History
The history department at St. Thomas guides students in the critical study and analysis of the societies and peoples of the past, and the various ways that “the past” is explained in “the present”. Students thus learn historical content as well as the methodological and philosophical issues that inform the exploration of history in our own time, including the difficulties in saying what exactly “history” is or should be.
As with our general approach to the study of history, the STU history department is creative and dynamic. Chronologically we offer courses from the first complex societies more than 5,000 years ago up to the present, though we are strongest in the period from circa 1000 C.E. onward.
Geographically we cover everything from small local communities to cities, nation-states, regions such as the Atlantic world, Africa, Europe, Asia or Latin America, and the globe. Recently, however, we have been developing a global history curriculum that includes our World History survey and a growing range of courses that explore thematic and transnational histories (such as social movements, revolutions, citizenship, cities and water) on a global scale.
Our innovative global history initiative and expanding selection of stimulating courses challenge historical conventions, especially common assumptions about the importance of national histories and the role of “the West” in world history. The history programme may cause you to re-examine your worldview and lead you to ask fundamental questions about yourself, your society and your world. In fact, this is one of our goals. We hope that both the content and presentation of our courses will help produce thoughtful and informed citizens who are actively engaged in the world.
We are also committed to developing your critical, analytical and communication skills. We do not pretend that we can teach you the answers, but we can help you learn how to ask and frame good questions. Whether you take one class with us or study for a history major or honours degree, and whether you pursue a career in history or not, you will benefit from the skills and content we offer.
History Courses Offerings 2011-12
A few more courses for 2011-2012 will be posted in the coming weeks. If you would like to be informed as new History courses become available, please email the departmental assistant, Margie Reed, at: mreed@stu.ca
Departmental Microsite
For more information, please visit the History News microsite.