About the History Department
Advancing Inclusive Histories
History teaches how the past has shaped society today and equips students with powerful tools to guide our future. The Gustavus History Department helps students become better citizens and leaders for the country and the world. Here, you won't be memorizing a list of dates, and you won't be passively listening to endless lectures. The History faculty builds classes to be in dialogue with the past and in conversation with students, so you are learning History in the context of current world events. Why did this happen in the past? How do historical events shape what is happening now? What are the implications of what happened in the past for us, the country we live in, and the world? And what do we do next? You will be in a self-reflective and action-oriented environment, studying world events from China in 1,000 BCE up through the global social justice movements of today.
Gustavus History trains students to thrive in a host of careers in the public and private sectors, including business, law, government, librarian and archival sciences, human resources, and public service. The major also thoroughly prepares students for graduate study in the discipline and related professional fields such as law, museum studies, library science, political science, and international relations. History majors at Gustavus are uniquely experienced in analyzing data, understanding information in a broader context, synthesizing research, and using clear verbal and written communication. You will develop essential tools for any career.
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