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Discovering the Past

A strong emphasis is placed upon building leadership, critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning, and persuasion. Students obtain a multi-cultural awareness allowing them to understand each issue. This major offers the opportunity to take two classes most institutions do not offer: History of Sports and History of Women.

Careers

Pursuing a degree in History presents numerous opportunities in Federal and State government agencies. Students will have obtained various argumentation and persuasion strategies needed to seek success in political or justice situations. If interested in nature, the History emphasis enhances one’s ability to work within the National Park service. A degree in History will prepare the student for a career in:

  • Elementary/Middle/High School teacher
  • Paralegal/Legal Assistant
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Journalist
  • Archivist
  • National Park Ranger
  • State Lawyer
  • Local, State, and Federal Political Positions
  • Legislative Staff
  • Graduate School

Internships

Looking for professional experience while working toward your degree? History professors encourage students to participate in internship opportunities, so students can expand their knowledge and gain understanding of professional situations. History students are fortunate to have the opportunity to intern under various Iowa political leaders. While at the Iowa State Capitol, students have been assigned to work under a State Representative, who conducted various state-required exercises for students. Students can also participate in other relevant internship opportunities. Other internship opportunities available for History students include:

  • Iowa Legislative Internship
  • Washington D.C Semester Internship
  • Historical Prevention Offices
  • National Park Services
  • Historian Assistant
  • Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
  • Historical Museum Guide

Faculty

Michael Collins, Ph.D.

Social and Behavioral Sciences Division Chair, Professor of Sociology 641-673-1393 Email

Brooke Sherrard, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of History 641-673-1350 Email

Organizations

William Penn University’s Social and Behavioral Sciences Club is designed for student development within leadership positions, and creating a social environment directed toward generating skills pertaining to social and psychological analysis. The club is open to all Penn students interested in social interaction. Professors also encourage students to join the National and Iowa Council for the Social Studies.

Courses

You will take the following courses as a student in the History program:

History Major Courses

  • HIST 130 American History to 1900
  • HIST 132 American History Since 1900
  • HIST 151 History of Western Civilization to 1648
  • HIST 152 History of Western Civilization Since 1648
  • HIST 390 History/Government Practicum
  • HIST Electives

History Minor

  • 18 hours from any History class