The Department of History at Rhodes has a national reputation for preparing students to think critically about the historical forces that have shaped the world’s civilizations and cultures, see the links between the past and the present, become clear and effective writers and speakers, and to apply their knowledge as thoughtful citizens of the world. A wide range of course offerings, internships, fellowships, and research opportunities empower students to prepare for success in any career path which they choose and to find their place within the ongoing human story.
Decades’ worth of data gathered by the Rhodes College Alumni Office shows how Rhodes History alumni have succeeded in an amazingly wide range of occupations from filmmaking and urban planning to museums and teaching at the university level. Our graduates work as account executives, business managers, musicians, journalists, members of the US military, counselors, marketers, librarians and archivists, IT specialists, pilots, social workers, brokers, Peace Corps veterans, real estate developers, non-profit executives, artists, restauranteurs -- and that’s just the beginning.
History Course Numbering
History 100-level courses. History 101 and History 102 are the Department's two-semester sequence, "Sacred Histories," which fulfills the first-year requirement to "critically examine personal, social, and cultural values" (F1). This sequence also fulfills one of the “written communication” (F2i) requirements and the “historical forces” (F3) requirement. History 105 courses are writing intensive seminars focused on specific topics and fulfill one of the “written communication” (F2i) requirements and the “historical forces” (F3) requirement.
History 200-level courses. These courses cover a broad chronological span or large geographical area and are introductory in nature. The 200-level courses are open to all students and fulfill the "historical forces" (F3) requirement. Several of these courses also fulfill other Foundation requirements, including "critically examine personal, social, and cultural values" (F1), "read and interpret literary texts" (F4), "institution and society" (F8), and "cultural perspectives" (F9).
History 300-level courses. These courses focus on specific topics or time periods, while paying significant attention to historiography. Students are required to make a significant oral presentation. Sophomore standing is required for these courses, unless otherwise noted. Several of these courses also fulfill Foundation requirements, including "critically examine personal, social, and cultural values" (F1) and "cultural perspectives" (F9).
History 400-level courses. These courses focus on specific topics or time periods, while paying significant attention to historiography. Students are required to complete a substantive research paper in which they engage substantially with primary sources. Sophomore standing is required for these courses, unless otherwise noted.