History

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On the walls of the ancient Temple of Apollo at Delphi was inscribed the Greek maxim, "know yourself." As the Greeks understood, there is no better way to "know yourself" than through the study of history. Students of history not only study people and cultures that have long since passed away, but they also put history to the question by evaluating evidence and analyzing the interrelationships among people, ideas, and events. To study history is to reflect upon the human condition in all its dimensions, from the highest glories of human achievement to the tragedy of humanity's darkest nights. History, therefore, serves as an essential foundation for a liberal arts education that is truly liberating. As Cicero put it, "to be ignorant of history is always to remain a child."

Why study History at The College of Idaho?

You will find history isn't contained simply in the pages of a textbook at The College of Idaho. Our engaging faculty breathe life into the events that have shaped human history, and you will find plenty of opportunities to interact with history first-hand from visiting historically significant sites overseas to performing in-depth historical research.

C of I history majors graduate with a knowledge of historical methodology and research, as well as a foundation in the histories of at least four regions of the world. History minors also graduate with a background in historical methodology and research, while studying the histories of at least two regions of the world. Related minors offered at The College of Idaho are Asian Studies, Classics, Judaic Studies, and Latin American Studies.

Career Opportunities for C of I History Students

College of Idaho history graduates have gone on to have distinguished public and private school teaching careers, publish books, and achieve success in a number of the best graduate schools in the U.S. Others have used their history education to launch successful careers in business, law, government, and non-governmental organizatios.

The study of history is rewarding for students with any program of study but is particularly suited to students pursuing careers in business, law, teaching, health sciences, media, or the arts and humanities where an understanding of human experience is particularly valuable. Employers have increasingly come to realize that the problem-solving and communication skills as well as the understanding of human behavior and systems acquired by history majors or minors are useful in any occupation.