Let the past be illuminated and the present better understood as you study human history.
Gain perspectives of time and place as you examine the complexities of our human history and experience. Grounded in a disciplined study of the past, you will be well-equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century. History majors and minors take courses on histories from around the world, as well as a field specialization in one region or theme. History students develop sharp reading, writing and research skills, preparing them for advanced graduate study or careers in education, public affairs, law, business and more.
What You’ll Study
- Five courses in a field of specialization
- Three courses drawn from western and non-western fields
- A course on any period before 1800
- Senior thesis
Student Projects
The Pacific and its Native Peoples
Gabby Lupola ’21 (center) with Chamorro scholars Harvey Mudd College Professor Alfred Flores and UCLA Professor Keith Camacho. Lupola researches the Pacific and its Native peoples in connection to issues of settler colonialism, indigeneity, military-industrial complex, the environment, intermarriage, language and cultural renewal.
Latinx Veterans of U.S. Wars
Lerick Gordon-Cuevas ’22 conducted historical research on Latinx experiences within the U.S. military, ranging from the Vietnam War to the present day. Gordon-Cuevas’ work highlighted the sacrifices of Latinx veterans in the armed forces through their own words and stories.
I really enjoy the flexibility that comes with majoring in history. Being able to take upper division courses and seminars with little to no prerequisites allows me to choose the classes that truly interest me, whenever I want to take them. And with the wide variety of fields that are offered, I’m able to learn about the histories of people from all around the world during a variety of different historical eras, all while being able to focus on my own specialization within the major.