Department of History

History

History Major History Minor Russian Area Studies Minor War And Society Minor Graduate Programs

Our Department of History publishes cutting-edge historical research, trains students to become critical thinkers and strong researchers, and shares our passion for history with the community. Classes are small, and our close-knit History majors and faculty hold regular social events and service activities through our award-winning history honor society.

History of Human Sleep Patterns Informs Modern Medicine

Professor Roger Ekirch's award-winning research on the history of sleep patterns examines centuries of evidence about how people in different cultures segmented their day before the advent of electric lighting.

Thinking about Smells

Assistant Professor Melanie Kiechle's research on how people's perceptions of odors have changed across time took her to the archives at the American Antiquarian Society through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Virginia Center for Civil War Studies

Our center is a national leader in research on the American Civil War, sponsoring research, community events, and public education programs on the war's important role in our nation's history.

Centers and Labs

Virginia Center for Civil War Studies