History

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History instructors presenting in front of classroom using posters of historical photos.
Classroom full of students listening to lecture.
The History Program at College of Western Idaho prepares students for an exciting career in many fields by studying the past as it relates to the present and to the future. Walter Miszczenko, Assistant Professor

“For it is history, and history alone, which, without involving us in actual danger, will mature our judgment and prepare us to take right views, whatever may be the crisis or posture of affairs.” 

-Polybius

Mission

The History Program will engage students with the big questions of change and continuity, social and cultural evolution, and understanding and appreciating one’s place in that evolutionary process. Students will take away practical skills and competencies that allow them to construct their own arguments, making them participants in the ongoing examination of these questions, while providing them a set of skills that can be used in many different environments and contexts.

Why This Program

Many historians become teachers. Others become professional editors, work in museums or archives, or serve in positions with state or federal government agencies. History also provides an excellent preparation for law school. The research, writing, and analytical skills of the historian can be of great value to business corporations and nonprofit associations. Completion of the following courses is designed to result in an Associate of Arts degree and meets the general-education requirements at all Idaho public universities. Course selection should be coordinated to meet requirements for your intended transfer institution (if known).

What You Will Learn to Do

  • Student will show that they understand facts, values, and ideals, and their relationship
  • Students will be able to put facts, values, and ideas in proper chronological order
  • Student will be able to write an academic book review
  • Students will be able to keep a source note journal
  • Students will be able to construct and write a research paper
  • Students will be able to recognize the differences between primary and secondary sources
  • Students will be able to recognize the difference between types of secondary sources
  • Students will be able to understand the structure of different historical arguments
  • Students will be able to use primary sources to construct an historical argument
  • Students will be able to apply and explain historical arguments using the historical method

Respectful Community

College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status.  More on Title IX

News and Blogs

CWI History students touring Idaho State Archives

Students in their final semester of College of Western Idaho’s History program enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Idaho State Archives facility in March.

Seven College of Western Idaho (CWI) faculty members who now hold the faculty rank title of full Professor.

Congratulations to the inaugural group of CWI faculty who now hold the rank title of Professor.

History Capstone class students from CWI searching Idaho State Archives

Students looked through historical documents, firsthand accounts, and personal papers as part of their History Capstone class.

Reggie Jayne, January 2019 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Reggie Jayne, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for January 2019.

Katt Grossman, 2016 Alumna

"CWI empowered me by showing me I am smart, outgoing, and able to do so many more things than I thought I could.”

Justin Vance

Department Chair of History, Culture, and Politics, Dr. Justin Vance, has been named to the National Geographic Idaho Advisory Council.