American University Department of History

11/13/2024

Check out this local history highlight!

11/06/2024

Looking for ways to enhance your research? Consider utilizing AU’s Archives and Special Collections for your next research project! Materials from Archives and Special Collections provide unique insight into many periods across time that can elevate your research. For more information on Archives and how to access its materials, please visit https://www.american.edu/library/archives/

10/30/2024

📚Explore the complexities of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa in HIST-385: Islamic Africa 🕌

Join this course and challenge the binary of 'Africanized' vs. 'authentic' Islam. Running Spring 2025!

10/23/2024

Learn about Alexander the Great’s career from his relationship with his father to his military conquests. This course explores this complex figure and his impact on those around him. You can learn more about Professor Joseph Roisman’s class on Wednesdays between 2:30-5:20 pm on Eagle Service.

10/16/2024

🌍 Discover the history of Ukraine! Join this course to explore the key events, phenomena, and figures that have shaped this vibrant nation. From early to contemporary issues, deepen your understanding of Ukraine's past in HIST-239! 🇺🇦

10/14/2024

We’re excited to announce the release of Professor Justin Jacobs' thought-provoking new book, "Plunder? How Museums Got Their Treasures," available now!

Professor Jacobs advocates for a more nuanced understanding of how artifacts made their way to Western shores, exploring the perspectives of Chinese, Egyptian, and other participants in the global antiquities trade over the past two and a half centuries. Jacobs' work reveals the often-overlooked collaborative dynamics between local communities and Western collectors, offering a fresh perspective on the provenance of museum collections and a hopeful outlook for the future of cultural preservation.

10/09/2024

🌏✨ Dive into the rich tapestry of South Asia! Join us for a journey through the history and culture of this dynamic region, exploring the vibrant stories of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Discover how this pivotal area shapes our modern world and its enduring legacy. Enroll now on Eagle Service! 📚💫

10/02/2024

Looking to study abroad in Spring 2025?

With flexible program requirements, history students are uniquely positioned to take advantage of all AU Abroad has to offer! There are still opportunities for history majors/minors — be sure to check specific deadlines on the AU Abroad website. Don’t miss out!

09/30/2024

The Spring 2025 course schedule is now live! Visit the course catalog in Eagle Service to see what we’re offering for Spring 2025 and start planning your schedule.

Have any questions? Email us at [email protected] for assistance.

09/25/2024

This week we are featuring Ben’s Chili Bowl!

Ben’s has been in DC for 65 years. With their delicious chili and important role in the community, it is easy to see how Ben’s Chili Bowl is still one of the most beloved restaurants in DC for well over half a decade.

Started in 1958 by couple Ben and Virginia Ali, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving up chili and milkshakes during important moments in DC history. Ben’s donated food to those participating in the Poor People’s Campaign and the March on Washington. Ben’s also remained open during the DC Riots and construction of the WMATA green line.

Ben Ali passed away in 2009, but the restaurant lives on through his wife Virginia and their hard working staff to continue to provide a place of community for DC with fantastic food.

All photos and materials used in this post belong to Ben’s Chili Bowl. For more information, please visit www.benschilibowl.com/history

09/18/2024

Where are ? Meet Dr. Rebecca DeWolf (History PhD, 2014)! Dr. DeWolf recently penned an article with Magazine on the Comstock Act and how the effects of this 1873 continue to affect us today. https://time.com/7014473/comstock-act-project-2025/

09/11/2024

Thinking about a master’s degree in history or public history? Consider our accelerated BA/MA program!

💰 Save upwards of $22,000 in tuition by sharing credits between your bachelor’s and master’s degree

⏱ Finish in as little as 5 years by reducing the overall time needed to earn both degrees

🚫 No GRE required for either of our MA programs — skip the entrance exams!

📚 Challenge yourself with advanced courses while you’re still earning your bachelor’s degree

Ready to take the leap? Apply during your junior year! Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

09/05/2024

Prof. Allan Lichtman has shared his official prediction for the 2024 Presidential Race! Read about it below:

Allan Lichtman’s method for predicting election winners has an impressive track record.

09/04/2024

Meet Everett Amstutz! Everett is a senior pursuing a BA in History here at AU.

This summer, Everett took his passion for history beyond the classroom as a collections management intern at the Hennepin History Museum in Minneapolis, MN. Everett helped digitize, preserve, and display objects donated by the Heart of the Beast Theatre, which are now featured in the new exhibit, “[Circle of Water Circus: Puppetry as an Agent of Change](https://hennepinhistory.org/avada_portfolio/circle-of-water-puppetry-as-an-agent-of-change/)”

This exhibit commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Circle of Water Circus, a 1983 project that combined art and environmental activism by traveling down the Mississippi River, using puppetry to highlight ecological issues. Everett worked alongside the theatre’s artistic director, Sandy Spieler, in creating this immersive experience that showcases these awe-inspiring puppets.

Reflecting on his experience, Everett shared: “I loved working on this project and collaborating to create an exhibit that immerses the visitor in these huge puppets in a coherent and beautiful way. I also had the privilege of meeting and speaking with some of the performers, some of whom were children at the time. I am really grateful for this experience, and it makes me exited to continue on this career path.”

We are so excited to see Everett’s incredible work on this project and his dedication to preserving and sharing this important piece of history.

Share your achievements and exiting experiences with us by emailing [email protected].

08/26/2024

Welcome to the first day of classes, historians!

As we kick off another semester, we’re thrilled to welcome our new and returning students to campus. Whatever history classes you’re taking this semester, we wish you a fulfilling semester.

To all our students embarking on this new academic year with us, here’s to another semester of learning, growth, and learning about history together!

08/22/2024

Meet Amy Johnson!

Amy Johnson graduated from the Public History Program in 2008. She is currently a PhD candidate in American Studies at Brown University and the Executive Director of Project Implicit, an organization committed to challenging organizational and institutional disparities through data-driven research and education. Amy has also worked in faculty development, three different start-ups, freelance academic writing, and nonprofit marketing.

Amy's professional journey exemplifies the diverse and impactful paths our graduate takes. Her leadership at Project Implicit underscores AU's commitment to fostering change in the world. Well done, Amy!

Follow us to learn more about the Department of History and our alumni! Share your alumni journey by emailing us at [email protected].

08/14/2024

We’re less than 2 weeks away from the first day of classes on Monday, August 26, for the Fall 2024 semester! We can’t wait to welcome both new and returning students back to campus. Whether you’re an incoming student or a returning scholar, the Department of History welcomes to back to American University for an exciting semester of learning, exploration, and discovery. See you soon, Eagles!

08/07/2024

Our newsletter recapping academic year 2023-2024 is now live! See what the Department of History got up to during AY 2023-24, including some of our events, updates from all of our faculty, and recent publications from this past year. Access the newsletter on our website under Bulletins, here: https://www.american.edu/cas/history/

Alumni and current students, don't forget to let us know about your achievements! We love seeing what you've been up to and where you're going next. Email us at [email protected]

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