History

Department of History and Political Science

Our department explores the present and past through two distinct disciplines: History and Political Science. History is the study of the human past as it is constructed and interpreted with human artifacts, written evidence, and oral traditions. It requires empathy for people, respect for intelligent debate, and the skillful use of an evolving set of practices and tools. Political Science addresses questions about the organization and function of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior. Political scientists use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and tools and a variety of methodological approaches to examine the processes, systems, and political dynamics of all countries and regions of the world. All History and Political Science courses emphasize critical reading, rigorous research, and strong oral and written communication skills. The History program encompasses a minor and a major, with an optional concentration in Foreign Service. The department also offers a minor in Political Science, and minors in Pre-Law, Civic Engagement, Public History, and Middle East Studies. History majors complete a capstone project through a seminar course, an independent senior thesis, or by being accepted into the fall American Antiquarian Society Seminar. The department supports the Upsilon Rho chapter of Phi Alpha Theta (the National History Honor Society) and is a member of the American Historical Association and the American Political Science Association.

Faculty

Nathan Angelo, Assistant Professor (2016), B.A. Hofstra University; M.A. New York University and City University of New York; Ph.D., New School for Social Research

Erika Briesacher, Associate Professor (2012), B.A. Illinois Wesleyan University; M.A. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville; Ph.D. Kent State University

Anthony Dell'Aera, Assistant Professor (2016), B.A. Trinity College; M.A., Ph.D. Brown University

Martin Fromm, Associate Professor (2013), B.A. Brown University; M.A. Stanford University; Ph.D. Columbia University

Michael Gesin, Professor (2007), B.A. Worcester State College; M.A., Ph.D. Brandeis University

Aldo V. Garcia Guevara, Professor (2006), B.A. University of North Carolina, Asheville; M.A., Ph.D. University of Texas, Austin

Charlotte Haller, Department Chair, Professor (2004), B.A. Brown University; M.A., Ph.D. University of Wisconsin

Tona J. Hangen, Professor (2008), B.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. Brandeis University

Tanya Mears, Associate Professor (2010), B.S. Tuskegee University; M.A., Ph.D. University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Alison K. Okuda, Assistant Professor (2017), B.A. University of California; M.Phil., Ph.D., New York University

Robert W. Smith, Professor (2007), B.A. Syracuse University; M.A., Ph.D. College of William and Mary

Catriona Standfield, Assistant Professor (2020), B.A.,University of Adelaide; M.A., Ph.D., Syracuse University

Lila M. Teeters, Visiting Assistant Professor (2021), B.A., Vassar College; M.A., Columbia University; Ph.D., University of New Hampshire

Courses

HI-103 Connecting Ancient Worlds: World History to 1500

LASC Categories: GP, TLC

Surveys economic, social, political and intellectual developments of global societies and their inter-relationship from ancient times to 1500. [Applicable to Global Studies concentration.]