Mission and Goals

History is one of the oldest academic disciplines known to mankind. For centuries it has been an important source of knowledge and wisdom. History serves as the collective memory of humanity — without it we would be like amnesia patients unable to comprehend the past, present or future. History, however, is not just one “fact” after another; instead it is an attempt to explain both change and continuity. It is one of the most exciting subjects that you can study because history teaches us how to think! A study of history, therefore, allows you to understand and to appreciate the great achievements as well as the limitations of civilizations, of nations, of men and women in the past.

A serious study of history allows us to learn from the mistakes of the past, to understand other cultures and peoples, and to gain new perspectives on the past, present and future. Studying history develops skills in writing, speaking and analysis. In brief, history is a challenging discipline that can serve as the basis of a true liberal arts education as well as a preparation for graduate and professional studies in fields such as law, government, business, communications, and journalism.

Goals

The history department offers survey, theme, regional and special courses to reveal patterns of change and continuity in human thought, values, and institutions. Studying the past helps us in understanding the present and anticipating the future. Furthermore, students should better appreciate our multicultural society and their place in it. The department believes that upon completing the curriculum, students will be able to: read perceptively, think critically and write clearly; use the library and computer technology to locate primary and secondary sources for any period of history; synthesize historical materials for presentation orally and in writing; explain the general characteristics of major periods in U.S. and European history and in some detail the central issues and major historical interpretations for at least two periods in each area; explain the general characteristics of three major non-Western regions and in some detail the historical development and issues of each; demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity issues both globally and within the United States; and explain the historical background of current social, political, cultural and economic issues.