Department of History

Telephone: (302) 831-2371
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/history/
Faculty Listing: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/history/our-people/

The Department of History at the University of Delaware offers undergraduates an opportunity to study subjects ranging from colonial America to modern Brazil, from the Byzantine Empire to Gandhi’s India. History courses refi ne skills in analysis, writing, and presentation that prepare majors for careers in business, law, government and public policy, museums and non-profi t organizations, education, and many other fi elds. The department’s History Education program sends graduates directly into middle school and high school teaching positions. Students with archival and public history interests can explore career options with internships and other opportunities through the Museum Studies Program (see below). In addition to the standard major, students can concentrate in American, European, or World history. Faculty advisors help students fulfi ll their goals through interdepartmental projects and double majors that promote mastery in multiple academic disciplines. Past graduates have thrived by combining history with political science, legal studies, public administration, economics, literature, and world languages. Many courses in the program include honors sections; Honors Degrees are available. For students with an interest in pursuing independent research, the College of Arts and Sciences offers a competitive, funded summer scholars program. History majors can conduct archival research with faculty support through this program. Many of these projects form the foundation for senior theses, part of the process of earning a Degree with Distinction. Alumni of our department appreciate how studying the past has helped them to shape their own futures in a variety of professions.

Irish Studies Program

The Irish Studies Minor relies on available required courses from HIST and ENGL supplemented by courses chosen by students in consultation with the Head of the Program. A vast majority of courses from most Departments can be accepted so long as the major paper/project/assignment for the course can be completed on an Irish topic. All such courses should be approved in advance to determine eligibility. For further information, contact Professor John Patrick Montaño by email at jpmon@udel.edu.

Museum Studies Program

Email: Zara Anishanslin zma@udel.edu
Website: https://www.museumstudies.udel.edu/

The Minor in Museum Studies welcomes students who want to explore museums and other institutions that collect and share artifacts, documents, and visual materials with the public. Museums are places where Americans gather to refresh their minds and senses, and where they share stories of the past and present. The United States alone has more than 30,000 museums; more Americans visit museums each year than attend all professional sporting events combined. A recent study calculated that US museums generated $15.9 billion each year to the US economy and directly supported 372,100 jobs. And another recent study shows that 81% of Americans regard museums as more trustworthy than all other sources of historical information.

The Museum Studies minor is open to all undergraduates. It consists of eighteen credit hours. Nine credits are taken as requirements: MSPE 203 Introduction to Museums (three credits), three credits from the list of Museum Studies core courses, and one three-credit internship. Museum Studies core courses train students in best practices in museum education and public programs; collections development and care; the use of digital technologies in museums; and administration. Many courses are taught by area museum professionals and emphasize hands-on learning. The other nine credits can be taken from a list of approved courses from throughout the College of Arts and Sciences.

Whether you are interested in exploring careers in the museum sector, or simply want to become a more knowledgeable visitor or volunteer, the Museum Studies minor offers a behind-the-scenes look at museums in the United States and around the world. Visit the website of the Museum Studies Program (https://www.museumstudies.udel.edu/) to learn about our work and opportunities for study.

Programs

Major

Minor

Honors Degree