History

History
Offered as a major (B.A.) and a minor

Here on the hilltop, history isn’t just a series of past events, it is a field where you can actively learn about the past, shape the present, and prepare for the future. Studying history at Saint Anselm, you’ll develop the skills to synthesize diverse information, write clear and persuasive arguments backed up by data, and understand human actions in different places and cultures. Our passionate professors empower students to ask questions and think critically. Having these skills that employers value will prepare you to be successful in a wide variety of fields like business, journalism, law, and education.

History Department

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Being a history major was incredibly useful in honing my critical thinking skills, especially as a writer. I learned how to articulate my insights thoughtfully whilst analyzing rather lengthy texts and primary materials from a variety of different eras. Additionally, learning how to scan different types of literature efficiently and effectively will be especially useful in my legal education and career beyond graduation.

— Jillian Dorazio ’24

A history class engaged in seminar-style discussion

Featured Course

HU 301: Stories of War

Blending history and literature together, this interdisciplinary course discusses a range of real-world topics related to war. You’ll examine military conflict through unique lenses of memoirs, reportage, short stories, novels, poetry, film, music, and art.

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Seeing History First-hand in Cuba

Through the Cold War in Cuba course, history students embark on a week-long study abroad trip to learn a different perspective on the Cold War. Students visit museums and historic sites and even hear first-hand recollections of key events like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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Students posing for a group photo in Cuba

History in the Palm of Your Hands

The History Department is deeply committed to research, encouraging students to contribute to scholarly investigations. That means you’ll have real opportunities to conduct dynamic research, dig deeper into your favorite subject, or connect course work with real world applications.

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A Sampling of Recent Student Research

Through research, students dive deeper into materials immersing themselves into databases, historical documents, and artifacts.

The origins of Lowell National Historical Park
Jimmy Carter's post-presidential career
Suffragist Mrs. Lois Warren Shaw
The legal and cultural history of guns in America
Petitioning for freedom in the American West
Pilgrimage mapping using spatial history software
Sources on authoritarian legal history
The American Civil War and Reconstruction
The repercussions of pesticides and herbicides used for cotton production in West Africa

Lauren Chooljian ’10 in the spin room for the ABC Democratic Debate

History Alumna Recognized with Pulitzer Nomination

Reporter Lauren Chooljian Baer ’10 has been widely recognized for her podcasts and coverage over the last decade. In addition to being a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Audio Reporting, the history alumna delivered a memorable commencement address to Saint Anselm College’s class of 2024.

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recent outcomes

Recent Career Outcomes

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
New Hampshire Hunger Solutions
New Hampshire Public Radio
Office of Governor Christopher T. Sununu
Rath, Young, and Pignatelli
Smithsonian Museum of African History
U.S. Justice Department
UNICEF

Recent Graduate Schools

Boston College
Georgetown University
London School of Economics
New England Law School
Notre Dame
Suffolk Law School
Trinity College-Dublin
UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law