Welcome to the Department of History

History courses at the University of Regina introduce students to the breadth and depth of the human experience. Through the comparative study of past and contemporary societies and cultures, they develop students’ ability to conduct research, analyze and assess evidence, and articulate sound conclusions. In addition to being of interest and value in their own right, history courses are therefore an excellent training ground for careers in law, business, education, social work, justice studies, journalism, and various other areas. Employers appreciate the abilities that the study of history imparts, such as:

• effective communication both in speech and writing
• critical thinking
• problem solving and analytical skills
• mastery of a body of knowledge

Our expectation is that when you complete a history course you will not only acquire valuable knowledge, but will also have made progress toward gaining the intellectual capabilities and skill sets that are of high value to employers across many sectors of society.

The study of history involves the use of a wide array of sources and methodologies to effect a critical interpretation of the past. Once preoccupied with politics and ideas, historians have broadened the scope of their enquiry to consider economic and social history, as well as the history of culture and collective mentalities. Their efforts of historical reconstruction are useful for the knowledge they provide concerning the origin and nature of contemporary institutions and societies, in addition to the insights they provide into the range of human experience and behaviour. The student of history will be introduced to historical sources and methods, as well as to some of the essential problems of historical interpretation.