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History
History
Richard Tristano, Ph.D., Chair
The history department supports the mission of the university by providing education in history, a
discipline which is a core component of the liberal arts. As such, it seeks to instill in students a thirst
for lifelong learning; a commitment to participation in the civic culture of a democratic society; an
appreciation for context and contingency; an inclination towards critical thinking and an appreciation
for evidence in making judgments; and the ability to communicate those judgments and other ideas.
The department seeks to enhance the personal and professional lives of students who major or minor
in history or take history courses as part of the GeneralEducation Program. Through a study of the past,
students develop an understanding of the national and global societies of which they are members. The
goal is that students, for example, come to understand the forces which mold the institutions of their
own society and of the global community. The department also hopes that students discover where
their generation fits in the historical development of the human race, and come to an appreciation of
what is of value and therefore to be preserved.
History and history/social studies majors develop not only knowledge of the past, but also a variety of
skills, including the ability to analyze and explain complex issues, the ability to research and present new
information, and the ability to effectively communicate research and analysis in written and oral form.
Through the social studies education major, the history faculty as scholar-teachers and in cooperation
with the School of Education contribute to the formation of elementary and secondary school teachers
through the instruction of history content and academic advising.
General Department Goals
Students demonstrate a strong foundation in historical thinking by successfully completing the history
or history/social studies majors, whose goals are::
• To develop students’ ability to think historically, that is, to use historical methods in analyzing
problems;
• To develop students’ ability to critically read and analyze historical works (secondary sources);
• To develop students’ ability to find and interpret historical evidence (primary sources);
• To develop students’ ability to construct an evidence-based interpretation of the past and
communicate it effectively both in writing and orally; and
• To develop students’ ability to navigate from the academic world of the university to the world of
work, professional development, and lifelong learning.
International Semester
History majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a semester, preferably during the junior year.
Advanced consultation with one’s academic advisor relative to major requirements is recommended.
Language Study
The history department encourages all students to study foreign languages. Students who are planning
to attend graduate school are strongly advised to pursue language study.
History Department Distinction & Awards
The history department grants departmental distinction to graduating seniors who have earned a
department GPA of 3.700 or higher, a cumulative GPA of 3.300 or higher, and at least an A/B in H461
Historical Research and Writing II. Departmental distinction is reserved for students majoring in history,
history/social studies, or social studies education who perform academically at the top level of all
graduates from the department.
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