You are in the official 2004-2005 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of History
Henry S. Khanzadian Kazan Professor
in Modern Armenian and Immigration History
The generous endowment for the Henry S. Khanzadian Kazan Professor in Modern Armenian and Immigration History has allowed the department to offer courses on a regular basis in immigration and American history taught by Dr. Isabel Kaprielian (left). Courses include American Ethnic History (HIST 186), Armenians in America (ARMS 120T), and Armenian History II: Modern and Contemporary (HIST 108B). This year, look for a new cross-listed course titled, "The Armenian Genocide in Comparative Context."
The College of Social Sciences
MICHELLE DenBESTE, Chair
ALICE RICARDO, Department Administrative Assistant
Social Science Building, Room 101
(559) 278-2153
Minor in History
Subject Matter Preparation for
Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science
Faculty
Michelle DenBeste, Chair
William E. Skuban, Undergraduate Adviser
Michelle DenBeste, Graduate Adviser
Lori Clune, Social Science Credential Adviser
Isabel Kaprielian, Professor of Armenian and Immigration History
Mark Arvanigian
Lori Clune
Mary D. Coomes
Jeronima Echeverria
Jill S. Fields
Bridget Ford
David C. Hudson
Melissa Jordine
Isabel Kaprielian
John C. Kendall
Pamela D. Lackie
Maritere Lopez
Jesus Luna
William E. Skuban
Malik Simba
Ephraim K. Smith Jr.
The Department of History has 15 faculty members offering a wide variety
of courses in the history of Europe, the United States, Latin America, the
British Empire, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East, as well as courses
in intellectual and cultural history, social history, military history,
and the history of women.
History
History is the study of humanity's recorded past. It encompasses all
aspects of human behavior, social organization, and cultural development.
The arts and the sciences, the development of technology, and changing economic
forces are as much a part of history as is politics or social conflict.
Students of history are engaged in a journey through time in which they
can witness and compare the development of a variety of cultures and the
interrelations between people in many different circum stances. Through
the study of past events, history provides a great storehouse of experience
by which the theories of the other social sciences can be tested. And through
its analysis of the development of institutions and cultures, it provides
one of our best tools for understanding social phenomena.
History is also one of the broadest and most universal of the humanities.
Just as the personalities of individuals are shaped through the totality
of their past experiences, so cultures and institutions also develop in
time. The study of history can help students understand themselves and their
culture better and develop a more tolerant and humane spirit toward others.
In this way, as in so many others, a knowledge of the past can help all
of us meet the problems of today with greater under standing and compassion.
Program
The History Department offers a major and minor in history for the Bachelor of Arts degree, a graduate program leading to the Master of Arts, and courses for use in the teaching credential program. It participates in the interdisciplinary programs and minors in Armenian studies, Asian studies, classical studies, Latin American studies, Russian area studies, and women's studies. History courses may also be used as electives toward graduation in most other majors, and the History Department encourages students to take minors and second majors in other fields as well.
The History Departmetn is a chartered member of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society. Our chapter is Alpha Kappa Beta.
Career Opportunities
History majors are trained to read with comprehension and to compare
and analyze both written and oral material. In addition they must know how
to evaluate evidence and sources, how to critique the writing of others,
and how to do research and writing on their own. These are highly valued
skills in many occupations and professions today, and the History Department
offers preparation for careers in teaching, law, government service, librarianship,
journalism, publishing, and business. Career opportunities may also be found
in such diverse fields as marketing, advertising, insurance, public relations,
social services, urban planning, and the foreign service.
Students with questions related to their future careers are encouraged to
consult with the faculty advisers of the History Department, as well as
with the Office of Advising Services and the Office of Career Planning and
Placement Services, which can provide much useful information with regard
to career planning and current job market trends.
History
Courses