History

Why become a History major?
Why become a History major?By learning about the forces that shaped civilization, you'll gain an appreciation for the way the world is now and be challenged to think about how it's going to be in coming years.

Plus, someone who graduates with a history degree is considered a 'prize catch' by many successful employers. They know that a history major is not just some kind of apprentice archivist, but someone who knows how to read and write well-and whose knowledge of humans and human history can benefit the company when it comes to dealing with customers and associates.

What makes a History degree from LaGrange so special?

The faculty. This is a group of well-respected scholars who believe that all students benefit from an understanding of their past in order to prepare for their future. Department members have contributed books and articles to their areas of specialization. Unlike at large universities where a great deal of faculty time is spent conducting research, faculty members at LaGrange consider quality teaching Job One. They serve as academic advisors and welcome individual meetings with students outside of class.

Meet a History major:

Caitlin Vest
Caitlin Vest Caitlin received one of four awards for undergraduate research at the Phi Alpha Theta Conference at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. Phi Alpha Theta is the national history honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history.

Intrigued by influential women in Russian history, she wrote her thesis based on the life of Alexandra Kollontai, the world's first female ambassador. Her academic paper competed with the work of students from the University of Georgia, North Georgia College and State University, Berry College, Georgia State University and others.

Meet a History faculty member:

Dr. Kevin Shirley
Dr. Kevin ShirleyThis is not your grandfather's history class.

Since Dr. Kevin Shirley's arrival at LaGrange College in 1998, he's given history students opportunities to do things they never imagined.

"I get a tremendous amount of fulfillment from seeing students blossom. That's the great thing about working here," he says.

"This is not an institution with 72,000 full-time enrolled students and 1,200 classrooms. Here, a classroom is really big if it seats 25."

In fact, the average class size at LaGrange is 11, which enables students to build one-on-one relationships with their professors.

New Public History option opens doors

Today, the American public enjoys a fascination with history like never before, resulting in new job opportunities for trained history professionals. Individuals are employed to help archivists, living history interpreters, government historians, and others promote, facilitate and celebrate the past.

In response to these new job opportunities, LaGrange College offers a Public History concentration for history majors as well as a Public History minor open to all students. Both options provide students with opportunities to explore a variety of non-teaching careers in history, with a focus on research, critical issues in the field and practical hands-on experience.

Public History coursework may include an internship with a museum, historical site, government agency or corporation and a presentation to the college community.