The history department believes that human culture is fundamentally an outworking of worldview commitments expressed in a pattern of ideas, beliefs, and values as embodied in a particular institutional system. The department makes that focus the framework of its reconstruction and analysis of the past. Furthermore, a key aspect of this approach is centered in the concept of the unfolding or development of human culture. That study proceeds with the recognition that the Christian motifs of creation, fall, redemption and consummation form a larger meaning framework within which the cultural response of humankind takes place.

For General Education

It is the aim of this department to help each student who takes required history courses to understand the shape and the dynamics of his or her own society, and to think historically about the past according to the perspective outlined above.

For the Major Field

Majors are further assisted in developing a deeper understanding of certain aspects of the past and in thinking critically about the issues and problems of teaching and writing history as Christians. To that end Historiography, Senior Seminar in History and the Senior Integration Paper are required for Historical Studies majors. Majors in history can lead to career opportunities in teaching, journalism, law, the gospel ministry and any field where a liberal arts education is desirable. For further information, the student is urged to consult with the Department of History or the office of Career Development.