students in class

Everything and Everyone has a History

Undergraduate history journal cover

New Issue of the Undergraduate History Journal at Illinois

The fall 2025 issue of the student-run journal was published this February and features articles from Rachel Mulick, Elizabeth Segel, Paolo Spica, Lyndon Shi, Joe Kapsch, and Liam Crider.

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Four history graduate students receive research awards and language fellowships from Illinois Global Institute
Four graduate students in the Department of History were selected by the Illinois Global Institute to receive research awards and language fellowships. They are...
Professor Marc Hertzman receives 2026 Roberto Reis Prize for Senior Scholars from the Brazilian Studies Association
 Professor Marc Hertzman received the 2026 Roberto Reis Prize for Senior Scholars from the Brazilian Studies Association for his book...
Professor Rosalyn LaPier helps create bison exhibit at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
 An exhibit tracing the cultural and ecological legacy of American bison opens May 7 at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. “...
Born to teach
Ruth Veida Mandala’s collaborative approach to history
Recipients of 2025-2026 Department of History Annual Awards announced
The Department of History is pleased to announce the winners of our 2025-2026 annual awards. These awards celebrate our faculty, staff, undergraduate, and graduate students to thank them for their dedicated service to our department. They also provide funding and scholarships for their research and...
Finding her home in history
Mikki Kendall’s journey from history major to best-selling author
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Why Study History?

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Take a walk with professor Rosalyn LaPier to learn why the study of history is important today. 

Fall 2026 Highlighted History Courses

Painting of ancient rome

Ancient Rome

Examine the political, social, economic, military, institutional, religious and cultural development of Rome from 753 BCE until 480 CE.

World War II photograph featuring soldiers on tanks

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.

topographic map of the middle east

Middle East since World War I

Understand the issues, questions, and controversies that continuously draw the world's attention to the Middle East.

Wanderer above the Sea of Fog painting. Man stands alone on rocks looking at misty ocean.

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.

painting of a civil war battle on a beach

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.

Scientific illustration of a brain

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.

BB King plays the guitar on stage

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.

students in class

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.  

students studying in the main library reading room

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

Antoinette Burton

The Opinion Pages

Professor Antoinette Burton writes about the value and future of the humanities in the age of AI.

Marsha Barrett

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.

Rosalyn LaPier

Smithsonian Magazine

Professor Rosalyn LaPier was interviewed about the cultural significance of Bison in Indigenous communities and the new exhibit "Bison Standing Strong."

Calendar

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Megan MacDonald

Alumni Spotlight: Megan MacDonald (2008)

Megan MacDonald is the Head of Philanthropic Partnerships at Equitech Futures.