Bachelors of History

Program Overview

The Bachelor of History program at Franklin College is designed to cultivate in students a profound understanding of the past and its enduring impact on the present and future. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, the program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication skills, preparing students not just for specific careers but for life-long learning and global citizenship. The program empowers students to explore the complexities of human societies across diverse periods and cultures, fostering an appreciation for how events, ideas, and institutions have shaped our world.

Curriculum: The history curriculum at Franklin College provides a broad and comprehensive overview of historical developments across various regions. Students delve into the main outlines of European, North American, and non-Western history, including specific courses on topics such as Latin American history and culture, modern European history, Russian history, African American history, and the history of women in the United States. Beyond content knowledge, the curriculum heavily emphasizes the development of historical skills: students learn to analyze and interpret historical phenomena, evaluate the writings of other historians, conduct thorough historical research, and write analytically about historical topics. The program culminates in a senior competency practicum, often involving original archival research and public presentation of findings.

Research Focus: Undergraduate research is a pivotal component of the History program at Franklin College. Faculty actively mentor students in independent research projects, encouraging them to make original intellectual contributions to the discipline. This commitment to engaged learning provides students with hands-on experience in archival work, evidence gathering, and scholarly writing. Students have undertaken advanced independent studies on diverse topics, from local histories like "The Story of 'Shiner': A History of Race in Franklin, Indiana" to broader inquiries such as "A Cold Man in a Cold War: Joseph Stalin's Role in the Beginning of the Cold War" or "Resisting Democracy and Fighting Insurgencies: U.S. Training or Proxy Armies in Central America." This prepares them for graduate studies or professional roles demanding rigorous inquiry and historical understanding.

Industry Engagement: The History program at Franklin College emphasizes the importance of connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application in professional settings. This is significantly achieved through a strong focus on internships and public history projects. Students are actively supported in securing internships at a variety of historical and cultural institutions, including the Indiana Historical Society, the Johnson County Museum of History, the Indiana Archives and Records Administration, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, among others. These real-world experiences allow students to apply their coursework, research skills, and digital fluency in professional environments, gaining valuable insights into careers in museums, archives, historic preservation, and community history.

Global Perspective: Franklin College's History program strongly integrates a global perspective, encouraging students to broaden their understanding of diverse cultures and historical contexts through immersive experiences. History majors frequently participate in the college's abundant Immersive Term travel courses, visiting historically significant sites, museums, and architectural marvels across the globe. Past student travel destinations have included Spain, France, England, Uganda, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Poland, and Italy. These international engagements provide students with a deeper, firsthand appreciation for global historical developments and foster intercultural competency, which is crucial in an interconnected world.