History at The College of Idaho

On the walls of the ancient Temple of Apollo at Delphi was inscribed the Greek maxim, "know yourself." As the Greeks understood, there is no better way to "know yourself" than the study of history. Students of history at The College of Idaho not only study people and cultures that have long since passed away, but they put history to the question by evaluating evidence and analyzing the interrelationships among people, ideas and events. To study history is to reflect upon the human condition in all its dimensions, from the highest glories of human achievement to the tragedy of humanity's darkest nights. History, therefore, serves as an essential foundation for a liberal arts education that is truly liberating. As Cicero put it, "to be ignorant of history is always to remain a child."

Career Opportunities

The History graduate has great flexibility in career choices. Employers have increasingly come to realize that the problem-solving and communication skills of History majors are useful in any occupation. Companies with international operations are eager to hire personnel with a knowledge of the history and culture of countries where they are doing business. One sector of the business community that especially needs history graduates is the communications industry. Writers, researchers, editors, proofreaders and management personnel with historical training are needed to produce the growing number of historically oriented news stories, documentaries and entertainment features in films, newspapers, books, radio, and television. Many government agencies welcome applications from history graduates. Among these are HUD, the Department of Education, the Defense Department, the State Department and various legislative and executive research groups at the national, state and local levels. Beyond the worlds of government and business, the history graduate will also find careers in education and related institutions. Museums, archives, national and state park services and historical societies throughout the nation require management and staff with historical training. Some students choose a more direct route, by seeking state certification to teach history in secondary schools. Students bound for law school have often chosen to major in History, for the law cannot be understood outside of the cultural context which produces it, and no discipline offers a more comprehensive view of human society than history. In addition, our graduates have had a great deal of success in some of the best graduate schools in the U.S.

Winter Session

The Winter Session is designed to provide a change of pace from the traditional two semester academic year. The six-week session offers a unique opportunity for professors and students to explore areas of interest which may not be possible during the regular semester. Foreign travel, off-campus internships, guest speakers and concerts add to the distinctive atmosphere of innovative classes in current trends of study.

Because classes meet daily during the Winter Session standard academic loads are reduced to between 3 and 7 units of credit, instead of the regular semester load of between 12 and 15 units.

History Courses scheduled for Winter, 2001 included:

History Courses scheduled for Winter, 2002 included:

History Courses scheduled for Winter, 2003 included:

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Last modified on 10/11/07.