History

The goals of the history curriculum are to engender an informed, critical, and articulate sense of the past, an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, and an awareness of the role of tradition in shaping the present. The major develops a variety of practical research and communication skills and provides a foundation for graduate work, the study of law, teaching, archival and library sciences, and many careers in business and the professions.

The history faculty at Gonzaga University believe in an active approach to the study of the discipline. All members of the department teach entry- level courses as well as upper division offerings. Teaching is the primary concern of the faculty, but they also know that to teach something well one has to be researching in the field. Therefore, the department encourages publication by its faculty, attendance at professional conferences, and association with civic agencies. Field trips -- some sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta, the international history honorary -- are another means by which the faculty promote history as a field of study.

The interest of current students and the experiences of recent graduates help to shape the curriculum of courses in the Gonzaga History Department.

For information on major and minor requirements in history, see Programs.