History Major Mission Statement
The history major at DeSales University offers a pre-professional, liberal arts course of study that teaches students about the political, cultural, and social dynamics of humans and human relationships in a variety of time periods and geographic contexts including the United States, Europe, and the larger world. The major upholds a Catholic, Christian humanist philosophy, and, in accordance with academic freedom, conducts a serious dialogue with other forms of interpretation. The major prepares students for careers in teaching, museums, and archives, as well as graduate study in law, public history, government, and education.
History Major Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from DeSales University with a major in history will be able to:
- read analytically, think critically, write argumentatively, speak persuasively, and conduct historical research;
- demonstrate knowledge about the history of the United States;
- demonstrate knowledge about European history;
- demonstrate knowledge about the history of the world outside the United States and Europe;
- apply Christian humanist philosophy to historical dialogue.
History majors learn about the ways in which human beings have sought to understand and determine their relationships with each other, nature, and divinity. Students of history study these dynamics over many centuries across the globe. History majors take courses in three main fields: United States, European, and world. Students work intensively on problem solving and persuasive written and oral communication, skills that are absolutely necessary for a broad range of careers in such fields as education, law, public policy, and business. Secondary school teaching certification is available through the Department of Education.
