History

at a glance

Major icon MAJOR Minor icon MINOR

The study of history goes far beyond memorizing places and dates. A true look at history is a way of understanding how people and societies change over time. It stresses analysis and investigation and gives timeless insight into the human condition. By enrolling in our History program, you’ll better understand human nature and learn to think historically.

Careers: Historian, Lawyer, Politician, Education, Business Management

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STUDY THE PAST TO UNDERSTAND THE PRESENT AND BUILD THE FUTURE

In the words of Cicero, “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.” In our History program, you’ll acquire knowledge that will deepen your understanding of the world we live in. Because the program is built upon our Liberal Arts core, you’ll unlock the treasures of the past to gain a deeper understanding of our shared human nature and society at large.

light bulbFast Fact: The study of history has long been considered the ally of the politician and the lawyer. It teaches you to think, analyze, write and be persuasive, opening the doors to many career paths.

EXPLORE the OPPORTUNITY

History

successful history major skills you will gain

Skills you will gain with

A History degree

  1. Critical thinking —You’ll learn to study your sources with a critical eye and refine your skills in investigative analysis and understanding.
  2. Retention and expression — You’ll hone your abilities to read accurately and well, organize your thoughts and research and express yourself clearly in speech and writing.
  3. Cultivate a historical sense — By learning to think historically, you’ll free yourself from the presuppositions of our era and learn empathy for other peoples and places.
successful history major skills you will gain

CAREER PATHS

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ADMISSIONS

A look into the

HISTORY DEPARTMENT

Paul Baxa, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of History

Paul BaxaEducation: B.A., History, York University; M.A., History, University of Toronto; Ph.D., History, University of Toronto
Office: Henkels 2019
Email: paul.baxa@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1661

Mary Blanchard, D.Phil.

Chair of the History Department, Assistant Professor of History

Mary BlanchardEducation: B.A., History, Ave Maria University; M.A., Medieval Studies, Western Michigan University; D.Phil, History, University of Oxford
Office: Henkels 2045
Email: mary.blanchard@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1563

Michael Breidenbach, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of History

Michael BreidenbachEducation: B.A., American Studies & History, Northwestern University; M. Phil, Political Thought & Intellectual History, University of Cambridge; Ph.D., History, University of Cambridge
Office: Henkels 2014A
Email: michael.breidenbach@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1570
Website: https://www.michaelbreidenbach.com

Daniel Davy, Ph.D.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, DEAN OF FACULTY

Daniel DavyEducation: B.A., History, Ave Maria University; M.Sc. (honors), History, University of Edinburgh; Ph.D., History, University of Otago, New Zealand
Office: Henkels 2056
Email: daniel.davy@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7127

ALEX CRAWFORD, PH.D., FSASCOT

Instructor of History

CrawfordPhD Alexander

Office: LIBR 168
Education: BA, History, Ave Maria University; MLitt, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, University of Aberdeen; PhD, History, University of Aberdeen

 

Thomas Maurer, Ph.D.

Instructor of History

Thomas Maurer

Office: Henkels 3034
Education: Ph.D., Medieval History, University of Tennessee

In addition to the core curriculum, history majors take the following courses

Required Courses for the Major

  • HIST 100 Freshman Seminar
  • HIST 201 The Formation of Europe, c. 800-1648
  • HIST 202 Imagining Modern Europe, 1648-Present
  • HIST 208 History of the United States from the Colonial Era to Reconstruction or HIST 209 History of the United States from Reconstruction to the Present
  • HIST 490 History Seminar/HIST 495 Honors Thesis
  • Nine Major Courses (five required, four electives)
Click the button to view our typical 4-year plan.

Any job needs people who can think, analyze, write and be persuasive, and those are the skills history majors learn in addition to acquiring historical knowledge and understanding about the world they live in. The American Historical Association details the careers that historians should consider.

Required Courses

  • HIST 100 Freshman Seminar
  • 4 History Electives (16 credits)

More to help you

ON YOUR JOURNEY

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CAREER SERVICES

Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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GO AHEAD AND APPLY!

Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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