The thirty members of the Department of History at Boston University comprise a group of professional historians and teachers of history who are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the education of students. We are convinced that the study of the past not only prepares students for understanding the present but also enables them to acquire valuable skills that are applicable to many careers. The ability to criticize, organize, and synthesize extensive materials and to write with clarity and precision are important qualities for success in a variety of jobs not directly related to history. Professors in the department have published internationally acclaimed books and articles and have been awarded the most prestigious fellowships in the academic profession, including Guggenheim, Fulbright, and National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowships. Many have lectured at international conferences, served as commentators on historical topics on radio and television, and been elected to leadership positions in their professional associations. While this department has a national and international reputation in the field of historical scholarship, its faculty is equally committed to teaching and addressing the academic concerns of students. Three members of the department have been awarded the Arthur G.B. Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching, and two have received the Methodist Teacher/Scholar Award. History professors are active participants in a number of interdisciplinary programs throughout the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, including the Core Curriculum, the American and New England Studies Program, the African American Studies Center, the African Studies Center, the International History Institute, and the Center for International Relations. For undergraduates the department offers a broad range of courses and study options covering American, European, African, Far Eastern, Middle Eastern, and Latin American history. Every major is assigned a faculty advisor who helps the student to choose courses, fulfill requirements, and devise a coherent program of study. In addition, we encourage our students to take advantage of the diverse opportunities at Boston University for foreign study, at the Madrid, Grenoble, Paris, London, Oxford, and Padua overseas campuses. As a result, our undergraduates have gone on to the most varied, interesting careers: in law and government, in banking and business, in publishing and journalism, in international relations and teaching. Our graduate program is particularly strong in three areas: American, European, and African history. Graduate students develop close relationships with their faculty advisors and pursue intensive study in one of the three areas in which we offer the MA and PhD degrees. We invite you to explore this look back at the history of the department.


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