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History
Fast Facts:
- Bethel College history majors routinely win state-wide historical writing contests. In the past decade, Bethel students have won the Kansas History Teachers Association Award more times than students from any other competing private college or university.
- More Bethel Fast Facts…
History is a discipline that focuses on the past in hopes of better understanding the present and creatively preparing for the future. A keen understanding of the past is possible only by studying traditional historical evidence – biographies, diaries and public records – and by probing the mindset of historical actors by studying their literature, scientific pursuits, religious practices and theologies, and modes of artistic expression.
To major in history at Bethel College is to enter an academically rigorous, highly personalized educational environment that emphasizes developing strong research and writing skills and exploring ethical and moral questions from a historical perspective. Small classes allow for in-depth discussion and writing-based assessment methods, as well as one-on-one instruction. Opportunities for hands-on history experiences abound – from the Oral History Institute to museum internships to working with rare books and manuscripts in the Mennonite Library and Archives to study-abroad courses.
Bethel history graduates leave college having explored the global nature of the human community, probed different ways of gathering and analyzing data, developed their abilities to solve problems creatively and honed their abilities to articulate ideas. These are qualities that prepare graduates both personally and professionally for success beyond college.