Mission Statement of the Dr. Arnoldo De León Department of History

The history program assists students in acquiring a fundamental understanding of world events and the manner in which humankind is affected by historical currents. The history program also aims to have its students write competently, read analytically, think critically and conduct research independently. To serve those who pass through the academic classroom, the history faculty provides a strong course of study, the latest knowledge accrued from research findings and practical pedagogical skills applicable to a rapidly changing global society.

The undergraduate and graduate history programs have as their mission, therefore, to help students:

• Develop a fundamental knowledge and an understanding of historical events
• Recognize political, economic and social causation in history and the effects that historical forces have on humankind
• Appreciate cultural achievements of different civilizations, whether American, Latin American, Asian or European
• Hone skills in research, writing, reading, oral communication and critical thinking
• Engage in active learning through personal inquiry and problem solving
• Gain usable specialized vocabulary needed for careers in history-related fields
• Acquire bibliographical expertise and familiarity with historiography

Members of the history faculty see it as their duty to:

• Impart, through their professional development, the most current knowledge in specific fields of history
• Offer the most recent approaches in educational instruction
• Provide their majors with the appropriate advice needed for crafting careers as public school teachers or as professionals in other occupations open to history majors