History

Mission

The History Department at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides a broad introduction to the civilizations of the past and present, including those of antiquity, Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East among others. A major in history provides a solid background for students who pursue careers in government, politics, law, teaching, journalism, criminal justice, sociology, economics or business. The history major develops and sharpens students’ abilities to read carefully, think thoughtfully, speak persuasively and write clearly. More broadly, a history degree fosters critical thinking skills that promote good citizenship and personal enrichment.

Requirements of the Major

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop a thorough grounding in the historical process and offer a variety of perspectives through which to view human thought and action.
  2. Evince an understanding of the distinctiveness of people and societies of the past, as well as the threads that connect the experiences of all peoples over time.
  3. Gather, interpret and analyze a wide range of primary source material.
  4. Display an understanding of interpretations developed by different historians (i.e., historiography). 
  5. Analyze contemporary issues with reference to prior events.
  6. Explain processes of change and continuity over time.
  7. Communicate effectively with both oral and written methods, and especially to be able to tell a clear, cogent, and compelling story.