The History Program at Doane College focuses on a range of learning environments. Introductory level courses, which enroll no more than 40 students, offer surveys of Western European and American history. Upper division courses, usually between 5 and 25 students, offer more intensive examinations of a specific historical topic or period.
In their history classes, students will engaged in a range of projects that delve into the "whys" of history. Simulations, debates, discussions, group projects and presentations as well as more traditional exams and analytical papers offer students the opportunity to develop good analytical, reading, and writing skills, all of which can be utilized in life and in the workplace. In addition, exposure to primary source documents (written during the period studied) as well as secondary sources (historians' interpretations of events and ideas) offers to students the opportunity to examine the historical process - how we make sense of history - and well as to gain insight into complex situations and acquire cross-cultural understanding. Students learn how to work with and understand unfamiliar material, skills that will be necessary as students begin their future careers.
Students who take history courses at Doane College and who have met specific academic requirements may be invited to join Phi Alpha Theta, the History Honor Society. New members to the to the Delta Delta chapter of Phi Alpha Theta at Doane College are initiated at the end of each academic year.
Phi Alpha Theta members May 2008