Along with the study of language, literature, philosophy, and religion, history is at the heart of a liberal arts education. More than any other field, the study of history provides human societies and civilizations with their respective identities. In other words, history teaches us who we are as human beings. The Roman orator and statesman Cicero wrote, “History is the witness of the times, the torch of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity.”
The History major at Roberts Wesleyan College requires 36 semester hrs in history, economics and political science and is designed to foster this historical mindedness. Under the guidance of committed and caring faculty, our goal is to help students be aware of and explain basic continuities and significant changes in human affairs over time, and develop an awareness of how other cultures and societies differ from our own. We believe that the History major will prepare men and women to be active and thoughtful participants in our complex and ever changing world.
Typically, students begin their course of study with a general Western Civilization survey. From there, the department offers a number of 200 and 300 level courses in American, European and Non-Western history. Our 400 level seminars represent the highest level of study and are designed to be advanced research courses where students learn to hone their skills in historical research.
In addition to the regular course work, the department encourages our students to take advantage of a number of travel/study opportunites, including:
- Model U.N. course where students travel to NYC for a week to participate with other colleges around the country in a simulation of the United Nations's General Assembly meeting.
- Faculty led On-Location courses where students take short-term educational trips to places such as England, Greece, France and Italy.
- A number of different semester-abroad programs for Juniors and Seniors.
For additional information, click on "Programs" above.
