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 on The Sound of Ideas
Professor John Bickers was interviewed on The Sound of Ideas in connection with the podcast series The Ohio Country on Native Americans in the Ohio Country, for which he served as cultural advisor.
Ted Steinberg Writes about Painting Lawns for “The Conversation”
Professor Steinberg writes in a piece for The Conversation that more Americans are painting their lawns green during ongoing droughts.
Hans Meyers Contributed to cleveland.com
Doctoral student Hans Meyers wrote an opinion piece for cleveland.com about how 192 House Republicans voted to restore the Confederate Memorial to Arlington National Cemetery.
Renée Sentilles appears on Our Womanity podcast
Renée Sentilles was invited to speak on an episode of the Our Womanity podcast about the history of hysteria. Read more here.
Noël Voltz Quoted in The Ohio Newsroom Article
Professor Noël Voltz was quoted in an article about Worthington Cemetery, a 19th-century Black resting place that has been farmed over.
Katherine Lewis Profiled in The Daily
Katherine Lewis was profiled in The Daily. Read more here.