The Experience

History is a way to discover yourself and the world, a way to learn to see beyond stereotypes and simple answers, to discern the difference between assumption and fact.  It helps us put our experience in a larger context, to understand the values, attitudes, and motives of other people, and to recognize the multiple and complex links between people and events, both in the present and the past.  One of the many benefits of studying history, in this respect, is that it helps us to develop a sense of shared humanity. 

History courses can be both worthwhile and enjoyable for students interested in a wide range of academic disciplines.  War and revolution, women’s history, Aboriginal history, ethnicity, work, culture (both popular and elite), business, and applied history are only some of the themes that historians at Trent discuss in their classes.  Our courses range across Canada, North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. 

The History Department at Trent University remains committed to small group learning and close faculty-student interaction. 

Our courses emphasize the development of diverse research and communications skills.  They teach students to locate, analyze and interpret different kinds of sources, and they promote the ability to organize and communicate results through writing, discussion, and presentations.  Employers, community leaders, and graduates have identified history courses as dynamic grounding for careers in management, journalism, law, government, community work, and many other areas.