History: Nature, Scope, and Opportunities
History studies past human experience in all its
imaginable aspects: economic, social, political, cultural, intellectual,
scientific and technological. Our temporal scope covers the ancient
past to our own days, while cultural and spatial interests involve
the peoples of Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
What makes the study of history distinct is the extensive
use of original sources in various forms: written (old letters,
diaries, memoirs, travelers' accounts, laws, newspapers), visual
(photographs, film and TV footage, paintings, posters, postcards);
oral (interviews, songs, radio broadcasts), and material (tools,
buildings, pots, clothes). Relying on these different kinds of
documents, historians develop interpretations of a wide range of
the human experience, including scientific and technological breakthroughs,
famines, the formation, evolution and conflicts of family groups,
mass migrations, wars, cultural encounters, and revolutions. Historians
strive to write about such situations in a graceful style that
combines clarity with probing analysis. Professional historians
display their skills through teaching, lecturing, and providing
expert guidance.
History can be studied as a single major or in combination
with other majors and certificate programs. History makes even
more sense in combination with political science, international
relations, sociology and anthropology, religious studies or literature.
Also, history majors can take advantage of the various certificate
programs, such as women's studies, Latin American or other area
studies, and teaching. History majors who meet stringent academic
criteria can become members of the national honor society Phi Alpha
Theta.
History majors can also expand their experiences
by participating in exciting and life-altering activities and through
which they can put their historical training and skills to work
early on in their educational development. These activities include
study abroad, participation in honor societies, and student publications.
History students are trained to be critical readers,
good writers, and astute analysts. These qualities and skills are
fundamental for success in business activities, public and professional
careers, teaching, and advanced studies. A major in history is
highly valued in law, journalism, and other professional schools;
it is immediately useful for work in museums, libraries, public
service, and the business world. It is also instrumental in acquiring
teaching certificates.
