2025-2026 University Catalog
History, Department of
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Department Chair
Lisa Tran
Department Office/Website
Pollak Library South 639
657-278-3474
hist.fullerton.edu/
Faculty
Frankie Bauer, Margie Brown-Coronel, Jochen Burgtorf, Kate Burlingham, Benjamin Cawthra, Kristine Dennehy, Natalie Fousekis, Cora Granata, Volker Janssen, Jonathan Markley, Robert McLain, Maged S.A. Mikhail, Stephen Neufeld, Stephen O’Connor, Anne Reid, Jasamin Rostam-Kolayi, Jessica R. Stern, Laichen Sun, Lisa Tran, Allison Varzally, Philippe Zacaïr
Introduction
Historians engage in systematic study of the human past in order to discover meaning for people in the present. The student of history may draw upon the subject matter and methods of many academic disciplines. For example, social history employs the methods of the social sciences, including quantitative analysis, to examine social movements and issues in the past; psycho-history utilizes the approaches of psychology to study the behavior of historically significant individuals and groups. The development of the various areas of human intellectual and cultural activity, particularly in the arts and sciences, are studied to inform us of how and why people have thought and acted as they did.
Lower-division survey courses convey the broad sweep of past human events and introduce the student to the study of causation and historical source materials. Aspects of history philosophy and methodology and the craft of writing historical pieces are addressed in HIST 300A and HIST 300B . The study, in greater depth, of specialized historical topics comprises the bulk of the upper-division offerings of the department. History majors are required to take HIST 490T , a senior seminar on a special topic in which they are expected to write an original historical essay based chiefly upon the analysis of historical materials that date from the time of the events studied.
The history major is useful for students who: seek a broad liberal arts education with the option to choose more specialized study by geographical region, epoch and focus of inquiry (cultural, social, etc.); plan a career in media or film, or in government service, including positions in government agencies and international organizations overseas; intend to go into business where writing, research and people skills are important; pursue a career in private, nonprofit organizations that may involve research and service organizations, i.e., archives, museums and libraries; desire to study law; intend to prepare for primary or secondary school teaching; or intend to pursue advanced degrees in history in preparation for college teaching. The department is committed to the university’s missions and goals where learning is preeminent.
Degree Descriptions
The Bachelor of Arts in History provides a systematic study of the human past in order to discover meaning for people in the present. Specifically, the program provides students with the opportunity to carry out research and discuss their results logically and persuasively. Historians pay close attention to issues of difference, context and process. Since everything and everybody has a history, historians are naturally inclined toward interdisciplinary work that can lead to careers such as: teachers and professors; archivists, librarians, information scientists and museum curators; writers, journalists and publishers; associates and executives in businesses that require exceptional research, writing and people skills; administrators in many different fields; legal professionals, law enforcement officers and government officials; charity and volunteer organizers; and politicians and international diplomats.
The Master of Arts in History provides advanced study of the human past in order to discover meaning for people in the present. its particular strengths are in enhancing and further preparing secondary educators in their fields, as well as training students at the outstanding Center for Oral and Public History. The program has also enjoyed great success sending students to PhD programs. During the course of their studies, students can expect to master historical pedagogy, critical analysis of sources, research methods and historical writing. This training readies graduates for careers in teaching, government, business, law, journalism, social service and research.
Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Pre-Professional Information
Students considering careers in government, law, public history, publishing, or business should talk to their assigned faculty advisor in the History Department. Students planning to pursue graduate study in history should consult an advisor for the MA program in History. Students planning to pursue a teaching credential may consult the department’s pre-credential adviser.
Programs and Courses Offered
ProgramsBachelor of ArtsMaster of ArtsNon-DegreeCoursesHistory
Courses are designated as HIST in the class schedule.
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