History Department Overview

The Department of History is concerned with both the social milieu and the individual’s desire for a satisfying life. The courses are intended to contribute to an understanding of the present by acquainting students with significant historical data; promoting understanding of social, cultural, and political development; providing a perspective from which to view political, social, and religious issues; promoting an appreciation of possible contributions of religious faith to society; and developing bases and skills for criticism, evaluation, and interpretation.

For personal needs, courses are intended to aid in the development of habits, attitudes, and capacities that contribute to students’ satisfactory adjustment to their work, social situation, and faith. Courses in the department provide background for further work in the social sciences, for teaching or graduate studies, or for certain professions such as law, journalism, and the ministry. The department provides opportunity for appreciation of cultural pursuits; encouraging tolerance and sympathetic understanding in the areas of personal, social, and intercultural relations; equipping for good citizenship; and encouraging an intelligent, Christ-motivated nonconformity.

History Department Mission

The department encourages students and faculty:

to know the historical development of the Christian faith and the ways it has expressed itself in various cultures
to appreciate diverse social and intellectual traditions, especially in their historical context.

The department seeks:

to provide a perspective from which to view political, economic, social, and religious issues
to understand the basic foundations of western and non-western civilizations, especially exploring their commitment to tolerance and diversity
to analyze the interconnectedness of the larger world
to integrate Christian faith with human knowledge and experience

We desire

to equip students for good citizenship
to encourage an intelligent, Christ-centered non-conformity.

To reach these objectives, the department cultivates the skills of

positive, reflective critical judgement
oral and written communication
respect and empathy for others

IMAGES, FROM TOP: (1) Ban Zhao (c. 45 - c. 120), Chinese woman of letters and historian of the Han Dynasty - From the University of Oregon; (2) Einhard (c. 770 - 840), Frankish historian, architect, and biographer of Charlemagne - From the Bibliothèque Nationale de France; (3) Harriet Martineau (1802-1877), English novelist, essayist, and historian - From the University of Texas Library.