History Department

Robert H. Greene, Chair

The History Department offers an exciting program of instruction for undergraduates in search of an education. The curriculum is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of the background and ramifications of present local, national, and world affairs. The program emphasizes historical analysis and critical thought rather than the memorization of facts. History majors are taught how to read critically, analyze thoughtfully, conduct research carefully, and write intelligently.

The department offers a wide variety of courses ranging in time, space, and theme. Courses span the full range of American history from the colonial period through the recent past. More specialized courses in local and regional history focus on Montana, the West, and the northern Rockies. Offerings in European and world history emphasize social, cultural, and intellectual history, French and German history, British history, Russian and Soviet history, Latin American history, Islamic civilization, East Asian history, and Central and Southwest Asian history. Topical courses explore issues of democracy, diplomacy, human rights, war and peace, terrorism, race and gender, religion, and environmental history.

History provides not only a basis for future employment but also, more importantly, furnishes knowledge and perspective for intelligent leadership in community affairs. Graduates are employed in federal, state, or local governments, with positions ranging from elected office to research analysts. Many teach history in middle schools and high schools while others pursue advanced degrees at the graduate level. Still others go on to attain professional degrees in law, journalism, and business.

The History Department at the University of Montana boasts professors with award-winning scholarship and active research agendas, which greatly enhances the education and training we provide to our students. 

The Department offers the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts for teaching, Master of Arts, and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees.  Our graduate students have found great success in a diverse range of occupations in public history, in education, and in academia.

Undergraduate Degrees Available

Subject Type Option Track
History-Political Science Bachelor of Arts Teaching Social Studies
History Bachelor of Arts
History Bachelor of Arts History Education
History Minor
History Minor Teaching History

Department Faculty

Professor

  • Richard Drake, Professor of History
  • John Eglin, Professor of History
  • Linda S. Frey, Professor of History
  • Anya Jabour, Regents Professor of History; Co-Director, Women & Gender Studies
  • Mehrdad Kia, Professor of History; Director, Central and Southwest Asian Studies Center
  • Michael Mayer, Professor of History

Associate Professor

  • Robert H. Greene, Associate Professor of History; Chair of the History Department
  • Jody Pavilack, Associate Professor of History; Director of Undergraduate Studies
  • Tobin Miller Shearer, Associate Professor of History; Director of Graduate Studies (History); Director of African-American Studies
  • Kyle G. Volk, Associate Professor of History
  • Jeff Wiltse, Associate Professor of History

Assistant Professor

  • Claire Rydell Arcenas, Assistant Professor of History
  • Eric Schluessel, Assistant Professor of History and Political Science

Adjunct

  • Gillian Glaes, Visiting Associate Professor of History
  • Jonathan Hall, Visiting Assistant Professor of History

Lecturer

  • George Price, Lecturer

Research Faculty

  • Ted Catton, Associate Research Professor
  • Diane Krahe, Faculty Affiliate
  • Steven I. Levine, Research Faculty Associate

Affiliates

  • Hayden Ausland, Professor
  • David Beck, Professor
  • Richmond Clow, Professor
  • Wade Davies, Professor & Co-Chair
  • Ardeshir Kia, Associate Director, Central and Southwest Asia Program

Emeritus

  • George Dennison, Past President of the University of Montana; Professor Emeritus of History
  • David Emmons, Professor Emeritus of History
  • William E. Farr, Professor Emeritus of History; Associate Director, Center for the Rocky Mountain West
  • Dan Flores, A.B. Hammond Professor Emeritus of Western History
  • Harry Fritz, Professor Emeritus of History
  • Paul Gordon Lauren, Regents Professor Emeritus of History and Distinguished Mansfield Fellow
  • Ken Lockridge, Professor Emeritus of History
  • Frederick Skinner, Professor Emeritus of History