The history department supports the mission of the university by providing education in history, a discipline which is a core component of the liberal arts. The department trains students to value knowledge, to think critically, and to develop the mature judgment required of a free and responsible citizen in a democratic society.

The department seeks to enhance the personal and professional lives of students who major or minor in history or take history courses as part of the general education program. Through a study of the past, students develop an understanding of the national and global societies of which they are members. The goal is that students, for example, will come to understand the forces which mold the institutions of their own society and of the global community. The department also hopes that students discover where their generation fits in the historical development of the human race, and come to an appreciation of what is of value and therefore to be preserved.

History majors develop not only knowledge of the past, but also a variety of skills, including the ability to analyze and explain complex issues, the ability to research and present new information, and the ability to effectively communicate research and analysis in written and oral form.

General Department Goals

Students who complete the major will demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of historical facts, events, persons, themes, concepts, and issues;
• An ability to explain, analyze, and show connections between change and continuity over time;
• An ability to analyze historical information and synthesize different interpretations of that information;
• An ability to make connections between historical interpretation and contemporary developments;
• An ability to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning through written and oral communication; and
• A disposition to examine complex questions carefully, methodically, and fully.

The department of history sponsors the Lambda-Lambda Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. It also sponsors a student-funded Historical Society. Both the department and the Society are active in inviting speakers to campus to discuss topics of interest and use to both majors and the entire university community. The Brother J. Robert Lane Historical Essay Prize is awarded to students for excellence in historical research and writing whenever applicable. The History department book prizes are awarded each semester to outstanding students in each history class.

International Semester

History majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a semester, preferably during the junior year. Advanced consultation with one’s academic advisor relative to major requirements is recommended.

Language Study

The history department encourages all students to study foreign languages, and students who are planning for graduate study are strongly advised to pursue language study. To encourage language study, the department will waive one course in the history or history/social science major for every two courses in the same foreign language completed at SMU, limited to two history courses total.

SMU Credit by Examination

The following courses have been approved for credit by exam. See department chair for details.
     H125  Europe and the World
     H150  The American Experience

Majors/Minors Offered:
History Major
History/Social Science Major
History Minor

For more information contact:
Dr. Ting Ni Chair
History Department
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #1491
800-635-5987 x. 1524
tni@smumn.edu