BA in History in University Park United States | Governors State University

Our world is intricate and constantly evolving. Examining history allows us to comprehend how this complexity developed, why certain patterns transform while others persist, and how we arrived at our current point in time.

History encompasses both past lived experiences and the narratives constructed about them. Contemporary discussions about which narratives deserve attention and how history should be taught highlight its crucial role in shaping our self-perception as individuals, community members, and a nation—and what's at risk in how we interpret the past and decide which groups to represent. Societies built on democratic principles require thorough examination of historical accounts. More nuanced, comprehensive, and accurate depictions of history enable deeper understanding of our present, which is vital for tackling modern challenges with historical foundations.

The Bachelor of Arts in History program at Governors State equips students with the ability to locate, gather, and evaluate historical evidence while participating in scholarly discussions about their meaning and importance. Students cultivate not just essential research and analytical abilities, but also the capacity for empathy to better grasp the lives of people from different eras, locations, and situations. They master the art of crafting compelling arguments and meeting rigorous evidentiary requirements. Through research projects, students actively engage in historical study by building narratives about bygone eras.