History

Department Chair: Michael Martin
Email: martin_m@fortlewis.edu

Professors: Michael Fry and Andrew Gulliford
Associate Professors: Michael Martin and Ellen Paul
Assistant Professors: Cody Ferguson and Viktor Shmagin

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 helps make the world and our lives more intelligible. We are the wiser for knowing that our belief systems, institutions, and differences have their roots in the past. 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. Courses in the history of Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East introduce the achievements of other civilizations.

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 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 at the 100- and 200-level are “survey” classes that provide 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.

History majors are required to earn 45-52 credits covering a variety of geographical areas and time periods. Majors can choose one of the following options: General or Public History. Under special circumstances, a student may propose a student-constructed concentration or complete a Liberal Studies degree with a concentration in History. These special options require the approval of the Department Chair. Students wishing to be certified to teach social studies at the secondary level should contact the Teacher Education Department.

History program goals and outcomes

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge of the history of three regions of the world from the perspective of a global citizen.
interpret and analyze historical material, with an emphasis on primary sources, and reflecting changes in historical debates.
use analytical tools such as class, race, gender, and sexuality.
conduct original historical research and present their findings orally and in writing.

History Major : 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.

Minor in History : The minor in history offers a great way to pursue your interests in history and complement your major. This minor may be an important basis for students planning for law school, graduate studies, or teaching. Typically, the minor requires a minimum of six courses: three lower and three upper division.

Minor in Heritage Preservation : The minor in heritage preservation offers a great way to pursue your interests in public history and complement your major. This minor may be an important basis for students planning for museum work, archival or library positions, businesses or mass media, work at historical sites, or in the National Parks Service. The minor requires a minimum of six courses: Two lower-division core courses: HIST 241 and HIST 255; Two upper-division courses (selecting from: ANTH 375, HIST 323, HIST 345, HIST 376, HIST 491, HIST 493); and, two additional courses, with at least one being upper-division.

Major in History

History Major

Minor in History

History Minor
Heritage Preservation Minor