Loyola University Chicago:

 

The Undergraduate History Program at Loyola

History teaches us to think historically, that is, to see issues and societies in historical context. Just as we learn about individuals through their personal stories, so we become familiar with issues and societies through their histories. History leads us to a realistic appreciation of our own time by studying the past and enabling us to measure it against other times and societies. From history we develop a desire, and a method, to understand peoples and cultures, a mentality of great importance in our own pluralistic society and global world. History instructs us about the complexity of human affairs and helps us avoid oversimplification and stereotypes in our thinking. These are only a few of the educationally liberal attitudes and values that the study of history imparts. They enrich us as human beings and are valuable in any career or profession.

History and the Professions

The study of history develops precisely those skills of evaluation and analysis which will provide a firm foundation for any professional career. The work of the historian is to present analyses and conclusions based on evidence gathered and evaluated on the basis of established principles. No other undergraduate disclipline will provide more practical experience in presenting written and oral arguments, and defending those arguments. While other disciplines develop writing skills, or understanding of political behavior, history combines the skills of these other disciplines with the added dimensions of the vast time span of human existence, and the breadth of view of a global perspective.

Superior Pre-Professional Preparation

In conjunction with the University's widely respected Core Curriculum, a major in history will provide the pre-professional student with a superior background for the pursuit of a career in any profession which require skills in evaluation and analyzing evidence and data, as well as the ability to present one's analysis concisely and convincingly, both orally and in writing. These are the skills of the historian.

 


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