Students who major in History and Political Studies build a strong foundation of knowledge. The History and Political Studies major is a good option as a pre-law curriculum, providing continued development of students' ability to think critically, communicate and listen effectively, conduct library research and contribute to the community – all crucial skills for law school.

Minor in History

The minor in History can be combined with any baccalaureate degree and especially complements fields such as English, communications and psychology to create powerful interdisciplinary foundations for our graduates' careers.

Capstone Project

Every senior completes a Capstone project, a culmination of work in their fields of study that allows them to demonstrate a deep understanding of a body of knowledge and perspectives informed by that knowledge. Students display and discuss their Capstone projects with the college community and area residents during the Susan Colby Colgate Scholars Symposium each spring.

History and Political Studies Club

The History Society and Culture Club strives to promote the major and to provide a way to explore their interest in history outside the classroom.

Apprentice Historian Project

The Apprentice Historian Project is a center for local and regional history at Colby-Sawyer College and dedicated to promoting excellence in the study of history, as well as the preservation and use of original historical resources.

To provide students with the best historical training, the project introduces them to the archival resources at the college and expands their sense of the scope of source material. It also engages them in primary research in introductory courses in order prepare them to accomplish original research in their Capstone courses.

The Apprentice Historian Project also reaches out to the community, encouraging students to take advantage of local historical resources and to work on developing and preserving them by such activities as recording oral histories. The project includes collaboration with schools, in order to promote historical awareness and study. Professional scholars and student scholars are encouraged to share their work through publications and public presentations.

Additional Curricula Opportunities

Students who go on to further studies in law, medicine, veterinary practice and physical therapy can combine any Colby-Sawyer major with a course of study that will prepare them for the next academic step.