Explore the people, cultures, communities and events that have shaped the world as a Franklin College history major. Study under the guidance of a diverse and passionate faculty while you learn how to research, analyze and write about history and apply historical perspective to the world around you — all in preparation for a rewarding and prosperous career.
Why History at Franklin College?
Have you ever found yourself wondering why certain events happen, why certain revolutions occurred, or why certain wars were won or lost? Do you think about how our world came to be the way it is? Do stories about people in the past and the present fascinate you? Do you wish to make sense of the world in which we live? Do you want to learn from the past for the future? If so, the history program at Franklin College would allow you to explore these questions, engage in historical research, and present your work publicly.
Why do students choose history at Franklin College?
The department of history at Franklin College provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the historical developments that shaped the world in which we live.
Students in the history program:
- gain a broad understanding of historical developments in world history and in U.S. history
- learn about diverse cultures and communities in local, national, regional, and global contexts
- analyze the relative merits of different problem-solving strategies in given historical situations
- participate in public history projects that serve the community and foster connections
- engage in original research of historical topics and present them publicly
- have opportunities to study abroad and complete internships
- develop a personalized academic plan with an adviser that may include double majors, minors, or related fields
History majors find a wide variety of paths available to them after graduation. Some students begin careers in fields such as education or business, while others pursue graduate programs in history, law, theology, education administration, library science, and political science among others.
The history program at Franklin College prepares students in the liberal arts tradition for life-long learning, professional service and global citizenship.
Broad coursework balanced with specialized, independent research
The Franklin College history curriculum covers a breadth of historical developments and cultures, spanning Latin America, U.S., European, African and Asian history.
The history major introduces students to public history, familiarizes them with historiographical debates, and culminates with a senior seminar. In the senior seminar, students do archival research on a topic of particular personal interest to them and present their findings to the public. Past topics have included:
- Hoosier volunteers in the Civil War
- Mid-nineteenth century Indiana women
- Challenges faced by the Indiana Latinx community during WWII
- Mexican immigrant experiences in 20th-century Indiana
- German and Italian POW experiences at Camp Atterbury
- Women’s liberation at Franklin College
- Vietnam War protests at Indiana University
Understand the present and prepare for the future by studying the past.
Download the History Major HandoutMore Resources
Choose Your Path
Students who choose to study history at Franklin College can pursue it as either a major or a minor.
Women's Study Program
Women’s Studies Individualized Minor
Students can minor in Women’s Studies by proposing a 15-credit hour plan. This plan includes WST 101 (required), Introduction to Women’s Studies, and courses and coursework in other disciplines that focus on issues of relevance to women’s studies (e.g., Women and Leadership, Women Photojournalists). Upon approval and completion of the proposed individualized plan, the minor appears on the student’s transcript.
Learn more about History at Franklin College
The Franklin College History Program gives students a well-rounded background U.S. history and also exposes them to Canadian, Latin American, European, Middle Eastern and Asian history. The program also features pre-professional courses on public history and on historical thinking and methods. Senior history majors complete individual research projects that entail archival work, a scholarly paper, and a public presentation.
In history, we do not just examine the lives of people who died a long time ago — we hone reading skills, improve writing skills, enhance research skills, develop analytical skills and foster advanced critical thinking. Future employers know that history provides students with a well-rounded background that enables them to work in a variety of fields both in the private and public sector.
Student-Learning Outcomes
The history faculty is dedicated to ensuring students meet learning outcomes that will enable them to succeed in their careers, communities, and personal lives.
- Students will interpret and contextualize primary sources.
- Students will research effectively.
- Students will communicate historical findings publicly.
Want to explore your fit at Franklin College? Here are some next steps.
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Meet Our People
Meet the talented professionals who will guide you on your history journey.
Department of History
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Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.