51²è¹Ýapp

Sarah Purcel, L F Parker Professor of History, teaches in Noyce

History

When you interpret human events from the past, you also help explain their implications for the present.

As a history major, you’ll learn to formulate complex questions about human events. To answer those questions, you’ll dig deeply into a topic, doing a close analysis of primary and secondary sources. In other words, you’ll learn to think like an historian. You’ll develop the skills to pursue knowledge independently and to present your results persuasively and clearly. You’ll be well prepared for a broad range of careers, including business, education, historic preservation, information science, journalism, law, and public service.

Why Study History?

  • History class in Iowa Room

    No Prerequisites Required

    Find diversity in coursework and classmates.

    You’ll dive into an exciting array of courses that covers diverse topics and regions of the world without the need for an introductory course as a prerequisite. This program attracts a wide range of students whose experiences and backgrounds will help you develop a diverse and global understanding of the subject matter, while also making interesting new friends from around the world.

  • Students study historical texts

    Global Education

    Develop skills that apply across borders and cultures.

    History offers insights on the complexities of society and change over time and invites you to imaginatively grapple with times and places that are fundamentally different from your own. You’ll develop sophisticated forms of interpersonal and social empathy and analysis that are essential in today’s growing global economy.

  • Two students with professor for history seminar

    Dedicated Faculty

    Focus and hone your writing skills.

    Dedicated faculty members prioritize writing, and the teaching of writing, as part of your coursework. Many of your classes will include writing mentors, built-in revisions, and other opportunities to concentrate on sharpening your writing skills, which will benefit you throughout your education and beyond.

Alumni Spotlight

Erik Henderson
History Shaping Humanity

As a history major,  Erik Henderson ‘19 realized that the faculty would push him to be better academically and reach his full potential.

Claire Davis ’22 with viola
Remember to Breathe: Claire Davis ’22

Through her experiences in distinguished summer festivals and on-campus performance ensembles, Claire Davis ’22 found her place within the music department as well as a path to her future.

Sam Nakahira
For the Love of Comics (and History)

How do you translate a 35-page research paper into a comic? Sam Nakahira ’19, a history major from California, wanted to find out.

  • Caleb Elfenbein talk with student in the rare book room

    Research

    Digital Humanities from Classroom to Public Scholarship

    Using a series of maps, "Mapping Islamophobia" visualizes incidents of violence against Muslims in America. The project saw Caleb Elfenbein, associate professor of history and religious studies, working in collaboration with the Digital Liberal Arts Collaborative and students Chloe Briney ’17 and Julia Schafer ’18.

    Learn More
  • VR on campus

    Digital Humanities

    What Can Virtual Reality Teach Us About Life on a Plantation?

    A history professor, a digital liberal arts specialist, and three students are working together to creating a VR learning experience that examines the power structures of a 19th-century Louisiana plantation through exploration of its physical objects.

    Read the Story

More Featured Courses

Jars of herbal formulas with students in background
Plant-based Healing Around the World

If you’re looking for a humanities course that will breathe new life into your class schedule, check out Comparative Herbalism (HIS 195), a fun new course that’s anything but typical.

Class studies documents in the print study room
History 100: The Prophet Muhammad

The most critical aspect of history is the people. By learning who the people were, what they believed, and why, we can discover their modern relevance.

Professor and two students
Modern Classics of Historical Writing

The unusual format and small group dynamics of the Modern Classics of Historical Writing (HIS 382) course give students a glimpse into other ways of thinking.

Two students sit between rows of plants in the greenhouse and sketch.
Drawing From Nature

You can learn a lot by looking closer. Students in the short course Botanical Drawing and its Social Origins (HIS 295-01/SMS 295-01) approach plant anatomy and the history of botany through a studio art format, learning the fundamentals of realism while spending time with flora across campus.

History Department News

Bruce Springsteen sings into a microphone onstage at 51²è¹Ýapp with Clarence Clemons playing a saxophone in the background
Alumni

The MAP Makers

A group of 51²è¹Ýapp alumni has created a fund to support a Mentored Advanced Project to study the history of concerts at 51²è¹Ýapp and Georgia Dentel, who made them possible.
Four students pose in a small town historical museum surrounded by photos and artifacts
Alumni

In Search of Georgia

Four 51²è¹Ýapp students are working with Professor Sarah Purcell ’92 to research the history of concerts at 51²è¹Ýapp. Their Mentored Advanced Project includes a focus on legendary 51²è¹Ýapp staff member Georgia Dentel.
Map showing 51²è¹Ýapp's location in Iowa
Academics

Falling into Place

A new 51²è¹Ýapp course, Historical Landscapes of 51²è¹Ýapp, encourages students to explore local history and build connections in the community.
Thu
Jan. 23

History SEPC Candidate interview

HSSC A3243 - Academic Classroom
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 12 – 1pm
Thu
Jan. 23

History Search Candidate Presentation

HSSC S1325 - Presentation Room
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 4:15 – 5:45pm
Fri
Jan. 24

History Department Meeting

HSSC S3333 - Academic Classroom
Friday, January 24, 2025, 1 – 2pm
Tue
Jan. 28

History SEPC Candidate interview

HSSC A3243 - Academic Classroom
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 12 – 1pm

Faculty Books and Publications

Carolyn Herbst Lewis
Edward Cohn
Sarah J. Purcell
Elizabeth Prevost
Victoria Bissell Brown

The 51²è¹Ýapp Historical Review

51²è¹Ýapp College student's peer-reviewed undergraduate journal of history

History Career Outcomes

First Destinations

  • 62% Employment
  • 21% Graduate School
  • 6% Post-Graduate Service
  • 5% Fellowships
  • 3% Continuing Education
  • 3% Other

Employment

99%
Positions related to Career Goals

Positions Related to Career Goals

This graph illustrates the extent to which our graduates' first job is aligned with their career goals. It's one thing to find a job; it's an entirely different thing to land the job you want!

Employer

  • Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar LLP
  • The Brattle Group
  • Committee on Housing & Executive Administration
  • Expert Institute
  • The New York Times
  • TED Conferences
  • Wilson Law Group

Graduate Schools

100%
100% Accepted to 1st- or 2nd- choice programs

Graduate School Acceptance Info

Of those who applied to and were accepted to at least one program, this chart illustrates the percentage of admitted students who were accepted to either their first or second choice program and institution.

Institutions

  • University of Chicago
  • University of Minnesota
  • Vanderbilt University
Explore More Graduate Outcomes

Department Chair

Sarah Purcell

Contact Information

Phone
641-269-4628
Fax
641-269-9942

Humanities and Social Studies Center
1226 Park Street
51²è¹Ýapp, IA 50112
United States

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