History

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Chairperson: Dr. Christopher J. Olsen
Department Office: Stalker Hall, room 104
Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/history
E-mail: history@indstate.edu

The Department of History offers a variety of programs and courses which lead students to knowledge of the human past, to ways of understanding that past, and to an appreciation for the great variety of uses of the past. The rewards of historical study include a disciplined intellect, a well-furnished imagination, and a recognition of both the unity and diversity of the human experience. The broad liberal arts foundation available through a major in history deepens students’ understanding of the complex world in which they live. This knowledge stimulates effective participation in contemporary society, and enables students to cultivate those mental skills required for success in a wide range of employment areas. A major or minor in history provides an excellent background for a career in law, theology, business, government service, writing, or college and secondary teaching, and for specialized work as a museum curator, librarian, archivist, editor, archeologist, historical society administrator, historic site specialist, or research historian.

In support of the liberal arts and sciences mission of the College of Arts and Sciences and of Indiana State University, the Department of History participates in the Social Science Education , African and African American Studies,  General Education , Honors , International Studies ,Latin American and Latino Studies , and Women’s Studies  Program.

 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Degrees Offered

The Department of History offers one curriculum leading to a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Candidates for either degree must complete the University requirement of a minimum of 124 credit hours, including General Education  course work, as well as the requirements for the departmental major. Candidates for a bachelor of arts degree must also complete two years, or the equivalent, of a foreign language. The Department of History participates in the Social Science Education  Program leading to teaching licensure, with students able to choose history as one area of concentration.

History majors and minors can choose from courses in the history of the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as a selection of specialized topical, period, and regional courses in most of these areas. Majors may also choose to concentrate in public and applied history or Mediterranean history.

The History Honors Program enables qualified students to do specialized work in the field.  Students may exercise this option by enrolling in History Honors following consultation with the Department Chairperson and acceptance into the program.  History majors with a general cumulative average of 3.0 and a 3.3 average in history may apply for entry into the program.  Arrangements for admission must be made no later than the second semester of the sophomore year.  See course descriptions for 310, 400, and 401.

Departmental Opportunities

The Department of History offers a number of opportunities designed to enable students to make the most of their study in this field. Majors and minors in the department are assigned a faculty academic advisor. Students are encouraged to maintain good contact with their advisors, and are expected to work with their advisors prior to registration each semester. Students who do so are more likely to meet their goals and achieve academic success. Students can learn who their assigned advisors are by consulting the college, the department, or their DARS. 

The department houses the Research Center for Local History and Culture, which supports students from all disciplines who want to undertake original research into the history and culture of Terre Haute, the Wabash Valley, or Indiana and Illinois.  As part of the concentration in public and applied history, the department also offers majors and minors the opportunity to complete an internship at a local museum, archive, or other historic site.  Previous students have worked at C.A.N.D.L.E.S., the Vigo County Historical Society, ISU’s Cunningham Library, and the Clabber Girl Museum, among other sites. 

The Department of History cooperates with the University of Malta in offering an exchange program for students of the two institutions. Qualified students may spend one semester or a full year studying at the University of Malta, earning credits that apply towards their degrees at ISU.  Instruction at the University of Malta is in English.

The Department of History offers opportunities for extracurricular and social activities for majors and minors. Students with the requisite grade point average and class rank may become members of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honorary society. These groups host lectures and sponsor field trips and social gatherings.  The department’s “Friends of History” organization, funded by contributions from alumni and faculty, supports visiting speakers and scholars and student events such as conferences and symposiums. 

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