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

Students and professors walk down a street in Puerto Rico
Students Travel to Puerto Rico to Study the Effects of Hurricane Maria
Its one thing to study the effects of a hurricane in a classroom setting, learning about the biology behind the devastation or the history of the country it hit. Its a whole other ballgame to visit the place youve been
Stephanie Yuhl at the opening reception for "LGBTQ+ Worcester -- For the Record," the exhibition she helped bring to life at the Worcester Historical Museum.
Professor Stephanie Yuhl Works With Worcesters LGBTQ+ Community to Share Their History
On April 25, the Worcester Historical Museum was filled with emotion sorrow, anger, joy as hundreds explored the museums newest exhibition, LGBTQ+ Worcester For the Record, a chronicling of images, histories, voices and experiences of Worcesters LGBTQ+
Christopher Staysniak, visiting assistant professor of history. Photo by John Buckingham
Could a National Service Program Be the Answer to a Divided Country? 17勛圖厙 History Professor Opines
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigiegs recent proposal to create a national public service program for all young adults in hopes of unifying Americans of different backgrounds, has service advocates, military veterans and political commentators reeling. But are these programs even