History Major

Through attention to fact and detail, history majors gain extensive skill in the areas of reading, writing, research, documentation, argumentation, and critical analysis. Students will study the history of the United States and Europe, as well as non-western history. Biblical and Christian history is also explored.

Earning a degree in history allows the graduate to pursue professional careers in government (particularly pre-law or diplomatic service) as well as attend graduate school in a related discipline. This degree also serves as pre-seminary preparation. Due to the depth of study, graduates demonstrate a complete grasp on the above mentioned abilities and topics, allowing them to choose from an array of jobs, ranging from policy advisor or lawyer to a museum curator.


Simpson's goal for history majors is that students graduate with an overall understanding of the world God created as affected by the rich history of all of His peoples. History majors are able to look at the world around them and see not just the historical facts, but how God's hand guided and molded the past to reach each specific moment in time.

Major Course Requirements

Common Courses (9 credits)

Course Code Title Credits
HIST 2360 The Historian's Craft 3
HIST 4700 Selected Topics in Historiography 3
HIST 4890W Senior Seminar 3

Specialized Courses (28-30 Courses)

  • Three courses in U.S. History (9 credits)
  • Two courses in European History (6 credits)
  • Five courses from History Electives (13-15 credits; at least 6 units must be upper-division credit)

Please view our latest Academic Catalog for more information on program requirements and course descriptions.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to...

  • Demonstrate critical thinking and reading skills by analyzing, synthesizing and interpreting historical sources.
  • Apply information literacy skills and various methodologies to conduct historical research.
  • Employ effective oral and written communication skills consistent with professional standards.
  • Appreciate the people, cultures, and nations of the world through consideration of their social and historical development.
  • Develop and grow in Christian character and servant leadership through integration of Christian faith and the discipline of history.

History Minor

The History minor consists of 21 credits from courses prefixed “HIST,” HUMA 1450, or HUMA 1460. At least 12 of those credits must be upper division (3000 and 4000 levels).

Total Credits = 21

John Ayabe



John Ayabe

Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
jayabe@simpsonu.edu


Dr. Ayabe was named Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2020. He joined Simpson University in 2009 and has served with distinction, earning the Faculty of the Year award in 2014-15 and chairing the Student Research Symposium since its inception in 2011. He has also served as chair of the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts and as chair of the Department of History and Political Science.

Dr. Ayabe received his training in United States history with an emphasis on the religious and cultural history of early America. He has long been fascinated by popular expressions of Christianity — both individually and corporately. Much of his work explores the dynamic relationship between religious organizations and society.

His scholarly interests include the history of Christian thought, American evangelicalism, frontier religion of the early Midwest, American missions and revivalism, and the exegetical writings of Jonathan Edwards.

Timothy J. Orr, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of History
Department Chair of the History and Political Science Department
torr@simpsonu.edu

Timothy J. Orr, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of History and Department Chair of the History and Political Science Department at Simpson University. He holds an undergraduate degree from John Brown University, MA from the University of Tulsa, and PH.D. from Baylor University. His research focuses on gender, displacement, and identify formation in early-modern Europe. He has published in Church History and Religious Culture, Crossing Borders, and the Cambridge Contextual volumes on both Martin Luther and John Calvin. He is a regular presenter at The Sixteenth Century Society Conference. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Northern California and indulging in its culinary offerings.

Dr. Orr's Curriculum Vitae (CV)