Go beyond dates and names to learn how the past affects the future with an associate or bachelor’s degree in history from Dean College.
Knowledge is power. With an associate or bachelor’s degree in history from Dean College, you’ll 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 American and world history, the diversity of historical perspectives, and the research and analytical methods to make sense of it all.
In your history coursework, you’ll explore a variety of primary and secondary sources (including original documents, film, music and visual images) and 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
Click on the below videos to learn more about the History Program.
Beyond the Classroom
Every Dean 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.
Our students 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.
A degree in history is an excellent foundation for further study, including graduate and professional schools. Options include master’s programs in history or political science, law school, journalism school, film school and more. It all starts at Dean.
History professors Dr. Davis Dennis and Dr. Rob Lawson co-created a public history series called History in Your Backyard series. You need not be a professional historian to participate! With a bit of research, a video camera, and passion for local history, you too can join us. Learn more about how you can participate.
Learn more about the History of Franklin, MA.
Uniquely Dean
Discover the unique programming that the Dean College History program has to offer.
- 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, New England Journal of History, 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.
- Publish your work in digital history
- Create exhibitions in public history
- 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.
History Blogs
Our history professors and students have the opportunity to write blogs published on the Official Dean College Blog.
Professors
Professor Dr. Rob Lawson wrote a blog about history during the time of a pandemic. Click on the link below to read his work.
Students
Check out the blogs about Dean College's history published by a current student:
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!
Degree Offerings
- Bachelor's Degree*
- Associate Degree
*The course listing below is based on the Bachelor's Degree program.
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 |
| 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 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELE | Electives | 27 |
Learn More
Each year on Halloween night, Professor of History Dr. Rob Lawson leads a guided tour of Franklin's Union Street Cemetery. Members of the local and Dean Community are invited to attend.
Discover the rich history of Franklin's Union Street Cemetery on the Halloween Cemetery tour given each year by Professor of History Dr. Rob Lawson.
Following the Dean College History tour, students and the local community can enjoy a student-led Haunted Campus tour on Halloween night.
Our dedicated faculty and staff offer our students the knowledge and skills to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Pictured with students is Dr. Rob Lawson, Professor of History and Director of the Honors Program at Dean College.
Students who major in History at Dean College gain a broad understanding of historical perspectives, historical thinking and methods, and ethical issues linked to history.
Go beyond dates and names to learn how the past affects the future with an associate or bachelor’s degree in History from Dean College.
Students, faculty and staff attended the Annual History Majors Reception at the Franklin History Museum. Students gave presentations about various Dean College history topics.
In your history coursework, you'll explore a variety of primary and secondary sources and learn how to draw lessons form the past to address contemporary problems.