History

MajorMinor3YRBachelor of Arts

Engage with the past.

By studying the past, the discipline of history attempts to determine what lies behind the decisions and choices that have shaped all the cultures of the world. Butler’s History major will encourage you to explore your interests through coursework and individualized projects. You will learn how to contextualize and investigate past events and understand their relevance for the present as well as the future.

With a minimum of prescribed courses, our curriculum allows you to follow your curiosity and discover the unfolding of past events and the processes of history-making that are such a central component of the human condition. By producing original work through course research assignments, and possibly self-designed honors thesis projects, you will learn how to think critically and write effectively. You will leave our program equipped to carefully investigate issues and creatively solve problems on your own—essential skills for any future career direction.

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Program Information

Curriculum

History students at Butler enjoy small classes and a close working relationship with their professors, including the opportunity to carry out hands-on archival research. Indianapolis is home to a rich collection of state and regional records as well as some of the best museums in the country. These all provide Butler History students with opportunities to practice their skills and knowledge outside the classroom. Sample courses in this program include:

HST 101 – An Introduction to History & Anthropology
TI 234-HST – Reel America—Film and the American Experience, 1890–1965
HST 211 – Major Themes in European History
HST 213 – Exploring Latin America
HST 216 – The Cold War in the Pacific
HST 313 – Medieval France

See all History major curriculum information

See all History minor curriculum information

Three-Year Program

The History major can be completed in a total of three years. More information can be found here.

The Butler Advantage

History explores the human condition throughout the world from earliest time to the present moment. Through course work and individualized projects, students will:

Learn how to contextualize and investigate past events and understand their relevance for the present as well as the future.

With a minimum of prescribed courses, our curriculum allows you to follow your curiosity.

Learn how to think critically and write effectively.

Gain the skills to carefully investigate issues and creatively solve problems.

Meet Your Faculty

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Vivian Deno

Professor, History
Department of History, Anthropology and Classics

Background Research Teaching Fall 2022 MW 1-2:15 HST 305 Vexing Women: Transnational Feminist Histories and Struggles, 1870-1940 MW 2:30-3:40 American Visions Spring 2022 MW 1-2:15 American Visions T/TH 1-2:15 Formation of Modern America Fall…
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Thomas Paradis

Professor – History
Department of History, Anthropology and Classics

BiographyBorn and raised in northern Connecticut, Thomas (Tom) Paradis obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Geography at the Pennsylvania State University (1992), and his Masters (1994) and Ph.D. (1997) degrees in Geography: Urban & Rural Development…
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Charlene Fletcher

Assistant Professor – History
Department of History, Anthropology and Classics

Dr. Fletcher is a historian of race, gender, and confinement. She holds a Ph.D. in History from Indiana University. Before entering the academy, Charlene led a domestic violence/sexual assault program and a significant reentry initiative in New York…
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