The study of history is more than the survey of monarchies, colonies, industrialization and the dates of wars waged.

Historians seek to understand the past and how it can impact the future of humankind. A truly interdisciplinary field that encompasses art, architecture, economics, philosophy, politics, technology and more, history is made every single day. At Emmanuel, you will explore the enormous variety of human experiences and how society has evolved from its past—or if it is destined to repeat it.

A Best-in-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Student-Faculty Research Highlight: History

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.A. in History

Choose three from the following:

  • HIST1105 United States History to 1877 (H) (HI)
  • HIST1106 United States History Since 1877(H) (HI)
  • HIST1107 African History: Themes (H) (HI)
  • HIST1108 World History to 1500 (H) (HI) (DM)
  • HIST1109 Modern World History (H) (HI)
  • HIST1111 An Introduction to East Asian History (HI) (DM)
  • HIST1114 Creating the Atlantic World (HI)

Required Core Courses:

  • HIST2701 Historical Methods and Research (WI)
  • HIST4000 Senior Seminar
  • HIST4194/95 Internship I & II
  • Five other departmental courses; at least three must be at the 3000-level

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in History

  • Five department courses: one must be at the 3000-level and no more than three at the 1000-level

Learning Goals & Outcomes

  • Analysis. Through evaluation of historical information, data, sources, and methodologies, students will broaden and deepen their critical thinking and analytical skills and understand how different ideas (political, cultural, economic, religious), geography (location, environment, resources), and diversity (race, class, gender, ethnicity) have influenced historical interpretations. Students are equipped with the necessary intellectual skills in the pursuit of knowledge.

  • ResearchStudents conduct primary and secondary source research utilizing up-to-date methods and sources, including digital and media resources; students will know how to locate, evaluate, and ethically use this information effectively in constructing an argument. Through research and dialogue, students reflect on diverse perspectives in all that they research.

  • Historiographical Literacy. Students will be able to compare and contrast historical interpretations, recognizing there is no one historical truth and that interpretations have changed, and will continue to change, over time. Through research students will be ale to examine cultures in a comparative context and to place their own culture, values, and ethics within larger historical narratives, methods, and fields, deepening their sense of responsibility. 

  • Communication Skills. Students will learn to construct and present persuasive arguments in written, oral, and digital forms that clearly and coherently communicate factual and conceptual understandings of historical change and narratives. 

  • Career PreparationStudents are able to apply the knowledge acquired as a history major in their internship and practicum experience by giving them the opportunity to “do history” and to engage in ethical and creative problem solving for companies, organizations, and institutions. Through these hands-on experiences students are able to explore the many careers available in and out of the field by demonstrating the ability to transfer the analytical, research, and communication skills of a history major to their chosen profession. Students gain valuable professional experience and build relationships, seeing themselves as part of a larger whole, adding value through teamwork and leadership.

Students seeking teacher licensure in history must complete a major in history as well as complete required education courses and student teaching. Education requirements are available through the education department.

Students seeking Initial Licensure in Massachusetts must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
 

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

In a city with so much history, Boston has many museums, libraries and organizations focused on preserving, interpreting and educating on issues of the past and how they’ve influenced the present. Sites include the John F. Kennedy Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Massachusetts Historical Society, as well as in surrounding areas such as Mystic Seaport, Nantucket, Lexington and Newport.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

Dive into historiography, the history of historical writing. You will become familiar with historical methods, classic and recent interpretations of history, varieties of approaches to the past, and major ideologies and arguments in the field. The course provides you a foundation for your future research.