Academic Advising Resource Center

History

Why take courses in History?

History majors learn about the complexity of the past, and the varied ways that humans in different times and places have made sense of their world, including an understanding that contemporary categories, and societal structures are not “natural” or transhistorical, but that they have changed and evolved over time. They also gain empathy for the people of the past, understanding the world beyond a student’s own lived experience. Finally, the study of history informs majors and non-majors alike about how to make sense of the world by comprehending how the past influences the present and how the past can shape the future.

History majors also learn skills that are applicable to whatever they will do after Oberlin. They do research at multiple levels of the curriculum, and they gain skills in analyzing primary and secondary sources, learn how to make complex and nuanced arguments, and are able to communicate in a variety of formats and to a variety of audiences.

What kinds of questions does History explore?

  • How did people live in the past and what were the structures and institutions that shaped their experience? 

  • How have categories of analysis and societal structures changed and evolved over time?
  • How have human agency and structural factors influenced the course of history?

  • Is there such a thing as historical truth; and what is the role of “truth” in doing and writing history?

  • In what ways is the study of history relevant to the present?

  • What is the difference between history and memory?

 

What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in History?

Our department is a dynamic home for curious students. Our students study a broad range of historical viewpoints and events, problems and approaches to the societal, cultural, political, intellectual, economic, and global challenges and developments.

Taking Courses

Courses for non-majors or general interest

  • Any 100-level course. 100-level courses are broad surveys of a large geographical area and time period. A 200-level class may also be appropriate for students interested in gaining knowledge of a particular time period or topic.

Getting started in the major

Students are encouraged to take a FYSP taught by a History professor or a 100- or 200-level class in the History Department. 100-level classes and FYSPs do not presume any prior knowledge about the discipline of History. 200-level classes are a little more advanced; however, students with some experience in History and related disciplines (ex. If you’ve taken an AP or IB History course), often enjoy and do well in 200-level classes taken as early as their first semester.

    Advanced Placement Credit 

    Students may transfer AP/ HL-IB credit from the following examinations: AP Europe, World, or U.S. (score of 4 or 5), or HL-IB (score of 6 or 7) as one full course. Not available for major credit. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores. 

    Majoring in History

    Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.

    Sample Four-Year Plans
      Fall Spring
    Y1 HIST 1XX  
    Y2   HIST 299
    Y3 Study Away HIST 3XX
    Y4 HIST 4XX
    HIST 501    		 HIST 502
      Fall Spring
    Y1    
    Y2 HIST 1XX HIST 2XX
    Y3 HIST 299
    HIST 2XX    		 HIST 3XX
    Y4 HIST 3XX
    HIST 2XX    		 HIST 4XX
    HIST 2XX

     

    Related Areas of Study

    Africana Studies; Anthropology; Art History; Cinema and Media; Classics; Comparative American Studies; East Asian Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies; Hispanic Studies; Jewish Studies; Languages; Latin American Studies; Philosophy; Politics; Religion; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies; Sociology.

    Learn More

    History Major Requirements
    History Department