Itself steeped in over 200 years of history, Hampden-Sydney College knows that the study of history is hallmark to the pursuit of self understanding and a liberal arts education. The History department offers a variety of courses in African-American, American, Asian, European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern history. A history major is a good foundation for careers in teaching, law, and public affairs.

The requirements for a major in History are 33 hours in History courses, including 6 hours in United States history, 6  hours in European history, and 6 hours in areas outside of Europe and the United States. History 299, 499 and 9 elective hours compose the remainder of the major. All 300- and 400-level courses are open only to juniors and seniors, or others with the consent of the instructor.

Degree Offerings

Center for Public History

The Center for Public History is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with the opportunity to engage in the work of interpreting history for a public audience. It offers courses, programs, extracurricular events, and internship opportunities focusing on five broad areas of public history work: archeology, archives, historic preservation, museum studies, and oral history.

Center for Public History

History Pathways

To help you pursue your interests in history, the department emphasizes our particular strengths with Pathways. Not a requirement for the major or minor in history, Pathways suggest how you can combine courses to study a particular theme.

Explore History Pathways

Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Alpha Theta is an international honor society in history which encourages the study of history through research, good teaching, and the exchange of ideas among historians. Members are students and professors elected to the society upon the basis of excellence in the study or writing of history. Consideration is normally given to those students who have taken a minimum of fifteen hours of history with a 3.1 average or better and an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. National website:  Phi Alpha Theta

Advisor: Dr. James Frusetta, Associate Professor of History
(434) 223-7206
jfrusetta@hsc.edu

Unique Opportunities

Resources to help students find internships, research opportunities, and scholarships in the field of history

Unique Opportunities

Keith Leach '81

Born at Hampden-Sydney during his father's undergraduate years, new College Chaplian Keith Leach '81 has truly come full circle. He shares his journey to faith, to ministry, and back to Hampden-Sydney.

Keith Leach '81

History Department


Dr. Robert H. Blackman , Chair
Squires Professor of History
Morton Hall, 001
Hampden-Sydney College | Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943
(434) 223-6957
rblackman@hsc.edu

History Department Professors
Information icon