Major Monday: History students in their own words

Two PLU history majors, Erika A. ‘28 and Katherine G. ‘26, answer questions about what it’s like to be a history major at PLU!

Wondering what history includes? In the Department of History you’ll discover how the world got to where it is today — and learn how to think critically about where we’re headed next. You’ll explore a wide range of voices, time periods, and perspectives while tackling big questions about power, identity, conflict, and change.

Why did you choose history?

I chose to major in history because I’ve always loved my history classes in high school, and my first professor in college made the lectures really engaging. They weren’t dry or boring, which made me enjoy the subject even more. Plus, history helps me build important skills like critical thinking and analyzing information, as well as writing skills, which will be great preparation for law school. – Erika A. ‘28

I’ve pretty much always had an interest in history, and knew I wanted to find a related job. I also love learning and writing about history, so the major seemed like the right choice. – Katherine G. ‘26

What is it like to study history at PLU?

Studying History and minoring in Holocaust & Genocide Studies is very interactive and fascinating. We’re always learning something new, not just about past events but also how they connect to today’s world. Whether it’s through readings or documentaries, we really focus on understanding different perspectives, both from historical figures and from our classmates during discussions, which makes the learning experience really engaging. We recognize patterns and trends in history. It’s really cool and critical to take what we learned and apply it to current real-world situations. – Erika

In the classes I’ve taken, I’ve done lots of reading, discussion, research, and writing. I’ve particularly enjoyed the research papers assigned to me where I had a lot of flexibility in what I wrote about. Taking history classes often means having difficult conversations, but I really appreciate the analytical and argumentative skills I’ve grown through those conversations. – Katherine

What kinds of hands-on learning opportunities have you had?

I’ve been able to study away, do research, and do an internship! A few other history students and I completed an internship in public history at the University Archives. We researched PLU history and helped create a digital exhibit as the end product. I also completed the Benson Summer History Fellowship. With mentorship from Dr. Mergenthal, I conducted archival research, and crafted a scholarly paper based on my findings. I have also been able to study away twice so far! – Katherine

How is your major at PLU preparing you for your next steps and career goals?

My experiences here at PLU with historical research, with both digital and physical resources, historical analysis, argumentative and analytical writing, have given me a solid foundation to move towards my intended career in archiving. I anticipate my historical background, and writing skills serving me well. – Katherine

Majoring in history at PLU is helping me get ready for law school in so many ways. The classes push me to think critically, analyze information, and build strong arguments – all skills I’ll need as a lawyer. Writing papers and taking part in discussions have taught me how to evaluate sources, see different perspectives, and put together well-reasoned arguments. Studying history also helps me see patterns between the past and present, which is useful for understanding laws and policies. The discussions in class have made me more confident in sharing my ideas and defending my point of view. – Erika

Learn more about studying History at PLU