History
 

Program Faculty:  L’Merchie Frazier, M.A.; James Roche, M.A.; Rachel Schneider, M.A.; Janine Spinola Taylor, M.A.; William Stargard, Ph.D.; Stephen Thompson, B.D.

In the Program in History, students explore the ways in which people create and are created by their histories and cultures.  History and Art History are brought together in this interdisciplinary major that emphasizes the importance of understanding the ways in which the past informs present actions, ideas and creative expression.  Focus is centered on the Americas in a global context.  In particular, we focus on the construction and expression of identity for diverse groups and individuals, as well as the values and beliefs embodied in ideas, actions, and interactions within and among diverse communities.

The study of History and Art History is made vital and relevant through learning experiences outside the classroom.  Service learning in our courses enables our students to apply their knowledge, perspectives, and methodologies in projects serving the needs of Boston-area groups and organizations.  Students also acquire invaluable experience through their internships at various cultural organizations and museums in and around Boston.

The skills and cultural sensitivity that are developed through this major can be used in careers in both historical and art museums, public history organizations, education, journalism, and law.

There are three areas from which students can choose to concentrate in:

History of Race and Ethnicity Concentration:  This concentration offers History majors the opportunity to focus on race and ethnicity in the Americas and to explore the social constructions and cultural determinants defining its existence in a broader global context.

 Cultural History Concentration:  History majors in this concentration analyze and interpret the ideas, events, and artifacts that contribute to our understanding of the nature of culture and the construction of societies.

 Art History Concentration:  Students in this concentration examine the expressive functions, stylistic features, and historical contexts of paintings, sculptures, buildings, and related objects from the United States and elsewhere in the Americas.

Teacher Licensure (Elementary – Grades 1- 6)

Students who are majoring in History have the opportunity of taking courses that would make them eligible for teacher licensure in Elementary Education, grades 1 – 6.

Learning Outcomes of the
History Program:

• Critical understanding of the contemporary world (focusing on history, race, ethnicity, and art of the Americas) and its relationship to the historical past
• Effective written and oral communication skills in the analysis of the contemporary world and its historical past
• Practical application of the critical understanding skills and written/oral communication skills developed in the classroom