An entranceway to Bosworth Hall, built of Indiana limestone, fronts Tappan Square and has a central Romanesque tower and hand-carved medieval doorways. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97
College of Arts and Sciences

History

Program Type:
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Department of History provides students with a broad range of historical viewpoints and events, problems and approaches to the societal, cultural, political, intellectual, economic, and global challenges and developments. Rigorous coursework coupled with a research component helps our students gain deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Program Director

Renee Romano

Professor of History, Comparative American Studies, and Africana Studies
Department Affiliation
History
Contact

Kathy King

Administrative Assistant 440-775-8520

Why Study History at Oberlin?

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Study Away Programs
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Variety of Courses
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Archival Collections
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Brochure from Digital History Lab project on the Washington, D.C. courts of the 19th century. Photo credit: Digital History Lab

Digital History Lab

The Digital History Lab (DHL) is a learning and teaching resource for students and faculty interested in applying digital methods to the study of history. DHL features seminar projects that emphasize experiential learning and student learning outcomes and individual projects driven by faculty research. Students can take select courses that use the digital humanities or can apply for summer or winter-term opportunities with faculty interested in working with students using digitally focused research.

Browse DHL

Student Clubs and Organizations

With nearly 200 student groups and clubs from which to choose, you’d be hard pressed not to get involved in something. From literary to faith and identity, and from counseling to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs open to new and returning students.

Special Collections

Our history courses provide entry points into many related fields of study, including comparative American studies, Jewish history, Africana studies, the classics, among others. You’ll have a variety of digital and electronic resources at your fingertips to delve into the kinds of research that interests you.

Sample Courses

  • HIST 285 - American Indians: Pre-Columbus to the Present 4 credits
  • HIST 180 - Global Environmental History 4 credits
  • HIST 238 - Slavery in the U.S. 4 credits
  • HIST 383 - Borders, Wars, and Refugees from the Ottoman Empire to ISIS 4 credits
View course catalog for requirements

History Faculty

Explore Faculty within History

“The Oberlin history department offers students a chance to work closely with committed and accomplished faculty, to immerse themselves in the study of many different eras and geographic locations, and to discover the ways in which understanding history is central to the practice of engaged citizenship today.”

Renee Romano , Professor of History, Comparative American Studies, and Africana Studies
See Profile

History News

downtown oberlin ohio

Q&A with “What is Sanctuary?” Panelists

February 8, 2018
The concept of sanctuary is often part of today’s discussions about immigration, but the idea of providing sanctuary has ancient roots. Learn about the different meanings and practices during “What is Sanctuary?” on Tuesday, February 13.
View all History news

Related Programs