History
Do you ever wonder why some parts of the world seem to experience constant conflict?
Do you ask yourself why people follow leaders whose policies don't seem to make sense?
Do you feel like you have only part of a bigger picture?
If you answered "yes" then the History program is for you!
In the History program you will study the peoples, cultures, economic, and political systems that have, cumulatively, shaped the world in which we live today. You will also study the way in which the history of the past has been written.
Our program will allow you to choose your focus: are you interested in social and cultural history? environmental history? microhistory (the intensive study of a small locale, theme, or group)? Our thematic courses will introduce you to all of these areas and more. Please see the History website at www.kpu.ca/arts/history for more information on our thematic streams.
Even if you don't major in History, the study of the past is an essential part of your education. As you discover History you will learn to think critically and creatively, to evaluate competing viewpoints, and to apply your knowledge of the past to produce an informed and articulate analysis of contemporary global issues. These are the skills demanded by 21st-Century employers.
In this section
Student Profile
The study of History is as relevant to new high school graduates as it is to mid-career professionals. By understanding the peoples and cultures that have created our contemporary world, you will be better able to navigate the complexities of our increasingly interconnected and globalized lives. While an interest in history may draw you into our courses, we also offer courses that are relevant to you if you are a student in political science, business, sustainability studies, and many other areas of the university.
Career Opportunities
The versatility of the History program will provide you with valuable skills including the ability to think critically, to carry out research, and to write clearly in a variety of formats. Your ability to link what you learn in class to the needs of our communities and our world will prepare you for a career in:
- Law, especially if your History degree is combined with political history or political science
- Industry and commerce, including the financial sector, management and research analytics, sales representation, or banking
- Communications, particularly advertising, marketing, PR, or journalism
- Arts administration, editing or marketing
- Policy advising, planning, evaluation, and policy analysis; local historiography ; professional cultural resources management and historic preservation, library sciences, museum or gallery curation, archival studies, genealogy, and records management.
- Government administration organization of the delivery of services, coordination and service committee work, report writing, and policy drafting and process.
- Education of K-12 or university-level
The History BA allows you to choose from several thematic streams which will allow you to enter traditional graduate programs. You will also take an upper-level capstone course on the applications of history that will prepare you for leadership roles in your community and equip you with skills applicable to a broad range of fields.