Department of History

The Department of History is one of Kean University's oldest and most productive programs of study and has been part of the instructional component of the institution since its inception in 1855.

The mission of the Department of History is to develop emerging scholars capable of thinking critically, communicating across cultures, researching, analyzing, writing and reasoning within the perspective of historical literacy and done within a global context, skills in high demand to employers in a wide range of industries.

Every student studies the foundations, which include insights into cultures and problems of civilizations and an understanding of human groupings - countries, religions, and civilizations that have generated the emotions, symbols and values of contemporary life. Students also learn about the complex causes of the rise and fall of societies, as well as the underlying realities of leadership, social class and power.

History graduates are capable of producing quality research, and as teacher/scholars encourage and inspire tolerance and mutual understanding as responsible and responsive members of a civic community.

The bachelor's degree program in history is intellectually rigorous. It requires a considerable amount of reading, writing and research. It is designed to give students a wide-ranging knowledge of the human past, as well as the practical and philosophical skills of a scholar. Students learn to work with primary and secondary sources and to analyze them critically. We also expect students to become part of the life of the department. This means meeting regularly with professors and an advisor and attending student workshops and special events. In the end, this helps students learn to think and behave like an historian.

Program Options 

• B.A. in History       
• B.A. in History Pre-Law            
• B.A. in History Honors option       
• B.A. in History Teacher Certification            
• B.A. in History, Teacher of Students with Disabilities              
• B.A. in History, Honors option with Teacher Certification
• Minor in History
• Minor in Art History 

Options for Interdisciplinary Studies

• M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies
• Jewish Studies minor
• Asian Studies minor
• Chinese Studies minor

Learn more about the Department of History, including course offerings, program options and faculty by clicking here.

For a complete list of course descriptions and degree requirements, click here.

To schedule an advising appointment with Faculty:

 https://www.kean.edu/history/advising

The History’s Department’s Dr. Jacquelyn Tuerk-Stonberg curated the timely exhibition “Kean Student and Alumni Art Protest in Memory of George Floyd” currently in the Human Rights Institute.

You can learn more about the exhibit here:

Kean Student and Alumni Protest Exhibit

A Degree in History

will give you the analytical, research, writing, and critical thinking skills prized by a wide range of employers and careers. Or, consider a Minor in History to augment your major field (just 18 credits).

• To Learn more about careers in history, click here!
• Email  KUHIST@Kean.edu to join our mailing list.
• Join the conversation. Follow the department on social media. 

Throughout the summer and into the fall semester, the History Department has been hosting a number of virtual conversations surrounding various relevant topics. The links to all these talks can be found below:

HISTORYTalks@Kean Community Forum: Art, Race, and Protest

Conversation led and Moderated by Kean University Art History Professors Marguerite Mayhall, Lewis Kachur, and Jacquelyn Tuerk-Stonberg

HISTORYTalks@Kean Community Forum: Policing in New Jersey

Moderator:  Dr. Abby Perkiss

Panelists:  Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre; Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh; Reverend Dr. Charles F. Boyer

HISTORYTalks@Kean Community Forum:  Voter Suppression in America 

Hosted by: Department of History and the Program in Political Science

Moderator:  

Dr. Gilbert Kahn, Professor,  Political Science, Kean University

Panelists:  

History:  Dr. Abigail Perkiss, Kean University

Legislative Perspective:  Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D), New Jersey Legislative District 20, Majority Conference Leader

Legal Context:  Jyoti Jasrasaria, Associate, Perkins Coie; Sarah Mahmood, Associate, Perkins Coie

Grassroots Activism:  Maria Slabaugh, MACTA; Winn Khuong, Action Together New Jersey

Student Call to Action:  Chelsea S. Leon, Kean University; Chevon Williams, Kean University

HISTORYTalks@Kean Community Forum: "A Conversation with NJ Attorney General Gurbir Grewal"

Introduction:  Kean University President Lamont Repollet

Moderator: Department of History Professor Frank Argote-Freyre

HISTORYTalks@Kean Community Forum:"History, Memory, and Monuments" 

A panel discussion touching on the following:

Professor Frank Argote-Freyre, Columbus Day Commemoration and Monuments

Professor Brian Regal, Confederate Monuments

Professor Abigail Perkiss, Vietnam War Memorial

Professor Lewis Kachur, Contemporary Monuments, Race, and Protest

A Conversation on History, Slavery, and Liberty Hall: Recovering Lost Voices

Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Hyde, Department of History, Kean University

Speaker: Dr. C. Brid Nicholson, Department of History, Kean University

Q & A: Dr. Jonathan Mercantini, Acting Dean of the College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts, and the Dept. of History, where the Asian Studies program, and Chinese Studies program are housed, condemn the verbal abuse, and physical attacks on Asian-Americans, the Pacific-Islanders, and in particular the women from these communities. 

We join with President Repollet in "condemning racism, xenophobia and intolerance” and urge our Kean University community “to stand together against all ugliness and hate.”

https://www.kean.edu/presidential-announcements#AAPI"