Department Vision Statement

The History Department is a center for innovative history teaching and student research;  professional social studies teacher education; faculty research and scholarship; and experiential learning. 

We provide a comprehensive education in Social Studies teaching and History that leads to multiple professional career paths. We work with students to achieve a lifetime of learning and purpose which includes a commitment to democratic citizenship.

Values

We value:

Critical historical inquiry that recognizes complexity, multiple explanations of change, and the active role of humans in shaping their histories and their understanding of the past.

Diverse, innovative, and effective pedagogical strategies that enable students to gain historical knowledge and analytical skills.

A diverse and respectful learning community comprised of faculty, students and staff.

Modeling outstanding teaching as we prepare future educators.

Teaching history through conversations that are best conducted in small classes with an open-minded, respectful, and questioning spirit.

The liberal arts tradition, which encourages open-ended and open-minded inquiry, respectful dialogue, and interdisciplinary research.

General Education and embrace an active and vigorous role in the university's General Education program.

Interdisciplinary and collaborative scholarship and teaching.

Faculty scholarship, which informs excellent teaching and involve students when possible.

Student historical research-in class, in self-directed research projects, and in collaboration with faculty.

Faculty and student participation in international and cross-cultural study.

Collaboration with the broader community, both academic and non-academic.