History

History: Major

The study of history at 17勛圖厙 not only seeks to understand the past; it also offers deep personal enrichment for a thoughtful, even passionate, engagement in the challenges of the present. Among the most encompassing academic disciplines, history is informed by economics, sociology, anthropology, political science, the arts and literature.

Working with innovative faculty experts, students explore a diverse range of interests and a broad selection of topics from “Traditional” East Asia to Modern Latin America, Gilded Age America to Imperial Russia. Students learn how politics, social and economic developments, and cultural life interact.

Students of all interests, passions, and goals study history at 17勛圖厙. Graduates use their training to pursue careers in law, medicine, government service, business, teaching and a host of other vocations. 

Program Highlights

Students enrolled in history at 17勛圖厙 explore their major and gain depth in a particular aspect of history through a global concentration. Spanning geographic locations and time, students select from the following themes:

  • Colonialism and Empire
  • Gender in Public and Private Life
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Resistance, Revolution, and Reaction
  • Knowledge and Belief
  • War and Memory
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With 18 full-time professors, the department is one of the largest history departments among liberal arts colleges.

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Students can augment their studies through honors programs and hands-on experiences.

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Find out what students can do with a history major, and check out the careers of some recent alumni.

History News

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Class of 2023 Spotlight: Maxim Caron
17勛圖厙 has taught me to embrace the unknown to fully realize personal growth.
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How the Addition of Womens Studies Impacted 17勛圖厙
In 1993, 17勛圖厙 graduated the first cohort of students to earn a concentration in Womens Studies, a move that has influenced generations of faculty and students.
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17勛圖厙 Faculty, Staff and Students Join with Worcester to Highlight Latino History
With support from the 17勛圖厙 Scholarship in Action program, professors, staff and students work with city activists to collect and tell Latino stories.