History is the art and science of understanding humanity in time. It seeks to recreate, critically analyze and assess the context of changing human activities, be they cultural, economic, political, or social. Because of its special concern for time, history is a valuable field of study for those who want an understanding of where humanity has been and where it is going, and of the world and their own place in it. Furthermore, history provides a solid background for those who seek a career in teaching, government work, law or business. In its role as a part of the humanities, history also enriches an individual's personal life and environment.
The History Discipline is part of the Social Sciences Department, chaired by Prof. Martin Hershock, which also includes the Disciplines of Economics, Political Science, and Geography.
Most History faculty have offices in the Social Sciences Building (SSB), but some also have offices in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL) Building (CB).
Undergraduate students are encouraged to take History classes at all levels, since they will learn not just many important times and places of human life, but also significant critical and communication skills that will help them to better understand the world they are part of. These classes and the faculty who teach them are quite interesting and will introduce you to new ways of thinking about yourself and your place in the world. This process will help you improve how to think broadly and communicate clearly to others, and to learn to ask crucial questions about any situation they encounter.
Beginning students should consider taking a First Year Seminar for History credit in either the Fall or Winter terms, participating in the Women in Learning and Leadership Program, or applying for the Honors Program. Students may also be interested in applying for the Internship for History / Humanities, the Internship in Public Affairs, and the Ottawa Political Internship. There are also Co-Op or service-learning courses which may be of interest. Some students may find some distance learning courses taught by History faculty which may be of interest as well. In all of these opportunities, students will be able to see new connections between your courses and your life on campus, at work, and in your community.
It is also worthwhile to meet with faculty members during their office hours to further discuss classes you are taking or to find out more about classes you are thinking of taking. Meeting faculty will permit you not only to ask questions you may have about topics covered in the classes you are taking but also to ask about other topics that may interest or puzzle you. You may use these opportunities to ask faculty members about their research and how they came to take the paths they have chosen.
Students interested in history may want to think about joining the National History Honor Society (Phi Alpha Theta) here at UM-D or participating in the university's History Society.
Upper-level students may also want to consider applying for the UM-D Masters of Arts in Liberal Arts (MALS) program or to apply to other graduate programs to further develop the skills and interests that your education at UM-D have given you.