BA/BS in History

History at Bates College is a department that studies the past and its bearing on the present. Students analyze evidence left by earlier societies to understand why people made their choices and how societies change. The curriculum covers a wide geography, including ancient Rome, the United States, China, Japan, Latin America, Africa and Europe. Faculty specialties include environmental, Native and legal history, digital humanities, and the history of race, slavery, and health. Students work closely with professors on research topics they choose and complete a senior thesis. An on-campus archive offers direct contact with sources, and few courses have prerequisites, so students can enter upper-level classes readily. Graduates apply their skills in teaching, museums and other history-related fields. Few courses require prior study, which keeps the department accessible to many students.