History

Department Chair: Ellen L. Paul
Email: paul_e@fortlewis.edu

Professors: Robert R. Bunting, Michael F. Fry, Andrew J. Gulliford, and Neil McHugh
Associate Professors: John F. Baranski, Michael T. Martin, and Ellen L. Paul

The Department of History offers a wide variety of courses that will enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the human past. The study of history promotes tolerance between peoples and helps make the world and our lives more intelligible. We are the wiser for knowing that our belief systems, institutions, and conflicts have their roots in the past. Courses in the history of Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East introduce the creative achievements of other civilizations. Through the exploration of our own national experience and the history of western civilization, students gain a deeper understanding of the historic foundations underlying the challenges we face in our own time.

Students of history learn to collect and interpret data, to develop logical and convincing arguments, and to write with clarity and economy. A degree in history provides a solid foundation for students seeking careers in teaching, archival management, library science, law, politics, international affairs and governments, as well as the training needed for success in graduate school.

Courses numbered 100 are broad topical courses; 200-level courses are “survey” courses providing overviews of the history of regions and periods. These are the foundation courses for history majors. Courses designated 300-level explore more specialized topics and assume background in lower-division history courses. Courses at the 400-level are conducted as seminars and provide the advanced instruction required for the Senior Research Seminar. The courses described are those offered on a regular basis. From time to time, the department offers new courses. Students should check the full list of courses published by the department at the time of registration.

History majors are required to take 14 history courses totaling 45-52 credits. Majors must concentrate in one of the areas listed in the History - Option programs. Under special circumstances, a student may propose a student-constructed concentration or complete a Humanities degree with a concentration in History. These special options require the approval of the department chair.

Students majoring in history may be certified to teach social studies at the secondary level. To obtain requirements for teacher certification, please contact the Teacher Education Department.

Goals and Objectives:

Familiarize students with the history of human experience in at least three regions of the world.
Provide students with particular competence in their area of concentration including a factual base of information, familiarity with the important historiographical and interpretive concerns of historians of that area, and an ability to synthesize their understanding around recurrent historical themes.
Encourage an understanding of how different societies in different times and places have constructed class, race, and gender.
Encourage development of critical thinking skills – thinking that is rigorous, fair-minded, and nuanced.
Foster the research and writing skills that enable students to define a suitable topic, conduct thorough and resourceful searches utilizing traditional and new technological sources for relevant information, and express their findings in writing in a clear, persuasive, and interesting fashion.
Cultivate in students an understanding of the complex epistemological challenges involved in studying history.
Help students appreciate that a historical understanding of the human experience can contribute in vital ways to a responsible and reflective life as an engaged citizen in a rapidly changing and increasingly integrated world.

General History Option: This option is for everyone who wants to major in history. A degree in history offers one of the best ways to pursue your intellectual interests and a traditional liberal arts education. A degree in history prepares you well for being a global citizen. It is hard to match the joy and benefits of earning a degree in history.

Public History Option: This option focuses on coursework related to doing public history. Public history, in short, is applying history to the world by making it useful in the public sphere. A degree in public history can lead to work as historical consultants, museum professionals, government work, archivists, community activists and policy advisors. Public historians can also teach. The public history offers opportunities to gain valuable experience through internships.

Social Studies for Secondary Teachers Option: This option gives high-quality academic preparation to students who wish to become Colorado licensed grades 7-12 social studies teachers. Students who complete this option become licensed to teach history, geography, political science, economics, anthropology, sociology, and psychology in grades 7-12. This option requires careful planning and advising. Students choosing this option should consult a History Department advisor as early as possible in their careers, and should read the Teacher Education Licensure Program section of this catalog for the steps and requirements for applying to the Teacher Education Licensure Program, and requirements for completing the program.

Liberal Studies Concentration in History: This option is built around a broad range of history courses, but also includes courses from other discplines. See Liberal Studies Major for program requirements.

Minor in History: The minor in history offers a great way to pursue your interests in history and complement your major. See a history faculty member, your advisor, or the catalogue for your year for specific requirements. Typically, the minor requires a minimum of six courses, three lower and three upper division.

Majors and Minors in History:

History Major - General Option

History Minor

History Major - Social Studies for Secondary Teachers Option

History Major - Public History Option