History asks fundamental questions about the nature of change over time. History is our collective memory; studying the past reveals the enormous complexity of the human experience and highlights the contingency of our contemporary world. Because no contemporary political, cultural, or economic issue can be understood outside of its historical context, History offers an ideal foundation for students interested in law, medicine, international relations, public policy, and women’s studies, as well as an intellectual complement for students pursuing science and engineering. Indeed, the history major at CWRU, as nationally, is traditionally one of the preferred preparatory paths for admission to law school. Thinking historically means learning how to frame complex problems, sift through multifaceted evidence, and develop carefully argued writing. Our students carry these skills far beyond graduation, pursuing careers in the professions, business, government, as well as advanced doctoral study.
Our department has a long and prestigious tradition that stretches back to the origins of Western Reserve University in 1826. Today, our faculty specialize in a range of thematic and regional subjects. We have a strong tradition in the study of social, cultural, legal, policy, and political history, which together constitutes a major component of our graduate program. Our other focus of graduate study—the history of science, technology, the environment, and medicine (STEM)—has its roots in Case’s pioneering graduate program in the history of technology in the late 1950s (the first of its kind in the United States), as well as its role in founding the Society for the History of Technology. Our department also maintains a strong international focus with faculty who specialize in European, Asian, African, and Latin American history.
John Bickers Interviewed by The Daily
Professor John Bickers was interviewed by The Daily for Native American History Month. Read more here.
Ted Steinberg Featured on NPR
Professor Steinberg spoke to NPR about the changing cultural relationship that Americans have with their lawns. Listen or read more here.
John Bickers Quoted in cleveland.com Article
Professor John Bickers weighed in on the debate surrounding the Forrest Service’s proposed renaming of Wayne National Forest to Buckeye National Forest. Read more here.
Einav Rabinovitch-Fox Contributed to the Washington Post
Professor Rabinovitch-Fox wrote a piece on the entertainment industry’s history of labor activism for the Washington Post: “‘Pins and Needles’ redux: Theater can propel solidarity and score wins for labor”
Einav Rabinovitch-Fox Talked Barbie with The Daily
Professor Rabinovitch-Fox spoke to The Daily about Barbie’s complicated relationship with feminism.
Jonathan Sadowsky Quoted in Psycom Article
Professor Sadowsky was quoted in a recent Psycom article about the history of bipolar disorder. Click to read “Bipolar Disorder: A History of Demons, Humors, and Stigma.”