The Stanford History Department is one of the oldest and most prestigious departments at Stanford University, with a rich history dating back to the university's founding in 1891. The department has a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research, with a faculty that includes some of the most distinguished historians in the world. The department's curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of historical events, processes, and trends, from ancient civilizations to modern times.
History of the Department
The Stanford History Department was established in 1891, when the university was founded by Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane Lathrop Stanford. The first chair of the department was Henry Morse Stephens, a British historian who had previously taught at Cornell University. Under Stephens’ leadership, the department quickly established itself as a major center for historical research and teaching, with a focus on European and American history. Over the years, the department has expanded its scope to include a wide range of geographical areas and historical periods, including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Notable Faculty Members
The Stanford History Department has been home to many distinguished historians over the years, including Carl Degler, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972 for his book “Neither Black nor White”; David M. Kennedy, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for his book “Freedom from Fear”; and Nancy F. Cott, who has written extensively on the history of women and gender in America. Other notable faculty members include Albert Camarillo, a leading historian of Mexican American history; Estelle Freedman, a prominent historian of women’s history; and James Sheehan, a renowned historian of modern Europe.
| Faculty Member | Research Area |
|---|---|
| Carl Degler | African American history |
| David M. Kennedy | American history |
| Nancy F. Cott | Women's history |
| Albert Camarillo | Mexican American history |
| Estelle Freedman | Women's history |
| James Sheehan | Modern European history |
Research and Teaching
The Stanford History Department is committed to excellence in both research and teaching. Faculty members are expected to produce original and innovative research, and to teach a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses. The department offers a BA in History and a PhD in History, as well as a number of interdisciplinary programs such as the Program in Modern Thought and Literature and the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. The department is also home to a number of research centers and initiatives, including the Stanford Humanities Center and the Center for Latin American Studies.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
The Stanford History Department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a BA in History and a PhD in History. The undergraduate program provides students with a broad and deep understanding of historical events, processes, and trends, from ancient civilizations to modern times. The graduate program is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching, and offers a range of specializations and concentrations. The department also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs and joint degrees, such as the Program in Modern Thought and Literature and the Joint PhD in History and Humanities.
- BA in History
- PhD in History
- Program in Modern Thought and Literature
- Joint PhD in History and Humanities
What are the requirements for the BA in History?
+The requirements for the BA in History include completion of a minimum of 60 units of course work in history, including a minimum of 20 units of upper-division course work. Students must also complete a senior thesis or research paper, and pass a comprehensive examination.
What are the areas of specialization for the PhD in History?
+The areas of specialization for the PhD in History include Ancient History, Medieval History, Early Modern European History, Modern European History, American History, Asian History, African History, and Latin American History. Students may also pursue interdisciplinary specializations, such as the Program in Modern Thought and Literature.
The Stanford History Department is committed to excellence in research and teaching, and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs that provide students with a broad and deep understanding of historical events, processes, and trends. With its distinguished faculty, interdisciplinary approach, and research centers and initiatives, the department is a leading center for historical research and teaching, and provides students with a world-class education in history.
