2016-2017 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
History
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Professors Freund, Goldstein (Chair), Rosenthal
Associate Professor Esposito
Adjunct Professors Byczkiewicz, Mueller, Richards, Salzman-Fiske
In a society too often characterized by uncritical worship of the new-whether it be a new technology or the latest in intellectual fashions-the study of history both connects us to the human experience that has preceded us and shows how that experience has value, interest, power, urgency, and usefulness. Organized to reflect and demonstrate the idea that history matters, History department offerings are designed to help students learn to interpret their world (present as well as past) and to help them gain an appreciation for the fullness of human experience. History courses emphasize a grasp of themes and context-the experience of people in the past rather than rote and tedious memorization. They also focus on helping students learn to write clearly and critically about primary sources as well as more complex historical issues.
Most history courses are divided among three geographically distinct fields of concentration: American History, European History, and the History of Asia and the Middle East. History majors choose to concentrate in one of these areas, while being required to take a minimum number of credits in each of the other fields. As a result, students majoring in history gain a working knowledge of world history, as well as in-depth knowledge of one of the world’s major geographical areas.
Students of high motivation and interest, who wish to get the most out of their undergraduate study of history or who plan to do graduate work in history, are strongly urged to point themselves toward enrollment in the University Honors program and to consider undertaking a senior thesis. Faculty advisors help students develop programs of study emphasizing honors courses pertinent to the major and direct independent studies and honors theses.
The History department encourages majors to consider taking a term abroad sometime during their junior or senior year. The opportunity to study a country’s or region’s history on site is almost invariably a broadening and deepening experience for history majors.
Writing Requirement
Departmental policy requires that students in upper-level history courses undertake substantial written work exclusive of examinations; oral reports may not be substituted for written work. Faculty read, comment on, evaluate, and, if necessary, return this work for revision and reevaluation. The emphasis is on helping students learn to write effective analytical and research papers.
Internships
The History department has relationships with a number of area historical and cultural institutions that regularly have internship opportunities for undergraduate history majors. These include the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Connecticut Historical Society, and the Stowe-Day Foundation. Students interested in an internship (HIS 341 , HIS 342 ) should consult their advisors.
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