Department: History

History, usually classified as a social science, also retains strong links with the humanities. Its various approaches – political, economic, social, and intellectual – require a wide range of different methods. Courses offered by the history department acquaint students, both history and non-history majors, with the aims, methods, and results of historical research. The contemporary trend to expand the study of history beyond a national and Western framework is reflected in the offerings of the department. Historical studies provide the background needed for graduate work in law, journalism, library science, and history doctoral programs. It is the best major for those planning on teaching social studies on the secondary level, as well as being an excellent major for those co-majoring in elementary education. It also is an excellent major for those planning careers in business, in the federal government, or in the civil service.​