About

The study of history and the social sciences is fundamental to a liberal education. An understanding of the American past continues to be vitally important for a participating citizen in a constitutional republic although that alone is not enough. The examination of other cultures is crucial for broadening our understanding of an interdependent world and, therefore, the study of international cultures is integrated throughout the department’s program.

Courses in history in the junior and lower years emphasize major themes in world history and teach skills and concepts essential to the study of history and the social sciences, thus preparing students for more advanced courses in these fields. In the upper year, most students study U.S. history. Qualified lowers may take a yearlong Modern European History course. Seniors and qualified uppers choose from a variety of elective courses and research seminars, all of which challenge students to explore topics in greater depth and with increasing sophistication.

In all courses, students work individually and collaboratively, and write extensive essays, including research and policy papers, using government documents, newspapers, letters, diaries and interviews – the raw materials of history and the social sciences. Students receive instruction as well as guidance from the department’s faculty of twenty instructors.