History

History: Major

The study of history at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø. 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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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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Neal ’13 Awarded Fulbright Grant to Study Role of Education in Post-War Sri Lanka
Malik Neal ’13, of Philadelphia, has been awarded a Fulbright research grant for the 2013-14 academic year to study the role of education in post-war Sri Lanka. A history major with an Asian studies concentration, Neal will explore how secondary …
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Fontelo ’13 Awarded Fulbright Grant to Conduct Research in Philippines
Paul Fontelo ’13, of Potomac, Md., has received a Fulbright grant to study classical music composition from leading Filipino composers and musicians at the University of the Philippines College of Music during the 2013-14 academic year. A Filipino-American, Fontelo is …
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Senior Spotlight: As Mission-Based Institution, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Stands Out in Crowded Marketplace, Says Malik Neal
NAME Malik Neal HOMETOWN Philadelphia STUDIES History major with Asian studies concentration in the College Honors Program BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Founder and cochair, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Political Union; chancellor, Knights of Columbus; copy editor, The Fenwick Review; member of Student Advisory …