Department of History

Maura Hametz, Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-6132
Email: history@jmu.edu
Location: Wilson Hall 3032
Website: http://jmu.edu/history

Professors
K. Borg, P. Dillard, M. Gubser, M. Hametz, S. M. Hanifi, K. Hardwick, G. Lanier, M. Mulrooney, D. Owusu-Ansah, S. Reich, M. Seth

Associate Professors
R. Brannon, J. Davidson, C. Davis, T. Fitzgerald, E. Friss, M. Gayne, P. Herrington, Y. Hu, K. McCleary, A. Sandman, W. Van Norman, E. Westkaemper, A. Witmer

Assistant Professors
E. Dinka, T. Gonzalez, C. Moore

Mission

We regard history as an ever-evolving discipline based on the rigorous collection and critical analysis of evidence to explore the diversity of human experiences over time. As historians, we narrate the past by interpreting our sources, advancing informed perspectives on past social, political and cultural realities, while also providing essential contextual knowledge for the present. By teaching students how to interrogate the historical record, evaluate arguments based on the strength of the evidence and communicate complex ideas effectively, we prepare students to become discerning, productive and knowledgeable participants in a global society.

Inside the Classroom

Students of history will become well-rounded and engaged citizens by:

Acquiring knowledge of the human condition through the study of political, cultural and social experiences of people around the world
Learning the historical contexts of major political, intellectual, social, economic, religious and environmental events and transformations
Understanding the major cultural developments in fine and popular arts in societies around the world in their historical contexts
Discerning how people from a variety of societies hold differing values, ethics, and legal concepts and comprehending how these ideas relate to each other and to Western ideas and values

Students of history will gain the following skills

Reading, writing and speaking effectively and critically
Making informed judgments based on existing evidence
Locating printed and online information to research a topic exhaustively
Critically evaluating textual evidence by identifying its thesis, sources, conclusions, perspective, bias and reliability

Beyond the Classroom

While at JMU, students of history will bring the insights and skills they learn in the classroom to their relationship and experiences with their broader communities.

Possibilities for such interactions include:

Leading efforts to promote open dialogue, civic engagement and public service.
Fostering interdisciplinary relationships by engaging with the larger scholarly community at the university.
Participating in partnerships and events that expand and challenge their own worldview.
Studying abroad to deepen their understanding of cultural differences and non-US historical perspectives and experiences.
Becoming involved in professional work through internships.

Career Opportunities

Students graduating with a major or minor in history leave JMU with skills that are sought after by a wide range of employers. History graduates are adaptive learners and able project managers. As a result, they are particularly marketable in a world where professions change rapidly. Some of the career paths that history majors follow include:

Advertising
Archives and Libraries
Business
Communication
Digital humanities
Education
Government
Information Management
Journalism
Law
Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organizations
Project Management
Public History and Museums
Public Policy
Research
Teaching
Writing and Editing

Undergraduate work in history is also a successful foundation for advanced degrees in the humanities, law, the social sciences, medicine and other disciplines.

Co-curricular Activities and Organizations

Phi Alpha Theta (National Honor Society for History)
The Madison Historians

Cross Disciplinary Minors

Students majoring or minoring in history should consider adding a cross-disciplinary minor. The programs below are supported by history faculty and include courses that can be double-counted in the history major or minor. For more information, refer to cross-disciplinary Minors.

Credit by Examination

The Department of History offers credit by examination for HIST 101 , HIST 102 and HIST 225 . Students who want permission to take an examination must apply in writing to the individual designated on the department website, or the department head, during the regular registration period. The examinations are administered during the first month of each semester at a time and place set by the department. Additional information on credit by examination may be found at the Department of History website.