Topics to be addressed by students emphasize the struggle for social equality, political rights and economic equity. Students learn the fundamental methods and techniques of collecting historical accounts from living witnesses. History Major with Advanced Standing Students examine the nature of historical study, with an emphasis on historical explanation, development of the scholarly historical study, techniques and fundamental sources of research, writing and styles. Students study the history of the Old South. They investigate the impact plantations and slavery have had on Southern civilization.
Students conduct an intense study of the origins of the Civil War, and the impact of the war.
An analysis of Reconstruction is done with emphasis upon the historical interpretation of events. Students complete an intense study of the U. S. Constitution and its impact upon political, social and economic development in the United States from 1787 to the present. Students study the history of United States since 1945, with emphases on the social, political, economical and technological forces which have influenced changes in society and its institutions. Students study the growth of knowledge in the physical, biological, and medical sciences since the 16th century and the individuals involved in that growth. Also, students seek an understanding of the impact of science and the scientific method on human life and thought in the modern era.