Program Overview

Introduction to the History Program

The History program at Ohio Dominican University offers students the opportunity to explore the past from the perspective of both general knowledge and particular areas of interest. Courses in American, Western, and non-Western areas comprise the core of the curriculum.

Program Highlights

• Major and minor available in History
  • Minor also available in Classics
• Small class sizes allow professors to interact, instruct, and mentor students on a personal level
• The program develops knowledge and understanding of the past for its own sake and as an intelligent means of navigating the present and looking ahead to the future

Degree and Course Requirements

The study of History at Ohio Dominican University offers students a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in History. Additionally, there is a minor available in Classics. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of historical events and processes, as well as the skills to critically evaluate source materials, present information in various formats, and communicate ideas effectively.

Outcomes and Careers

Graduates of the History program are prepared for a variety of careers or continuing on with graduate school. They develop a number of skills, including:

• Discovering the location of resources through a variety of research techniques
• Critically evaluating source materials
• Presenting information in a variety of formats and styles
• Successfully and precisely communicating ideas in text
• Comparing differing viewpoints and interpretations
• Drawing inferences and explaining complex events History graduates are prepared for careers in fields such as:
• Business
• Education
• Government agencies
• Historical organizations
• Law
• Museums

Program Philosophy

The program is based on the belief that knowledge of the past is essential to functioning intelligently in the present and charting the wisest course for the future. The study of history frees one from narrowness, from presentness, and from arrogance; it conveys an awareness of alternatives. By taking the long view of causes, contexts, and chronologies of past events, the well-trained student of history is able to analyze the breadth of human experience from multiple perspectives. The emphasis on critical thinking skills in research, reading, and writing is applicable to many different career paths.