History and Historic Preservation

The History and Historic Preservation Department offers a major in history (with concentrations in prelaw studies and in secondary education with certification in history or social sciences). The department also offers minors in history and historic preservation.

History is human life recreated from the tracks our ancestors left behind them. It is not an assortment of dry facts, nor is it an exercise in memorization. In its modern form, the study of history equips students with analytical skills and research techniques of immense practical and vocational value. The history program not only acquaints students with different ages, societies, and cultures, but it also develops powers of writing, speaking, and thinking. The curriculum is organized to provide students with general knowledge as well as technical competencies essential in such fields as business, law, government, teaching, publishing, museum, and archival work. Practice and theory are linked through internships in local historical societies, museums, and government agencies, as well as through courses in applied history that explicitly foster these connections.