History Programs  

History Courses  

Professor Yohn, Chairperson
Professors Charnow, D’Innocenzo, Doubleday, Eisenberg, Pugliese, Yohn; Associate Professors Ahr, Elsey, Ruiz, Terazawa; Assistant Professor Tan

The Harry H. Wachtel Distinguished Teaching Professorship is held by Professor D’Innocenzo. See Endowed Chairs and Distinguished Professorships .

Phi Alpha Theta: an international history honor society. See Honors .

The study of history is intended to give one a better understanding of oneself and the world. It is also intended to help one to think critically, to evaluate evidence, and to express oneself clearly and cogently. Understanding, thinking, speaking, writing—these are fundamental human skills useful in personal life and in any profession. The history courses listed below are all taught in ways that emphasize and assist student development of these skills.

Students may major in history, take a minor in history or simply enroll in a few courses of special interest. Basic courses in American, Asian, African, European, Islamic and Latin American cultures provide useful foundations for studies in many other disciplines. Advanced courses enable the student to get a closer look at the remnants of the past and at how historians go from those remnants – art, buildings, written documents – to conclusions about the past and present.

Seminars: Seminars are small classes that concentrate attention upon a particular period of history. Students read, reflect upon and write research papers about selected topics, and discuss and defend their views in group discussions during weekly class meetings. Specific topics and foci of seminars change each semester in accordance with interests of instructors and needs of the department. Seminars are intended to provide familiarization with the historiographic traditions germane to their central concerns, and emphasize the development of research and critical thinking skills. Seminars typically meet once a week for a three-hour period.