Introduction
The discipline of history is central to the liberal arts; it draws on and contributes to neighboring fields, such as political science, literature, philosophy and the arts, to name but a few. History is essential to an understanding of the evolutionary nature of the institutions and values that have not only shaped the past but inform the present. The study of history prepares students for a wide range of professions, including law, government, archival and museum work, professions in travel and teaching.
