What is History?
History is the study of change over time and how people, power, and ideas shape the world. Students studying in history minor, learn to examine primary sources, interpret historical narratives, and understand how the past informs present-day debates, identities, and institutions. The minor provides a strong foundation in historical thinking without requiring the full commitment of a major.
Why study History?
A history minor strengthens skills that matter across disciplines: critical analysis, research, writing, and the ability to evaluate evidence using multiple perspectives. It pairs well with majors in the social sciences, humanities, education, business, environmental studies, and the sciences by adding context, depth, and historical awareness to contemporary questions.
Why study History at Beloit College?
At Beloit College, history is hands-on and collaborative. Students work closely with faculty in small classes and engage directly with historical materials through archival research, public history projects, and digital work. The campus offers rare undergraduate access to the College Archives as well as two teaching museums, the Logan Museum of Anthropology and the Wright Museum of Art, which are regularly integrated into coursework. Students use these resources to practice history in real settings, connecting local stories to global contexts.