Why Study History at Appalachian State?
The study of history is an essential part of a liberal arts education and offers valuable preparation for careers in law, journalism, and public history; in local, state, and national public service; in business, where knowledge of domestic and foreign affairs is desirable, as well as in history/social studies teaching and the advanced discipline of history.
By exposing students to a variety of cultures and human experiences and by training them in the interpretation of conflicting evidence, the History Department prepares students for the responsibilities of citizenship and for dealing with the ambiguities of human existence. Finally, the discipline of history provides an intellectual challenge as well as a stimulus to the imagination and to analytical thinking.
The Department of History at Appalachian State provides students with knowledge of their own cultural tradition and an appreciation of other cultures and societies of the past. It promotes an appreciation of the complexity of human affairs and the difficulties involved in interpreting them. The Department offers a broad curriculum in local, national, regional, and world history which encourages history majors to develop a comparative approach to human problems.
October 28: "Central America’s Forgotten History" with Dr. Aviva Chomsky
We are pleased to welcome professor, historian, author and activist Dr. Aviva Chomsky for a guest lecture at Appalachian State University on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 7-9 p.m. in Anne Belk Hall Room 116.
November 11: "Bonds of War" with Dr. David K. Thomson
For the Fall 2024 Civil War Speaker Series, Dr. David K. Thomson will present "Bonds of War: How Civil War Financial Agents Sold the World on the Union" on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. in Belk Library Room 114.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
The study of history is more than the study of the past. It requires students and practitioners to be critical about the construction of ideas, narratives, and memory. It challenges us to question what we know, and how we know it. As we do that, we can begin building a more inclusive picture of the past.
The Department of History is committed to supporting a more inclusive history, as well as more inclusive classrooms. We work to provide inclusive and equal access to instruction, services, programs, advising, and spaces that support a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, values, perspectives, learning experiences, and needs. We support and foster a tolerant, respectful, and inclusive educational and social environment for students, staff, community members, teachers, and colleagues.
The Department of History does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.
Adopted October 28, 2020