History

As a disciplined study of the past, History focuses on change and continuity over time. Our department challenges students to read, think, and write about questions societies face in every generation-the tension between freedom and authority, reason and faith, individual agency and powerful structures. The ultimate goal: to become imaginative and resourceful human beings engaged with the world.

Our faculty cultivates understanding, not memorization. The history student becomes immersed in the study of the past and develops the skill and ability to read critically and write elegantly. The faculty welcomes budding historians who love history, as well as students from other disciplines seeking a broad view of the world, and students who might simply be curious about a specific time, country, or topic.

Our curriculum is organized in clusters of courses that allow for global or regional comparisons. Among these are: the history of women (Europe, Latin America, the United States); environmental history (Latin America, Asia, the United States); and revolutionary movements (China, the United States, Europe, and Latin America).

As an active collaborator in the larger College community, the department regularly offers classes in the following interdisciplinary majors and minors: Women’s and Gender Studies, Ethnic Studies, Environmental Studies, and Global and Regional Studies.

Faculty

Elena Songster, PhD, Professor, Department Chair

Brother Charles Hilken, FSC, PhD, Professor

Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo, PhD, Professor

Myrna Santiago, PhD, Professor

Aeleah Soine, PhD, Professor

Carl J. Guarneri, PhD, Professor Emeritus

Ronald Isetti, PhD, Professor Emeritus

Katherine S. Roper, PhD, Professor Emerita

Learning Outcomes

History majors develop a unique set of skills designed for research and analytical thinking in a diverse and increasingly globalized world. Upon completion of the History program, students will be able to:

SITUATE major historical events within their proper chronological, geographical, thematic, and comparative context.
THINK historically, read critically, write coherently, speak persuasively, and communicate effectively.
EXPLAIN the value and application of historiography and various historical methods, approaches and theories.
EVALUATE and critically assess the validity of historical evidence and interpretations.
IDENTIFY, INTERPRET, and APPLY primary and secondary sources to construct sophisticated, persuasive, and logical interpretations of historical problems and events.
CONNECT and INTEGRATE historical knowledge, grasp the ethical and moral dimensions of history, and appreciate the complex, multi-causal origins of past events.
DEVELOP historical empathy and RECOGNIZE the importance of differing voices to both Historical interpretation and understanding current events.

Prerequisite Grade

All prerequisites must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

History, BA

Minor

Courses

History - Lower Division

History - Upper Division

Students must have sophomore standing to enroll in upper-division courses.