The history program at The University of Olivet is experience-based, practical, and career-focused. Our program aligns with top history programs across the country by requiring each history major to choose two marketable concentrations. We also offer unique opportunities for hands-on learning in our on-campus Hosford History Center and Lawrence Archives.
Our 170-year-old building, renovated in 2019, the Hosford, is a museum-archives-café that serves as a hands-on history learning lab and gathering center. At the Hosford, students can not only research with primary source archival items, communicate history to the public through the creation of museum displays and virtual outreach through online platforms, but also spend time together for our weekly History League time during Seminar. Our undergraduate student experiences at the Hosford have attracted the attention of multiple state and local historic organizations and institutions that have recruited our students to apply for internships, jobs, and graduate programs. Our history program includes hands-on career-building experiences throughout the curriculum, starting with a required first-year internship at the Hosford and expanding from there. This program is also an active leader in working with The University of Olivet’s Teaching Pathways program for students who are interested in becoming K-12 teachers.
Each history major chooses one regional specialization and one thematic specialization, typically by the start of the student’s third year. In addition to the broad and deep historical knowledge paired with research, analysis, and communication skills that each history student gains, these specialization concentrations allow students to direct their studies toward their intended career path. Students graduate with a history major that includes either a global or a western history regional specialization, as well as one of four interdisciplinary, thematic specializations.
In addition to the core course requirements for all history majors, each history major will choose two specialized concentrations: one regional concentration and one interdisciplinary thematic concentration.
History Learning Outcomes
With the completion of this degree program, the following learning outcomes can be expected:
- Apply the knowledge gained through various hands-on, innovative learning experiences, as well as practical, career preparation - from our campus Hosford History Center and Lawrence Archives to the international professional level - to establish a career upon graduation and beyond.
- Demonstrate a broad and deep knowledge of both regional and interdisciplinary thematic history.
- Utilize knowledge of the change over time of diverse peoples and societies to broaden perspective of the complexity and richness of our historic and contemporary world.
- Apply research methods and analysis skills to construct historical arguments based on physical, as well as digital, primary and secondary sources.
- Communicate historical ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly in written, verbal, as well as innovative virtual and visual formats.
- Demonstrates the ability to individually and collaboratively utilize historical experiences, knowledge, methods, skills and perspectives to create a more inclusive world and collective future history.
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