Students will trace the origins of their discipline to the Ancient Greek scholar Herodotus (fifth century B.C.E.), historians examine the records of the human past, with the goal of understanding change over time. University of Northern British Columbia are particularly interested in establishing cause and effect in the patterns of how society, politics, economies, culture, identity, and thought developed. Traditionally, historians have examined prominent individuals or critical events in politics, warfare, diplomacy, economics and intellectual activity. But in recent decades, the scope of historical study has expanded to encompass a wide range of phenomena and a broad spectrum of society. Women’s roles in history, the daily life of ordinary men and women in the past, and the impact of imperialism and colonialism are just a few of the topics that have come under intense historical scrutiny in recent years. Of particular interest to the current generation of historians are the relationship of the individual to society; encounters between diverse cultures; the dynamics of class, race, and gender; and the expression of power and authority (political, social, or cultural).

The study of history has direct relevance on the present. It provides an enlightening perspective on the cultures and societies of the past and on how the ideals, institutions, and issues of today arose and evolved over time. The discipline of History also requires intellectual rigour, and cultivates critical thinking, creative analysis, and both oral and written communication skills. History majors are highly sought after in fields such as law, education, journalism, business, government service, and “public history” (i.e., museums, historical sites, and archives). A History major is also an ideal foundation for graduate study in the Humanities and Social Sciences.