About the History Program
Learn more about the Humanities at Dean College.
As a History major at Dean College, learn how to interpret and analyze historical sources in the search for truth, greater understanding and answers to today’s most pressing questions.
Program Overview
History is more than what’s written in dusty textbooks. It’s a first-person account passed down from a 94-year-old World War II veteran, a new presidential biography based on recently discovered documents, and the ongoing process of research and analysis.
As an associate or bachelor’s degree student in History at Dean College, you will gain a broad understanding of the major forces and events of U.S. and world history, the diversity of historical perspectives, and the research and analytical methods to make sense of it all.
You’ll study the cultural, social, political, economic and religious influences on human development. You’ll explore a variety of primary and secondary sources (including original documents, film, music and visual images) and build information literacy skills in order to recognize, evaluate and critique the evidence on which historical narratives are based. You’ll also take hands-on public and digital history courses, examining how historians construct history and present it for various audiences. And you’ll build rhetorical, analytical and communication skills as you learn how to draw lessons from the past to address contemporary problems.
Core courses and electives include:
- Making History
- Reading World Revolutions
- Cold War America: Culture and Conflicts
- The Holocaust in History and Memory
- Globalization in History
- Modern Latin America and the Caribbean
- History of Gender and Sexuality
Q&A With The Program Coordinator
Get your questions answered by Dr. David Dennis, Program Coordinator for the Humanities.
School of Liberal Arts Faculty
Gain valuable insights from our School of Liberal Arts faculty, who are here to help you every step of the way.
History Courses
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 101 | Making History | 3 |
| HIS 111 | United States History to 1865 | 3 |
| HIS 112 | United States History - 1865 to Present | 3 |
| HIS 151 | World History l, to 1500 | 3 |
| HIS 152 | World History ll, 1500 to Present | 3 |
| 200 LEVEL HISTORY ELECTIVE | 200-level History Electives | 6 |
| UPPER-DIVISION MAJOR ELE | 300 or 400-level History Electives | 12 |
| HIS 325 | Digital History | 3 |
| HIS 330 | Public History | 3 |
| HIS 495 | Senior Capstone | 3 |
| DCA 100 | Campus Connections: Making the Transition | 1 |
| DCA 110 | Career Connections: Developing Your Brand | 1 |
| DCA 200 | Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan | 1 |
| DCA 300 | The Internship Experience | 3 |
| DCA EXPERIENCE ELE | Dean Career Advantage Experience Course | 3 |
| DCA 350 | Future Connections: Launching Your Career | 3 |
Total Credits
54
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Composition l | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Composition ll | 3 |
| SPC 101 | Communication Fundamentals | 3 |
| MATH ELECTIVE | Core Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE | Core Lab Science Elective | 4 |
| ARTS ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Arts Elective | 3 |
| NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| HUMANITIES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Humanities Elective | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective | 3 |
| COM 327 | Applied Professional Communication | 3 |
| UDLA ELE | Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives | 9 |
Total Credits
40
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELE | Electives | 27 |
Total Credits
27
Beyond the Classroom
At Dean, you’ll bring history to life and develop career skills in everything you do.
Every History student has the opportunity to complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional museum, historical society, library or nonprofit organization. In addition, bachelor’s degree candidates complete a detailed senior capstone project involving extensive research and the opportunity to make valuable professional connections.
You’ll also participate in co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities regularly. Our recent field trips include the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation and Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo.
When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career in public history, digital humanities, museum work, historical societies, archival work or education. The research and writing skills developed in this major will also prepare you for many fields of employment, including government, the business world, journalism, media and law. A degree in History is also an excellent foundation for further study, including master’s programs in history or political science, law school, journalism school, film school and more. It all starts at Dean.
Get Involved
Learn more about how to get involved with our student-run organizations and experiential learning opportunities.-
Local History Explore local history in Franklin and Boston, MA. -
Study Abroad Gain global perspectives through one of our study abroad programs.
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Student Clubs and Activities Join one of our 40+ student organizations, or start one of your own.
Uniquely Dean
Explore local history and prepare for your future career through the Dean College History program.
- Complete a for-credit internship with a Boston-area museum or historical society. Our students have interned with the Franklin Historical Museum, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, Voice of America (Washington Center), Foxboro Regional Charter School, AES Corporation and Congressional Internships (Washington, D.C. and Rhode Island, District 2).
- Engage with professors and classmates in small, discussion-based classes and seminars.
- Choose a topic that you’re passionate about and dive deeply into original research for a senior capstone project.
- Build your career skills and portfolio by publishing your work in digital history and creating exhibitions in public history.
- Learn methods and techniques of bringing academic history to a public audience through a variety of media.
- Dean College is the home base for the New England Journal of History, where you can pursue internships and other learning opportunities.
- Attend the History Majors Reception at the Franklin Historical Museum to enjoy a Dean History presentation, refreshments and mingling with faculty, staff and students.
- Did you know that Boston is just 30 minutes away from Dean? You can even take a short walk from campus right to the Franklin/Dean College stop and hop on the MBTA. Having Boston at your fingertips is great, especially for a history buff. Learn about historical sites to check out on a historical adventure in Boston.
- Dean College was ranked #5 in Best Undergraduate Teaching in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Colleges, North category.
Being a History major at Dean College has taught me to not easily believe what I immediately hear. Part of history, and being a Historian from what I have observed, is to ask questions and seek as close to the truth as you can find. Being a History major continues to challenge my perspective and prepare me for my future career.
When I started at Dean, I realized that I had a passion for discovering and sharing stories about the College’s history. History is something I never thought that I would hold any interest in before attending Dean, but now I find myself taking history classes for fun!
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