The History Department's program helps students learn to think clearly, to analyze and interpret a broad range of materials, and to express themselves clearly and per-suasively both orally and in writing. Students in history gain analytical and interpretive skills required to become enlightened citizens, pursue professional and business careers, and continue with advanced study in history. The Department's offerings are divided into three main categories. Introductory courses provide general coverage in selected fields. Advanced-level courses and colloquia involve intensive examination of complicated subject matter.
Seminars require the completion of a major research project or projects.
It also offers a number of special-interest courses and opportunities for independent study. These courses allow individuals to un-dertake an intensive examination of a narrower topic than is possible in introductory courses. The major requires at least 6 hours of Advanced-level Courses. Colloquia are limited to 18 persons and involve reading a large quantity of material about complex and controversial issues. Students are required to analyze and discuss the reading material as well as to write a series of short essays on assigned topics.