COURSE CURRICULUM

The history program at DePaul University offers a structured and skill-focused curriculum designed to help students understand how the past is studied, interpreted, and connected to present-day society. The coursework begins with foundational classes such as Introduction to Historical Sources and Methods, where students learn how historians identify, evaluate, and interpret primary and secondary sources, and Craft of History, which focuses on developing core historical thinking skills, research techniques, and analytical writing.As students advance, they take more specialized and applied courses that strengthen both their research and writing abilities. Historical Research and Writing, a senior capstone course, allows students to conduct independent research projects and produce in-depth historical analysis, demonstrating mastery of historical inquiry. United States Constitutional History and The Court and the U.S. Bill of Rights explore the development of American legal and political systems, focusing on how constitutional principles and judicial decisions have shaped governance and civil rights over time.The program also includes modern and applied approaches to historical study. Doing Digital History introduces students to digital tools and technologies used to analyze, visualize, and present historical data, while Oral History teaches methods for collecting and interpreting firsthand accounts and personal narratives, adding depth and human perspective to historical research.Students can tailor their studies through different academic tracks based on their interests and career goals. The Pre-Law track is designed for students planning to pursue legal careers, emphasizing analytical thinking, argumentation, and historical understanding of legal systems. The Public History track focuses on applying historical knowledge in museums, archives, cultural institutions, and community-based projects, preparing students for careers in education, heritage management, and public engagement. The Standard track offers a broad and flexible foundation in historical study, allowing students to explore multiple areas of history without a specialized focus.Overall, the program builds strong skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and interpretation, preparing students for careers in law, education, public service, research, and other fields that value analytical and communication expertise.