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History
Discover the stories of peoples and societies, the marginalized as well as the powerful. See the big picture of how and why things have changed over time. Historians study everything that humans do, from politics to sexuality to religion to social movements to science and beyond.
History offers perspective on making sense of a changing world. Explore the human past and gain a broad understanding of human experience through time and across the globe. Learn the analytical tools to make you an educated and responsible world citizen, and prepare yourself for today’s workplace with key critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills.
Students can incorporate history as a major, honours, minor, extended minor, or joint major degree program into their education. Regional studies are the foundational blocks of the history undergraduate program; as such, courses are divided into three regional groups: Europe, the Americas, and Africa/Middle East/Asia, as well as courses that tackle broad global or comparative themes.
We encourage you to develop a comparative approach to history through breadth requirements and thematic and methodological courses. We offer three formal concentrations for students with an interest in Middle Eastern and Islamic history, British and Irish history, or early modern history. You can also apply for a co-op placement as part of your history degree.
Program Options
Learn more about the different degrees and programs available to you at the Department of History.
Undergraduate options
Major
Honours
Joint Major
- English and History Bachelor of Arts
- French, History and Politics Bachelor of Arts
- History and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Bachelor of Arts
- History and Global Humanities Bachelor of Arts
- World Literature and History Bachelor of Arts
Minor
Extended Minor
Co-operative Education Program
Graduate options
Master
Doctor
Certificate and Diploma (Graduate)
Career Pathways
A history education prepares you for a professional career. It trains you in problem solving, information management, and communications. It also teaches you research skills and critical analysis skills. History challenges you to think independently, work collaboratively, and write persuasively.
History alumni learn how to think deeply and creatively about the world. They learn how to understand the past, to make sense of the present, and to shape the future. History alumni commonly move into careers in fields such as politics, journalism, law, social justice, education, business, and more.
“I made the decision to become a History major in 2019 while attending a Greece Field School. It was there that I was able to experience and learn history beyond the classroom for the first time while also travelling around Greece. After the field school, taking regular history courses allowed me to explore my love of history and historical literature.”
Emma Henderson
2021 Graduating Class | History and English Double Major
Learn More
Dr. Elise Chenier describes HIST 115: Introduction to the History of Sexuality.
Dr. Luke Clossey describes HIST 130: Fundamentals of World History.