History

Carol S. Lasser, Professor, Department Chair

Roland Baumann, Adjunct Professor
Ruma Chopra, Visiting Instructor

Andrea Estepa, Visiting Instructor
Michael Fisher, Robert S. Danforth Professor

Suzanne Gay, Professor
Heather Hogan, Professor
Carl Jacobson, Adjunct Assistant Professor
David E. Kelley, Associate Professor
Clayton R. Koppes, Professor
Gary J. Kornblith, Professor

Shelley Lee, Assistant Professor

Shulamit Magnus, Associate Professor
Jill Massino, Visiting Assistant Professor
Edward Melillo, Visiting Assistant Professor
Pablo Mitchell, Associate Professor
Emer O’Dwyer, Instructor
Annemarie H. Sammartino, Assistant Professor
Leonard V. Smith, Frederick B. Artz Professor
Steven S. Volk, Professor

History encompasses the study of peoples, cultures, and institutions across many periods of time. Courses offered at Oberlin include histories of the Americas, Europe, Russia, South and East Asia History classes examine these areas from a variety of broad historical approaches, including political, social, cultural, intellectual, economic and environmental perspectives, with attention to gender, religion, labor, race and ethnicity. Some courses focus on particular national histories while others are comparative, transnational or global. The most common entry into the history curriculum is through 100-level courses, either surveys, which cover a broad time span and geographical range, or first-year seminars which explore particular historical problems or approaches in a small-class setting. Also at the 100 level, the department offers several small classes designed for second year students considering the major. In all fields, 200-level courses are largely topical, dealing with a more limited geography (one region or nation), time period, or historical problem. At the 300- and 400-levels, students can pursue advanced topics in small class settings, either colloquia or research seminars which provide focused training in historical research and writing. Many students arrange private readings with faculty members on topics of mutual interest. Some majors complete their work in the department in the year-long Honors (500-level) Program.

Advanced Placement.

Students with a grade of 4 or 5 on the U.S. History AP examination will be awarded four hours of credit. Students with a grade of 4 or 5 on the European AP history examination will be awarded three hours of credit, and students with a grade of 4 or 5 on the World History AP examination will be awarded three hours of credit. Students who have received AP credits are still encouraged to begin their history courses with the appropriate introductory level (100) courses as these are valuable gateways to subject matter, historical methodologies and approaches not often covered in high school courses. Students wishing to transfer IB or other credits originating from high school courses should consult the Chair of the department. AP credit is granted only during the first year that a student enrolls at Oberlin College. (Please also see “Major.”)