Department of History and Philosophy

Department of History and Philosophy

Overview

The Department of History and Philosophy offers four-year honours and three-year general degrees in History with concentrations in Aboriginal Communities, European, and North American fields. We also offer courses in philosophy, intellectual, and cultural history.

Students in our program engage in course work with active researchers in these fields as they prepare for a number of career and further educational options, including teaching, journalism, law, civil service, or graduate studies. Students develop skills in primary research, problem solving, and writing to gain a critical understanding of the past that informs our present.

 

Anishinaabe Peoples Fishing

 Anishinaabe Peoples Fishing on the St. Mary's Rapids, c. 1895

Program and Career Paths

By exploring the past, the study of history builds a foundation for understanding the present. Students learn to place the evidence of the past, from local to global levels, in historical perspective. They explore debates in historical interpretation, critically examine source materials, and apply innovative methods of study to their own research. They also are taught to develop a number of skills that apply beyond the study of history. These include the ability to think clearly, to write objectively, to speak effectively, to analyze critically, and to undertake research confidently. The Department of History and Philosophy at Algoma University specializes in British, North American, and European studies with concentrations in Indigenous/Newcomer relations, contemporary Canada, and English cultural history.  Given the location and traditions of Algoma University, there is a strong focus on Aboriginal history in our program.  Students are able to take courses on Aboriginal history, and they can be assured of strong Aboriginal content in other courses.  The program is also designed to meet the needs of students with interests in other historical periods and areas.  Courses on global themes and coverage from the early modern to contemporary eras are emphasized.  Particular student interests are met through reading and seminar courses.  Our courses are engaging and student-centered.  Our program prepares graduates for further learning and for careers informed by the unique perspectives history and philosophy offer.

A degree in History has traditionally been the path to careers in Law and Education.  More recently, the field has provided a foundation for careers in the Civil Service (including the Foreign Service), Journalism, Museum Studies, Public History, Publishing, and Research Consulting.  We also send our students to top postgraduate programs throughout the country.  Our program offers the breadth necessary to apply for professional programs in these fields, but it is specialized enough to enable students to move directly into the world of employment in several of the above fields.  The study of history gives students the knowledge base to think critically and to learn the value of research in the employment world.