Why study history?
Studying history will give you more than just a detailed knowledge of where our modern world came from; it will equip you with a powerful and versatile set of intellectual skills.
History is an eclectic discipline. It examines the record of human social behavior, drawing on a wide array of other disciplines from psychology, economics, and political science, to art, archaeology, literature, and philosophy. Like the "hard sciences," history teaches rigorous analytical thinking and hones crucial research skills, but it also sharpens reading and writing skills. Like the other liberal arts, the study of history exercises essential Christian virtues like empathy, humility, and creativity. In short, history teaches skills, perspectives, and attitudes that are essential in many spheres of life and work.
Read more about the benefits of studying history in an article by Calvin History Prof. Will Katerberg published in Practically Human: College Professors Speak from the Heart of Humanities Education.
Employers want history graduates
So says New York Times columnist David Brooks and Norm Augustine, former undersecretary of the Army and CEO of Lockheed Martin, in a Wall Street Journal article.
Their arguments are backed up by a survey of 225 employers conducted by Millennial Branding and Experience Inc. who found that companies want graduates with liberal arts degrees.
Explore your world
At Calvin, you can tailor your history major or minor degree to fit your interests and vocational goals.
You will also have many opportunities to go out in the world where history happened, from off campus programs to interim trips in January or May. Recent off-campus program opportunities include York, England, and Budapest, Hungary. Students have also spent semesters in China and Ghana.
