The Study of History

History is the critical study of the human past. Encompassing all spheres of human experience, inquiry, belief, and aspiration, it is the most integrative of humane disciplines. It is essential to any understanding of the human condition. History satisfies a deep need to know who we are, both as individual persons sharing a common humanity and as members of various groups (whether based on gender, class, ethnicity, or religion; or whether local, national, or global). The deeper our historical knowledge, the deeper our self-knowledge. And only with this type of knowledge can we formulate wise goals to help guide our future, again both as individuals and collectively. As has often been said, "if we don't know where we've come from, we can't know who we are or where we should be headed." The study of history is an indispensable part of a liberal education; it enables students to make informed judgments on a wide range of public issues and to argue their positions cogently.

Career Opportunities

History majors learn a lot about the human past. They also learn how to organize and assess evidence, analyze problems and interpret complex events, think critically, and argue persuasively. They learn how to speak and write intelligently, clearly, and forcefully. They learn, in short, about research, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. These skills are essential for success in many professions. Most history majors do not, in fact, become professional historians.

They rather study history as the center of a broad and rigorous education in the liberal arts. Some of the professional paths pursued by history majors include:

education, law, politics, journalism, business, public policy, interest group advocacy, civil and foreign service, archival and library science, museum studies, historic preservation, and public history. History is also excellent preparation for graduate school in these and other fields.

Careers that emphasize history

• Archivist
• Historic preservationist
• Historical associations & societies
• Museum curator
• Librarian
• Publishing
• Media
• Public historian
• Non-profit organizations
• Education

The study of history also provides a good foundation for pre-professional education in a number of areas, and helps to prepare the student for professional school entrance examinations. Many history majors find employment with one of the units of government in this country. The history major is particularly good preparation for the civil service examination. Many foreign service professionals were history majors who also studied foreign languages:

• Law
• Paralegal services
• Government service
• International relations
• Urban planning
• Business administration

Careers that apply historians' skills

Skills in research, critical analysis, information retrieval and communication -all essential to the history major-along with a well developed appreciation for differing times and cultures, makes a history major a good candidate for the following careers:

• Management
• Advertising
• Banking & investment services
• Market research
• Public relations
• Travel & tourism
• Politics

History Department

The history faculty at St. Scholastica is highly qualified, committed to quality education, and active in the affairs of the College, the Duluth community, and the world at large. One of the key features of the history program at St. Scholastica is its flexibility.

Among the advantages the history department offer are:

• A broad range of course offerings, extending from ancient to contemporary history, from the U.S. and Europe to Asia and Latin America
• Interdisciplinary and cross-listed
• Special topics courses that take advantage of faculty expertise
• Small classes, much individualized contact, and opportunity for
• Independent study projects

Major

A history major must successfully complete 36 semester credits in history and at least 20 of those credits must be completed at CSS. Required courses consist of HIS 3206 (Historiography and Historical Methods) and a 4000- level seminar. In addition, students must complete at least one course from each of the following fields (total of 12 credits): United States history, Asian history, and either World or European history. At least 20 of these credits must be upper division credits (3000 or higher).

Minor

A history minor must complete 20 credits in history, with at least 12 being completed at CSS. Required courses consist of HIS 3206 (Historiography and Historical Methods) and a 4000-level seminar.

Social Studies Secondary Education Major

This major is an outcome-based major approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. It provides Social Studies licensure for grades 5-12. This program requires the completion and assessment of outcomes in the social sciences (anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology); the integration of these disciplines; and teacher education. Basic social science outcomes, as specified by the Minnesota Board of Teaching, are achieved through the following courses: HIS 1101 or 1102; 1110 and 1111; 2201 or 2202, 2214, 3206 and 3327; HUM 1174; POL 2001 or 3331; PSY 1105; SOC 1125 and 2231. In addition to fulfilling these basic outcomes, each student must complete an additional 4 HIS credits. Students must also complete general requirements for Middle/Secondary licensure listed in the Education section of the catalog.

For Further Information

Robert H. Craig, Ph.D.
Dept. of History, Politics, and Culture, Chair
Phone: (218) 723-6256

OR

If you would like more information about our program or financial aid contact:

Admissions Office
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota 55811
(218) 723-6046 or 1-800-447-5444
TTY/TDD (218) 723-6790
e-mail: admissions@css.edu

Visitors are always welcome! To help us best plan for your visit, please call us in advance.

The College of St. Scholastica is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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