Department of History

Brown (Chair), G. Ricci, Kenley, Newsome, Strikwerda, Traverso, Winpenny

For more information, please visit the Department’s website or check your course syllabi, which are available through the course instructor or at the High Library.

The study of history is a valuable component of a liberal arts education, as well as a vital link to our individual and collective heritage. Historians seek to identify those events and individuals in the past that inform and shape contemporary society. Through an understanding of how civilizations, cultures and institutions have formed and evolved over time, we are able to better comprehend ourselves and the general human condition. “History teaches us so nearly,” an English historian once remarked. “It is so deep a question of life and death, that we are bound to find our way through it, and to owe our insight to ourselves.”

The Department’s program is designed to prepare students for further study in a variety of disciplines, including history, law, library science, museum studies, government and theology. History is also an excellent preparation for careers in education, business and government services.

Majors Offered

The Department offers a major in History and participates in the Social Studies Education Program that prepares students to teach in secondary schools.

Combinations with other programs that allow the student to major in history and to pursue training for other careers are possible. For example, a student may major in history and also take a recommended program of courses in business. Consult with members of the Department for other options in combination with communications, political science or other program areas.

Minors Offered

The Department offers a History minor .

Honors in the Discipline

The Department of History participates in the College Honors in the Discipline Program. For guidelines, students should consult the Department Chair.