Cynthia Kahlenberg ’10
History major/chemistry minor; Pre-med
F08-S09 D-plan: O(FSP)-R-L

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: The History Department is relatively large and therefore has an incredible array of resources and a wide range of class offerings. At the same time, however, because of the size, you have to take the initiative to seek out professors, advising, and resources.

Important info for potential majors: The history major can lead to absolutely any career field. The classes in this department teach you to think analytically and critically, and the skills you learn will prepare you for any future endeavor that you choose.

Talk to me if: you are concerned about where the history major will get you career-wise, or if you are interested in a career that you don’t think is related to history, but you still enjoy classes in this department.

Most valuable academic information learned: For a lot of history classes, it’s hard to find a reason to go to office hours. You might not have questions about the material in the same way you would for other types of classes. With history, though, you really don’t need to have a specific problem in order to go talk to a professor. Most of the members of the department love just talking to students on a more personal level.

Favorite class and professor: My favorite class was History 54: The Russian Empire with Professor Whelan. The class focused on an area of history that I previously knew nothing about. Also, Professor Whelan is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, and each one of her lectures is exciting and engaging.

Major classes taken: HIST 3, 14, 42, 54, 77;

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth thinking I would be a Chemistry major. Based on a suggestion from an upperclassman, I took History 3 during freshman fall. I absolutely loved the class and decided to pursue further study of history. I spoke with pre-med advisors and History Department professors and realized that I could fulfill all pre-med requirements while still completing the history major.

Thesis status: I hope to write a thesis regarding a topic in the history of medicine.

Other activities: Ski Patrol; Tour Guide; College Student Interest Group of Neurology- Treasurer; Surgical Volunteers Program at DHMC; Club Soccer; Mentors Against Violence; Delta Delta Delta- VP of finance for 08X; DOC First Year Trips Leader

Off Campus Program: History FSP in London, 08F

Internship experience: Pregnancy Aid Center, Volunteer, 06X, Maryland; Neuroscience research with Professor Granger; Intern, 07W/07S, Hanover

Ellie Stoltzfus ’10
History and Art History double major
F08-S09 D-plan: L-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: For me, the best thing about the History department is how great the professors are. I’ve taken history classes with professors who really make you love their subject and are always eager to chat during office hours, or offer advice. The only difficulty I’ve found with the History department is that there are so many great classes that I have had a hard time taking all the classes I want to.

Important info for potential majors: Definitely take a lower level history class before jumping into some of the higher levels ones. Not only will it give you some idea of whether you like history, but it will also show you the usual work load for a history class. That being said, even if you don’t enjoy a lower level class, don’t give up on the subject because there are some really great higher level classes as well!

Talk to me if: you’re most interested in European History

Most valuable academic information learned: Talk to your professors outside of class to help you get some idea of what you might like to concentrate on within the history major. I found it really helpful to talk to my professors about their areas when deciding what I wanted to concentrate on and they were also helpful in just figuring out how I was going to structure my major in general.

Favorite class and professor: HIST 65: Modern Europe in the Twentieth Century with Professor Koop. Over the period of the course we covered all the major events of twentieth century Europe and written assignments were designed to force you to look at historical events from an interesting angle. Professor Koop is a really engaging and interesting professor who was always a great help outside of class and made modern European history fascinating.

Major classes taken: HIST 3, 5.3, 47, 65

Major journey: I came to college basically knowing that I wanted to be a history major. Although I wavered somewhat during my freshman year, I eventually decided to major in history because my history classes were the ones that I have always enjoyed most here. The professors are great, there are so many interesting classes, and you can structure your concentration in almost any way you like.

Thesis status: Intended.

Other activities: DAPA; Sexperts; Tour Guides; Sigma Delta; WDCR; WFRD

Uma Mullapudi’10
History
F08-S09 D-plan: O-L-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: I like that many history classes are small which has allowed me to get to know my peers and professors well. The small class size also creates a great learning environment which has allowed me to feel more comfortable with participating in class discussions. My least favorite thing about the department is that there are not many non-western course offerings.

Important info for potential majors: Don’t be afraid to take courses that cover regions/topics you are unfamiliar with. I took a history course on Latin America on a whim during my freshman spring and it turned out to be incredibly interesting. Also take the time to get to know your professors because they truly want to help you become a better student, so never be afraid to stop by office hours or ask for help when you need it.

Talk to me if: you are interested in applying to History FSP program and don’t know where to start. Also talk to me if you are switching majors and need help planning your courses.

Most valuable academic information learned: Sit in on an extra history class during the first week of term so that you find classes you are interested in. You may enroll in a class that sounded good in the ORC but in the end may find that the syllabus doesn’t interest you. If that’s the case don’t be afraid to switch into a class you normally wouldn’t take—you might end up loving the material or the prof.

Favorite class and professor: History 76: Modern South Asia with Professor Haynes was a great class. The material was extremely interesting and Prof Haynes really pushes you to produce the best work you can. The course was definitely challenging but I really enjoyed learning about the history and culture of South Asia.

Major classes taken: HIST 5.6, 14, 76, 77.

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth set on becoming a biology major because I thought it was practical but I found that many classes I had to take were too large and impersonal for me. I was more interested in and happier taking the history classes I was using for electives and distribs so I realized it would be a great major.

Major specific activities: Planned independent research while on History FSP Fall 08.

Thesis status: I am planning on writing a thesis my senior year. The topic will probably relate to colonial South Asia.

Other activities: Milan (South Asian Students Association)-Secretary; NSS-Coordinator; Haven Homework Club Tutor; Green Key Society, Delta Delta Delta.

Off Campus Program: History FSP in London, 08F.

Internship experience: Brookhaven National Laboratory Medical Department, student research assistant, 07X, Upton, NY.