their department advisor for suggestions about electives which best meet individual needs. The requirements are distributed to provide the student with breadth and depth as well as a sense of comparative possibilities and an appreciation of other cultures and eras. The remaining three courses, which also are to be selected from the 290-399 series, are chosen according to the student's interests. Students should see their History Department advisor immediately after declaring a history major to learn the specifics of the portfolio requirement.