Welcome to the Department of History at Auburn

The Department of History is proud of a heritage that goes back more than one hundred years to the "New Auburn" of the 1880s. Borrowing from the German seminar tradition, George Petrie invigorated the study of history at Auburn, focusing it on rational inquiry, research using primary documents, intense intellectual discourse, and a collective, collaborative approach to instruction. As we move ahead in the twenty-first century we have extended the standards and goals that Petrie set for the department to encompass a more global approach to our discipline, while still striving for excellence in scholarship, teaching, service, and outreach.

Those who come along with us on this intellectual journey will not be disappointed. Our majors can choose among a rich diversity of fields, including American history, European history, world history, women and minorities, technology, public history, and archival studies. Students will work with internationally known scholars who collectively have published 74 books and hundreds of scholarly articles.

But most important, our people will help prepare you for a life and career where discerning thought, problem solving, and basic communication skills are in demand. If you're interested in these challenges, we're interested, too. Join us in this exciting venture.  

Dr. Charles Israel, Chair

Department of History

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Last updated August 11, 2008.