History

Return to: College of Arts and Sciences

Blodgett Hall, Room 200
Michael Christofferson, Chair
p – (516) 877-4790
e – mchristofferson@adelphi.edu
w – history.adelphi.edu

Faculty

History, the study of the human past, is one of the most ancient intellectual pursuits. To be without history is to be without memory, to have no knowledge of who we are and how we came to be. By requiring the development of such intellectual capacities as imagination, reading, writing, critical thinking, and moral judgment, history encourages the full maturation of the mind. Just as important, the study of other people in different times and places expands the student’s understanding of what it is to be human.

The history curriculum at Adelphi is a sequence of courses of increasing sophistication designed to transmit historical knowledge and hold it up to scrutiny; sharpen conceptual abilities; promote understanding of process and change; and build proficiency in research. Using both traditional and innovative techniques of historical investigation, students majoring in history analyze and reflect on the past, thereby gaining a rich new perspective on the present.

A major in history prepares students for graduate study in the discipline as well as for the intellectual demands of many other professions, including law, education, journalism, civil service, banking, and business. History majors bring to their careers highly valued abilities in research and writing, along with a sophisticated knowledge of world affairs.

Phi Alpha Theta

Students taking 12 credits in history with high academic achievement will be invited to join Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society in history.

Honors in History

To graduate with honors in history the history major must maintain a GPA of 3.5 in history courses, fulfill all requirements of the major, including the senior research seminar, demonstrate reading competence in a foreign language equivalent to two years of study at the university level, and fulfill all regular requirements for graduation.

Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP)

The History Department in association with the Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education offers a unique combined baccalaureate/master’s five year program (B.A. or B.S./MA) which allows a student to major in History and also fulfill courses in education that will lead to New York State teaching certification. See The Master of Arts Programs in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies Education, Ruth S. Ammon School of Education .

Programs

• History, B.A.

• History Minor

Return to: College of Arts and Sciences