The mission of the bachelor of arts program in history is to provide you with the skills to examine and understand the forces and events that have shaped the world and to appreciate the evolution of humankind over time and the enormous diversity of cultures, civilizations and nations. The program also provides training in the techniques of research and interpretation and will hone your ability to communicate ideas and perspectives in a clear and cogent manner.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program you will be able to:

Analyze material in historical context

One of the major contributions of historical study is a broadening of perspectives. History majors should demonstrate the ability to appreciate the ways specific historical conditions influence behaviors, institutions, values and assumptions. You will demonstrate an accurate knowledge of chronology and will avoid anachronism.

Conduct, analyze and present historical research

You will learn to perform both primary and secondary research, analyze your research and present the material and their conclusions in the correct format with appropriate citation.
Historians are also becoming aware of new ways to use an increasingly wide variety of sources. Technological advances have meant the resources available are expanding rapidly. You will learn state of the art practical and methodological techniques involved in doing primary research.

Critique historical methods and interpretations

Historical interpretations are not absolutes but are the product of careful, on-going critical analysis of the available evidence. You will acquire an awareness of various interpretations; the ability to criticize logical or evidential weaknesses in interpretations and the skills to use evidence to support the interpretation you prefer.

Write and speak clearly and cogently

Historians must create coherent narratives and persuasive theses out of a chaos of conflicting evidence and interpretations. You will learn to present and discuss historical content and interpretations in a clear and well-organized fashion.