A major in History provides students with the opportunity to understand life in the present by exploring the rich and varied experiences of people who lived in the past. It trains the mind to think both abstractly and concretely, using analytic skills required for balanced reflection. It also provides excellent training in the interpretation of evidence and contributes to the development of strong reading and writing skills. Majors are prepared to pursue careers in any field that draws upon the strong analytic and communication skills, deepened perspective, and breadth of vision that come from the study of the past. Many Assumption History majors go on to enjoy successful careers in business, journalism, law, education, and public service.
History majors:
- study the past in different ways than they experienced in high school, including forming their own interpretations of original sources created decades, centuries, and even millennia ago. They decipher the meanings of letters, newspapers, maps, paintings, advertisements, architecture, movies, and many, many more kinds of primary sources.
- take courses that treat the greater Worcester area as their classroom. Their professors lead visits to the Worcester Art Museum, the American Antiquarian Society, the Museum of Russian Icons, the Hanover Theater, Mechanics Hall, local churches, synagogues, and mosques … and even the University’s campus in Rome.
- complete a major research project under the guidance of a history professor. They finish this project by the end of the fall semester of their senior year so they can include in their portfolio when they apply for jobs, internships, or graduate programs.
- learn how to recognize biased opinions and ‘fake news” through careful consideration of all kinds of evidence. In the process, they further develop their ability to express their own ideas in a convincing manner, backing up their ideas with facts and evidence.
- are prepared to enter a career in just about any field, including law, business, education, government, and nonprofits. Their professors help them cultivate skills that employers value, including thinking contextually, managing information responsibly, expressing ideas clearly, and working independently.
Required Courses (11 Courses)
Additional Required Courses (8 Courses)
Eight (8) additional HIS courses, six of which must be at the 200 level or above, with a minimum of one from each of the three groups below. Students are permitted to count no more than two 100-level courses towards the major.
Group I European History
Group II North American History
Group III World History
Other Recommendations
While History majors may take up to 14 courses in History, they are urged to take courses in related disciplines, such as Anthropology, Art History, Economics, Geography, Latin American Studies, Literature, Peace and Conflict Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Racial and Ethnic Studies, Sociology, Theology, and Women’s Studies, to broaden their liberal arts backgrounds. Students intending to pursue graduate work should note that a reading knowledge of French, German, Italian, Spanish, or other foreign languages is often required of doctoral candidates and in some cases of master’s candidates. Internships for credit are available for History majors.
The interdisciplinary American Studies Seminar of the American Antiquarian Society and five Worcester colleges and universities is available on a competitive basis to outstanding Assumption students from across the disciplines every fall. This seminar fulfills the HIS 400 Research Methods requirement for History majors and minors.