History
Students of history do more than study the past. They learn broad, critical thinking, to look beyond what happened to why. History is not only inherently interesting, it’s also good preparation for anything else you do.
Tracks
Major in History
Students pursing a History majors don’t rely on a rote mastery of facts. They learn how to analyze primary sources and formulate original ideas. The History Major program favors seminars over classroom lectures for most courses.
Minor in History
Courses for a history minor must cover at least two geographic areas. For example, Europe and the United States, or Asia and Europe.
What You'll Learn
Grad School Prep That's Second to None
In terms of writing skills, reading comprehension, and participation, I was so much better prepared for grad school than my fellow students. I received compliments from my professors on my writing abilities, but I always made sure to tell them that I was schooled by the best.
Sarah Poulton ’06, M.P.A., University of North Carolina-Charlotte, downtown special projects manager, Chapel Hill, NCShatter Glass Ceilings
From my first history class at Hollins, I was hooked. I just figured that I wanted to write, and research, and teach about the things that interested me and about events and ideas that had the power to change individual lives as well as entire societies, cultures, and perhaps even the whole world. I earned my Ph.D. with fields in military, American, global, and religious history in 2008.
Jacqueline Whitt ’03, Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, professor of strategy, U. S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PAThoughtful Feedback
As a history major, I had endless opportunities to write and receive thoughtful feedback, which ultimately made me a better writer. Our professors constantly pushed us to test our assumptions and consider unfamiliar points of view—a skill that has been critical to my success as an educator.
Emily Sullivan Dobell ’06, principal, KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate High School, Lynn, MA
