BA/BS in History

History courses here are built around learning to read the past carefully and to respect how differently people have lived in various places and eras. The department treats academic freedom as essential, holding that students and faculty must deal honestly with primary sources instead of editing them to suit present-day tastes. Faculty come from varied backgrounds and pursue varied research interests. Stated goals include helping students express historical arguments in writing, in speech, or through other media, whether in an essay or an exhibition, grounded in solid evidence. Students also come to understand the historian's craft and ask what history means for their own lives and for the wider world. Newcomers can begin with an Argument and Inquiry seminar offered each fall or with a 100-level survey of a region or period. Some 200-level classes also welcome first-years. Senior majors serve as student advisers who can explain courses, events, and faculty to those just starting out.