Department of History

Why History

“The past is never dead. It's not even past.”
–William Faulkner

The study of history encompasses all recorded expressions of human activity from the earliest times to the present.  In history classes, students analyze historical data, search for patterns and relationships, and discover the meaning of the past and its relationship to our modern world.  History is the foundation of a liberal arts education in that it introduces students to their own culture and to world cultures.  Ultimately, studying history encourages students to gain an understanding of themselves and their world while becoming informed and engaged citizens. The History Department faculty members are committed to teaching, research, and community outreach.  The History Department has a close partnership with the Civil Rights Heritage Center, which uses local and national history to promote social change through individual responsibility.

Mission Statement

We, the faculty in the History Department, seek to create a stimulating and supportive environment for the study of peoples, movements, nations, and events from across human history. Through an analytical engagement with historical documents, artifacts, and interpretations, we as faculty engage in original research and model historical methods in class for history students. We strive to help students develop a robust understanding of the past and a thoroughgoing engagement with the present. In keeping with the overall mission of Indiana University South Bend, we help prepare students for future careers, further research and education, and, more generally, a life of civic-minded citizenship.

History Department Goals

The history major is designed to help students:

gain a broad exposure to the past, the varieties of ways to examine it, and ways of thinking historically;

understand and analyze primary and secondary sources, including archival documents, historical objects, journal articles, and monographs;

utilize a variety of research tools, both in print and in electronic format;

communicate, both in written and verbal form, multiple ways of understanding the past;

 develop a global perspective by taking courses that cover various regions of the world.

History Department Awards

Every year, the History Department recognizes several students for their strong record of accomplishment in history courses, their involvement in research, and their service in student clubs and in the community.  We grant the excellence award and six additional awards named after the department emeriti faculty.  The 2009 winners are:

Excellence Award: 
Susan Jacobs

The Glenn Chesnut History Award: 
Andrew Stuck

The Patrick J. Furlong History Award: 
Elaine Roughton

The Lester C. Lamon History Award: 
Heather Yarbrough

The Donald Marti History Award: 
Jennifer Kingsbury

The Paul Scherer History Award: 
Jennifer Wise

The Roy Schreiber History Award: 
Kim Johnson

The Sheldon Shapiro History Award: 
Shotaro Yoshino

Congratulations to all of the award winners!  We are very proud of you!