History
Academics
Our course offerings reflect a wide array of geographical foci and methodological approaches. Reflective of this breadth are classes such as Sport and Society in Twentieth Century Africa, Gender and Nation, Money as Meaning, Poverty and Charity in Medieval Europe, Palestinians and Israelis, and History of Food in America. History courses support not only the major but are also a key part of Loyola’s interdisciplinary programs such as Latin American Studies, Black Studies, Women’s Studies, and Medieval Studies.
Research
The history department’s faculty offer a broad range of geographical and interpretive specializations that are reflective of the latest trends in the field. Their active research includes disease and government policy in the late Ottoman Empire, distance runners and the role of sport in education in Kenya, the impact of folk singer Woody Guthrie on American culture, racial violence in Civil Rights Mississippi, poverty in medieval Germany, understanding the memory of 20th century Asia through video games, conceptions of the body in 19th and 20th century Brazil, and the transformation of the food system in millennial-era America.
The History Department at a Glance
New Orleans offers numerous opportunities for internships, both for those interested in public history, archives, and the law. Past placements have included the Historic New Orleans Collection, National World War II Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, Louisiana State Museum, Loyola’s Archives and Special Collections, and the State Supreme Court Library.
As with all other evolving fields, digital tools for research and communication grow more important with every passing year. Over the last decade, the History Department has significantly expanded its technology capabilities in the digital humanities. Students have access to programs such as ArcGIS Pro and Tableau, a studio with audio and video editing workstations, leading edge Oral History technology, and podcast studio including hosting.
All majors have the opportunity to work directly with a faculty member in their final year on a thesis or other capstone project on a topic of their interest. You might write a traditional paper, produce a podcast or documentary, or develop a digital humanities project. Seniors present their work in the spring semester of graduation.
The History Department sponsors the study abroad program in Copenhagen, Denmark every other summer, one of the Center for International Education’s many exciting options for intellectual growth and transformative experiences.