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History

Traditional Undergraduate

Studying the Past & Preparing for the Future

The study of history is critical for our understanding of the human experience. Through the study of history, we develop an understanding of who we are, where we came from, how and why our society has changed over time and how humans have interacted with each other and with the natural world. Hiram’s history major prepares students for active citizenship and for informed, thoughtful decision-making throughout their lives.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS AND ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Who are Hiram’s History Students?

Being a history major is much more than just memorizing the events of the past. History majors must develop a greater understanding of the patterns, the causes and effects, of human behavior and existence. History majors review facts as stepping stones towards the greater goal of understanding the ways in which human beings have come to live in the present. Students in the History program may also consider Education, Teacher Licensure; International Studies; Creative Writing; Classical & Medieval Studies; Asian Studies; or one of the other programs that Hiram College has to offer.

The Benefits of Studying History

The Hiram College History Program works closely with students to help them with career planning and preparation. Students complete historical research and writing history. We encourage and guide our students to think like historians and to get involved actively in the reconstruction and analysis of the past. The History Program also brings speakers to campus to discuss career opportunities for history majors. Alumni have gone on to become business leaders, lawyers, teachers and professors, political leaders, government workers, librarians, and leaders in non-profit organizations.

Do you want to teach Social Studies or History?

Our Education, Teacher Licensure program at Hiram College offers an Integrated Social Studies major for students who want to teach. Students who are majoring in Integrated Social Studies for the purpose of obtaining a license to teach will have different requirements and should consult with the Education Program in conjunction with the History Program.

Concentration in a Field of Study

History majors have the option of concentrating in a particular field of history. Students should discuss choosing a concentration with a History faculty member.

History and Law

This concentration will help you understand law and how it plays an integral part in human history. You may be interested in the Political Science or Crime, Law & Justice minors.
Regional History

With this concentration, you'll focus on a region of the world. Asian History is a common choice and is nicely complimented with the Asian Studies or International Studies minors.
Gender History

A concentration in Gender History explores how gender has defined roles throughout history. You'll explore historical and contemporary examples to understand the concepts of gender.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Many students at Hiram will complete an internship by the time they graduate–if not two or three! History students have worked in archives and historical societies and as interns for members of Congress. Students may study at the American University in Washington, D.C. They may also take part in the Drew University Semester on the United Nations.
History students may participate in extra mural programs which give them an opportunity to study history in the field. The program offers study trips to such destinations as Japan, the Caribbean, and England. For more information on all Study Abroad trips, visit the Study Away page.
The Hiram History Program has a local chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national History honor society. It is, as its mission statement says, “a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians.” Phi Alpha Theta sponsors a biennial convention, numerous awards, scholarships, and prizes, and local and regional activities. It also publishes a newsletter and a journal, The Historian; members receive a one-year free subscription to the journal.

MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE PHI ALPHA THETA WEBSITE.
Hiram’s History Club welcomes all students interested in the past; one need not be a history major to join. The club sponsors speakers on historical matters, field trips, and social events like picnics.

Pendleton House

Many of our classes are held in historic homes. Hiram College's History Program is located in Pendleton House, a restored, historic century house, which is also the center for various academic and social activities of history majors.
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