Historians seek to bring the past to life with the understanding that what we know of the past is not static but constantly evolving. The study of history encompasses all aspects of human experience in all parts of the world, and recognizes that the lives of ordinary people are as full of interest and significance as those of famous leaders. Students of history become involved in the process of creating a shared understanding of past events, but also pursue areas of history which are relevant to their own concerns.

 

The mission of the Department  of History is to teach students about the past and ways of learning about the past. Our instructors not only impart historical knowledge, but, of equal importance, strive to acquaint students with the various approaches to the study of History which exist within the discipline and provide them with the research skills which will enable them to analyze any issue within its historical context. We do so with the understanding that students' lives will be enriched, and their contributions to their communities enhanced, by an appreciation of the diversity of human experience and the complex relationships and continuities between past and present 

 

The teaching and research expertise of our faculty is diverse, encompassing such fields as Aboriginal, cultural, economic, environmental, international relations, political, social, and gender and women's history, and focusing on Canada, the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. All of our instructors not only impart historical knowledge, but, of equal importance, strive to acquaint students with the various approaches to the study of History which exist within the discipline and provide them with the research skills which will enable them to analyze any issue within its historical context. Because our classes are relatively small, you will be able to pursue your studies in close collaboration with your professors.

 

Our programs prepare you for a diverse range of career opportunities. While many of our graduates enter the field of teaching, just as many pursue graduate degrees and university teaching careers, and others find employment in history-related fields such as archival and library work and historical research. Because knowledge of the past is essential for understanding the present and anticipating the future, graduates of our programs are also found wherever their analytical, writing and organizational skills are needed. Alumni from our programs are found in fields such as adminstration, business, government service, law, medicine, management, the military, computer programming, publishing, and journalism.