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About the Program

The History department emphasizes thinking historically about the world, the nation, the community and the self. Based on careful examination and evaluation of evidence – textual, oral, visual, digital and more - we aim to provide “usable pasts,” or interpretations useful to the present, according to the avenues of modern historical inquiry. Our department specializes in modern U.S. History, European History and Global History, emphasizing themes such as diverse perspectives in history, cultural and intellectual history and writing history.

Our students do history through active research in traditional media, such as in Drew’s Special Collections and the renowned Methodist Archives on campus, as well as in new media, such as digital humanities. We have an engaged student History Club, a chapter in Phi Alpha Theta (the National History Honor Society), and stipends for student research via the Leavell-Oberg Summer Fellowships. We also offer a combined BA/MA program with Drew’s graduate History and Culture program.

Our focus on the assessment of evidence, skilled analysis, discerning interpretation, and clarity of written expression provides an excellent foundation that can be applied in many areas of employment; a number of our majors have proceeded to work in the areas of law, policy, and foreign affairs. Our deep appreciation for how past developments shape the present is essential in many public careers, including government, museums and archives, journalism, diplomacy, even the military and intelligence work. 

Faculty

• Chair: Karen Pechilis, Professor
• Professors: Jonathan Rose
• Associate Professors: Frances Bernstein, James Carter, C.Wyatt Evans, Sharon Sundue
• Professor Emerita/Emeritus: Lillie Edwards, J. Perry Leavell, Charles Wetzel, Thomas Christofferson

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

A score of 4 or 5 on the American history examination exempts the student from HIST 101  or HIST 102 . A score of 4 or 5 on the European history examination exempts the student from HIST 104  or HIST 105 . 

Programs

• History Major

• History Minor

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