“History illuminates the human condition.”1 It is the memory of human experience. The Department of History seeks to provide its students with an understanding of the significant institutions, events, trends and individuals that have shaped that experience, thus helping them to develop a better understanding of contemporary cultures and the human condition.
The student majoring in History will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the development of human society and culture through the study of the past, specifically the history of Europe (from the Renaissance through the 20th century) and the United States (from its beginnings through the 20th century). To accomplish this, the student will identify and describe the major individuals, groups, institutions, ideas and events that have helped to shape political, social and economic developments over time; identify and describe major historical eras or periods that have led to the present; and identify and describe the principle of cause and effect and relate historical examples. In addition, students majoring in History will apply the procedures used by historians to find and document sources, collect evidence and draw conclusions in completing original research. Students will write and speak effectively about historical issues.
1Poster, “Business and History,” prepared by the National Center for the Study of History, Inc., 1988. (Noted in History, It’s Our Future, a publication of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Inc.)
For more information about the History department, visit its website.