The History Department

History courses strive to build an understanding of and an appreciation for civilizations of the past and present; to create a sense of what it must have been like to think, feel, and act in those civilizations; and to develop the student's ability to analyze and to think critically about the social, cultural, economic, and political threads woven into the fabric of a civilization. Courses combine lectures and discussions; requirements include essays, research papers, oral reports and group projects.

Three year-long history courses are required for graduation. These courses are World Civilizations, Western Civilization, and American History, normally taken in the freshman, sophomore, and junior years respectively. In addition, the History Department offers a number of history and humanities electives for juniors and seniors.

Course Descriptions
Markel Prize