Everything and Everyone has a History
Title
Why Study History?
Take a walk with professor Rosalyn LaPier to learn why the study of history is important today.
Ancient Rome
Examine the political, social, economic, military, institutional, religious and cultural development of Rome from 753 BCE until 480 CE.
US Foreign Relations since 1917
Explore the impact of the United States on world affairs from roughly 1917 through the end of the Cold War.
Middle East since World War I
Understand the issues, questions, and controversies that continuously draw the world's attention to the Middle East.
19th Century Romanticism and Politics
Learn about the period that established our modern world and understand how its ideologies like Romanticism, liberalism, communism, and nationalism continue to shape the present.
Origins of the Civil War
Understand the changes in economic, social, cultural, and political life in the United State that ultimately plunged the nation into the bloodiest and most important war in its history.
Madness and Modern Society
Explore the development of the mind sciences in modern Europe from the beginning of state-regulated asylums to the advent of pharmaceutical treatment and care in the community.
Black Music
What is black music, and how do we know what we think we know about it? Examine musical creations pioneered by Africans and individuals of African descent over several centuries and across hemispheres.
Chart Your Own Path
Our program empowers you to explore your interests and passions within history and gives you the flexibility to pair the major with advanced language study, internships, study abroad experiences, undergraduate research, and community engagement.
Conduct Your Own Research
Follow your interests and explore topics that excite you. In our program, you'll learn the critical thinking, research, and analytical skills required to produce historical research. And you'll have access to the resources of the second largest university library in the country.
In the News
The Opinion Pages
Professor Antoinette Burton writes about the value and future of the humanities in the age of AI.
CBS News
Professor Marsha Barrett spoke with CBS News about the cultural comparisons between the Artemis II and Apollo 8 missions, which both occurred during political turmoil.
Smithsonian Magazine
Professor Rosalyn LaPier was interviewed about the cultural significance of Bison in Indigenous communities and the new exhibit "Bison Standing Strong."
Calendar
Alumni Spotlight: Sara Temple (2019)
A Bronze Tablet scholar, Centenary and Burkhardt prize-winner and president of the Penny Dreadful Players during her time at Illinois, Sara is excited to begin her teaching career in secondary education and infuse her students with her infectious love and passion for history and theater.