History

Students who pursue a degree in history come to understand the major issues facing the contemporary world through a historical lens and understand how actions and actors of the past have created the political, social, and environmental circumstances faced by civilization today. Their studies afford them entry to the riches of the recorded past and an understanding of the process of historical change. At the same time, a history major enables them to develop critical reading and writing skills that are valuable in life and crucial in any employment field they choose to enter.

The Department of History offers undergraduate study leading to the B.A. degree, with three concentrations for students to choose from.

 

We Offer:

The bachelors programs above may be taken in on-ground, hybrid, or (beginning in Fall, 2025) fully online modalities.  They are also available as degree completion programs for students who have completed an approved ADT degree.

 

Your Future

Career Opportunities Include:

Archivist • Attorney • Corporate Historian • Curator • Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer • Government Service • International Relations Specialist • Journalist • Legal Assistant • Librarian • Museum Worker • Professor • Politician • Public Administrator • Researcher • Teacher • Writer

 

Future Income:

Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more about the outlook for your future career.

 

View Catalogs

By Department

Department of History

University Catalog

Courses You Might Take

HIST 201 - Why History Matters

Gain skills in historical interpretation. Use reasoning from evidence to establish valid historical assertions, with the consideration of empathy and accuracy. A gateway course to advanced work in the history major.

HIST 320 - Transnational Revolution in the Modern World

Explores the history of modern revolution, with an emphasis on France, Russia, and China. Covers the evolving ideals of social justice and equality, cross-border movement of people and technologies, impacts of war, and espionage and diplomacy in new regimes.

Hist 327 - Love, Sex, Family: Globalization and Private Life Since 1914

Examines the effects of migration, decolonization, and diaspora on personal relationships. Covers geopolitical and social structures of oppression and individual stories of liberation in matters of the heart. Writers as activists. Reading fiction historically.

HIST 328 - 20th Century World

Covers the history of the world wars, Russian revolution and Stalinism, fascism and Nazism, Chinese Revolution, Cold War, decolonization, and the globalization of world economy. A focus on diplomacy, economics, and political/social trends.

HIST 333 - Sustainability in the Ancient World

An examination of how the ancient world preserved its cultures and economies during times of war, climate change, disease, the use/misuse of natural resources, and social justice.

HIST 400 - Historical Interpretation

Learn about historical interpretation from antiquity to the present. An introduction to the concept of historiography. Covers representation and access in the history discipline.

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Contact Us

Department of History
  • California State University, East Bay
  • Student & Faculty Support Building, SF 442
  • Hayward, CA 94542