Seminars & Events
On Thursday, January 24th, 4:15-5:15, Information Session for Study Tour to Peru! Kent Hall 213.
On Monday, February 18, 4:45 pm, Natasha Zaretsky, Ph.D. from Rutgers University, will speak on the "Legacies of Repression: Testimony, Citizenship, and Survival in Jewish Buenos Aires." Location TBA.
See the History Department Calendar for more information!
Program Highlight
The Colonial History Concentration takes advantage of our special relationship with Historic St. Mary's City, the first capital of Maryland and a colonial archeological site, research facility, and museum.
SMP Spotlight
"My St. Mary's Project was truly the culminating experience for my undergraduate years. The process brought me full circle; I was able to take a piece of literature I had read in my very first semester and keep discussing and applying theory to it in my last. My SMP proved to me that I could sustain great ideas and discipline myself, even when I was discouraged. Working so closely with my SMP mentor, Christine Adams, was really valuable, offering a one-on-one environment that I had never had with my regular classes. I came away from my project knowing more about my topic than I thought I ever would -- and I still love it!"
Welcome
The discipline of history is at the core of a liberal arts education, illuminating the ideas, institutions, and sentiments by which people have attempted to order their world. The St. Mary's College history department exposes students to the richness and diversity of human experience over time and in different geographic regions. In the course of their studies, students will develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their culture, and humanity in general.
To broaden their knowledge, students are expected to take a range of courses in American, European, Asian, African, Latin American, and ancient history. In addition, our classes span the centuries, from the earliest history to the modern day and are based on diverse methodologies, including political, social, intellectual, and cultural history. Students also enjoy opportunities to gain hands-on experience in colonial history, archeology, and museum studies at Historic St. Mary's City, which is affiliated with the college.
The practice of history relies heavily on critical reading and many forms of analytical and narrative writing. Carrying out historical research and reporting their discoveries both in written form and orally, students develop their ability to listen and think critically and communicate effectively.
Students will also learn to think historically and to appreciate the contested nature, limits, and possibilities of historical knowledge as they explore the ways in which historians have interpreted the past.
The study of history at St. Mary's College thus lays a solid foundation for the future pursuit of a wide range of careers, including law, public policy, foreign service, library science, public history, academia, journalism, and international business.
