The Stanford University History Department is one of the most prestigious and respected in the world, with a long and storied history dating back to the founding of the university in 1885. The department has a strong tradition of excellence in teaching and research, and has produced many of the leading historians of the 20th and 21st centuries. From its early days, the department has been committed to exploring the complexities of the past, and to using historical knowledge to inform and shape the present.
Early Years and Founding
The Stanford University History Department was founded in 1892, just seven years after the university itself was established. The department’s first chair was Professor George Edward Pond, a historian of the American West who had previously taught at the University of California, Berkeley. Under Pond’s leadership, the department quickly established itself as a major center for historical research and teaching, with a focus on the history of the United States and the American West. The department’s early years were marked by a strong emphasis on historical methodology, with faculty members such as Professor Henry Morse Stephens playing a leading role in the development of the field.
Expansion and Growth
During the early 20th century, the Stanford University History Department underwent a period of rapid expansion and growth, with the addition of new faculty members and the establishment of new research centers and programs. The department’s faculty included some of the most prominent historians of the day, including Professor Thomas A. Bailey, a leading expert on American diplomatic history, and Professor Harold H. Fisher, a specialist in Russian and Soviet history. The department also established a strong reputation for innovation and experimentation, with faculty members such as Professor Carl N. Degler playing a leading role in the development of new approaches to historical research and teaching.
| Faculty Member | Area of Expertise |
|---|---|
| Thomas A. Bailey | American Diplomatic History |
| Harold H. Fisher | Russian and Soviet History |
| Carl N. Degler | American Social and Cultural History |
Research and Teaching
The Stanford University History Department is known for its rigorous and innovative approach to historical research and teaching. Faculty members are expected to be active researchers, and the department has a strong track record of producing major works of historical scholarship. The department’s research interests are diverse, ranging from ancient history to modern American history, and from European history to Asian history. The department is also committed to teaching, with a range of undergraduate and graduate courses that cater to students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
The Stanford University History Department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Arts in History, and a Doctor of Philosophy in History. The department’s undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a broad-based education in history, with courses that cover a range of topics and time periods. The department’s graduate program is highly competitive, with students going on to pursue careers in academia, research, and a range of other fields.
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in History
- Doctor of Philosophy in History
What are the admission requirements for the Stanford University History Department's graduate program?
+The admission requirements for the Stanford University History Department's graduate program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a strong academic record, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and official transcripts.
What are the research interests of the Stanford University History Department's faculty members?
+The research interests of the Stanford University History Department's faculty members are diverse, ranging from ancient history to modern American history, and from European history to Asian history. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, and have published numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics.
The Stanford University History Department is a vibrant and dynamic community of scholars, with a strong commitment to teaching, research, and public engagement. With its rich history, diverse faculty, and innovative approach to historical research and teaching, the department is well-positioned to continue to play a leading role in the field of history for years to come.
