History

Chair Stephen Alter, David Goss, Jennifer Hevelone-Harper, Nicholas Rowe, David Wick. Part-time: Ute Possekel.

MISSION: The Department of History introduces students to essential knowledge of the human past, helping them to gain insight into the dynamics of historical continuity and change as well as to develop those critical and interpretive skills which are vital to the discerning study of human experience. The department’s aim is to graduate well-informed individuals equipped for responsible world Christian citizenship and thoughtful cultural involvement. The department also provides students preliminary preparation useful for careers in teaching, law, government, Christian ministry, archival and museum work, and higher education and scholarship.

Honors in History

The department encourages highly qualified majors with junior standing to consider pursuing history honors, which entails preparation of a research thesis under the guidance of a faculty director during two of the student’s last four terms at Gordon. Minimum requirement for application to the honors program is a GPA of 3.65 in the major and 3.00 overall by the first half of the student’s junior year, plus academic excellence and good writing skills as demonstrated in previous course work. Pending departmental approval of a student’s research proposal, the candidate will enroll in HIS 471 - Research I , HIS 472 - Research II , develop a substantial thesis paper, and defend the thesis orally to department faculty and fellow students. See department website for further information.

International Seminar: History of Ancient and Modern Greek Culture and Christianity in the Aegean

This intensive four-week course includes living and traveling in mainland Greece, the Aegean islands and Turkey. Focuses on ancient Greek historical cultures (Bronze Age, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and later), New Testament historical backgrounds, and modern European/Mediterranean history and culture in a variety of Greek cities and smaller towns (longest stays are in Thessaloniki and Athens). Students study and integrate all three fields but choose a concentration in one. Combines classroom study, site visits, research, interviews and travel. (Offered alternate years, late summer.) Contact Professor Wick, History Department, and the Global Education Office to apply.

International Seminar: Development of Modern China

The Economics and Business Department and History Department offer an intensive combination of study and travel to China, focusing on one of the world’s largest economies. Students prepare through meetings and assigned reading during the spring semester, then travel to key sites of historical and economic development interest. Offered periodically. Earns 4 semester hours of credit through either the Economics and Business Department or History Department. Contact Global Education Office to apply.

Programs

Major

History (B.A.)

Minor

Courses

Geography

GEG 210 - Principles of Geography

History