We have faculty experts that specialize in wide variety of approaches to the study of history, and which cover a wide range of time periods and geographical regions. We have expertise in early modern European history, in the history of the Indian subcontinent and the British Empire, in the history of slavery in the Atlantic world, in recent U.S. history, in the history of science and medicine, in modern Irish history, and in environmental and public history. We also have thematic specializations in women’s history, the history of religion, in motherhood and childrearing, in maritime history, and in the history of famine.
Our curriculum takes students around the world and across time. After completing foundational work in U.S. history, European history, and world history, students pursue electives and thematic courses based on their own interests. As juniors, all of our students take a seminar in “Historiography and Historical Methods” in which they develop their understanding of the major interpretive schools and modern trends in history and also develop their research skills in preparation for their senior thesis project. The culmination of the history curriculum is our senior thesis, in which students define a research topic and engage in research in primary sources and even archival materials and develop their own signature historical interpretations in the form of a often publishable research paper.
We invite you to explore these pages to learn more about our academic programs, courses, opportunities for experiential learning, and faculty.
Courses
We offer a wide variety of courses on a broad array of historical topics. Whether you are a non-major looking to fulfill a UC requirement, a minor looking to build a foundational knowledge in history to support the work in your major, or a history major seeking to work toward mastery in the field, we have something you’ll find interesting. Click on the links below to learn more about:
Experiential Learning
We understand that history is a process best learned by doing. Experiential learning, through research, experience in the field, internship, or travel are essential to developing one’s understanding of the past. Do you think you would enjoy getting involved in research, working in a museum, or pursuing an internship, volunteer, or service opportunity related to history? We are committed to supporting experiential learning, which enables students to apply their historical knowledge and expertise outside the classroom, explore possible career options, and make professional connections. Click here to explore the possibilities and learn how to get involved.
MAT Program
We work closely with the MAT program on their 5-year BA/MAT degree. Generally about half of our majors in any given year are in the MAT program. Click here for details on the MAT program and how it works seamlessly with the history major.
