Department of History

About The Department

The History Department at Spring Hill College is committed to the belief that the study of history is essential to a liberal arts education. In that context, students in our history courses examine the major political, economic and social forces and events that have shaped the world today. In addition to providing a sound program for students who major or minor in history, the History Department seeks to offer stimulating and relevant courses to all Spring Hill students.

In the introductory history courses that serve as part of the college’s core, the focus is on the essential background for an educated understanding of the peoples and forces affecting the development of western societies. In the upper division courses, the emphasis is on a more intensive analysis of social, political, economic and ideological developments as studied in more concise periods and ranging into such topics as women’s history, African-American history, Latin America, the American presidency, Medieval Europe, Modern Europe, the American Civil War and early America.

The history faculty works diligently to develop each student’s historical knowledge, writing abilities and analytical skills as a contribution to the student’s intellectual development. In so doing, we seek to prepare our students for a variety of career and educational opportunities, including graduate and professional programs in history, government, law, education, historical preservation, museum studies, archival studies, journalism and public administration.

Program Offerings

The Department of History at Spring Hill College has faculty that are leading researchers in their field, winning national accolades and grants for their work!

History and Real World Experiences

History gives you the cultural background to function effectively in contemporary society.  In a globalizing world, history provides you with an in-depth knowledge of societies from the distant past to the contemporary era.  It enables you to function as an informed citizen and leader, able to evaluate evidence and make clear, concise, and convincing arguments.

The study of history teaches thinking and writing skills that are critical in a wide range of professions, from law to business to medicine. 

Spring Hill College offers two student organizations focused in History: The History Club and Phi Alpha Theta. Phi Alpha Theta is an honor society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, writing, effective teaching, and the exchange of ideas among historians. We seek to bring students, teachers, and a variety of historians together for intellectual and social exchange.

The chapter hosts several events each year, including, most recently, the Alabama Regional Phi Alpha Theta Conference. Theta members are also involved in a number of activities in conjunction with the Spring Hill College History Club. Learn more about our many student organizations here.

You can also learn more about career development, preparation and opportunities with the Office of Career Development.

History Core

The history core seeks to introduce the essential background for an educated understanding of the peoples and forces affecting the development of western societies. In a historical context, students examine and discuss issues and questions raised in areas of literature, theology, philosophy, science, politics, art, architecture, economics and human behavior. Through a study of primary sources and texts relating to these areas, students develop critical reading, writing and analytical skills. The history core courses address timeless questions of past and present inequalities based on race, religion, class, gender, economic status and geography and provide insight into the common good of the global human community.

The history core is divided into two categories of classes: surveys (HIS 211, 212, 213, and 214) and skills courses (HIS 110 and 120).

Students take one class focusing on U.S. History (HIS 120, 213, 214) and one that must focus on global history (HIS 110, 211, 212).

The History Major and Minor

History Majors:

All History majors must take HIS 110 or 120; HIS 211 or 212; HIS 213 or 214; and HIS203. 

Majors must take a minimum of seven upper division history courses. 

Additionally, all history majors are required to complete HIS 499 Seminar with a grade of C- or better.

History Minors:

All History minors must take HIS 110 or 120; HIS 211 or 212; HIS 213 or 214; and HIS203. In addition, history minors are required to take a minimum of three upper division courses.