History

We believe that a critical understanding of the past cultivates a deeper appreciation and understanding of both the present and future. Upon graduation, you will have a profound knowledge of historical trends across cultures in at least two different geographical or thematic areas; you will be able to critically assess the value of information by identifying, interpreting, and narrating significant historical data; you will learn how to discuss a historiographical work by identifying the basic motivations and methodological approaches of the author within the discipline of History; and you will be prepared for further study and work through your mastery of reading primary texts and writing historical essays.

The educational goals for this major are as follows:

• You will practice the craft of historical research and writing. You will be able to:
  • Identify and ask historical questions.
  • Understand how people, ideas, and geography intersected to create historical movements.
  • Construct a factual narrative of historical events and historical change.
  • Identify periodization and understand change over time.
• You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of historical events and periods and their significance. You will be able to:
  • Place events, people, and movements within their proper historical context.
  • Distinguish between parallels and differences between previous historic moments and their present situation
• You will develop the following skills that are critical to historical thinking:
  • Understand the differences between primary and secondary sources.
  • Interpret primary and secondary sources in a critical way.
  • Construct written historical arguments in a persuasive way.  
  • Present your historical arguments to your peers in small group discussions and in oral presentations.
• You will be able to explain and critique the historical schools of thought that have shaped the understanding of their fields of study. You will also be able to:
  • Understand how race, gender, class, ethnicity, and religion shape historical narratives.
  • Engage with how history shapes thought, policy, and actions that pervade the world around you.

There is perhaps no better place than Paris to delve into the enriching exploration of history. You will find that the legacy of this vibrant city remains visible in its world-renowned monuments and museums, which is why regular visits to sites around Paris, as well as other important cities across the continent, are integral to our program. We also incorporate diverse disciplines into our curriculum, including art history, film, comparative literature, and psychology, in order to help you place history within its proper geographical, temporal, and cultural contexts. As you see the power of the past come alive in the classroom and in the city, you will recognize that ultimately, history is a way of understanding the full human experience.

With every single one of our majors, you’ll find a carefully curated medley of core courses and electives, which will provide you with the tools you need to establish an unshakeable foundation in the principles and concepts fundamental to your growth within your disciplines of choice. Many majors also enable you to specialize further within the broader area of study.

BROWSE ALL MAJORS AND REQUIREMENTS

The History core courses, which you must take as part of the major requirements, will provide you with the tools you’ll need to ground your present and future studies. Your introduction to the fundamentals of History will help pave the way for your successful completion of other History courses.