History at Arcadia
The program in History at Arcadia University is designed to expand students’ comprehension of the past so that they can understand the present and prepare for the future. By fostering awareness of the multiple influences behind human action, the program aims to reject simplistic explanations of the past.
Stress is put on the global context and interconnectedness of historical events. Lectures, readings in original and secondary sources, group discussion and presentations, fieldwork, research projects and seminars provide a variety of techniques for understanding the world’s diverse civilizations and the key turning points in their development and interactions.
What to Expect
- Preparation for teaching
- Preparation for graduate school, research and writing
- Opportunities to study abroad at some of the top universities in the world
Career Paths
- The program prepares students for careers in teaching, the law, private employment, government service, research and writing, for further study in history on the graduate level, and for responsible citizenship in the contemporary world.
- Graduates have gone into management, museum work, marketing, investment counseling, travel and tourism, and many other fields, as well as graduate study in history, law and public administration.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree program studies significant events and processes of the past and relates them to the present by examining the changing character of peoples’ values, interests, ambitions and critical problems.
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History Minor
The minor in History offers students majoring in other fields the opportunity to draw upon the past in order to broaden their understanding of the present and promotes the development of skills in research, analysis, and communication that are basic to success in any career.
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Study Abroad in History
History majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a variety of reasons, including directly experiencing societies being studied, making friendships and connections that can last a lifetime, and practicing foreign language skills. Above all, personal familiarity with foreign cultures is a mind-expanding experience that is extremely valuable in an ever more interconnected world.
History majors who plan to study abroad typically should do so during the summer, sophomore or junior years only. Senior year involves the completion of a yearlong research project, which requires the student to be on Arcadia campus.
Students studying abroad typically do so for one semester. However, some students choose to study abroad for an entire academic year or more. Ideally, students should choose study abroad courses that fit directly into their academic interests, prospective senior research project ideas, and/or future career goals.
If studying a foreign language or expertise in a foreign language serves future career needs, students are advised to study in a country where that language is used. This is by far the best way to develop foreign language proficiency quickly.
Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their adviser as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the department chair and the Office of Study Away.
