College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• Princeton University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Chicago
• Yale University
• Columbia University

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of California—Los Angeles
• University of Wisconsin—Madison
• University of Washington
• University of Michigan
• University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

Classes in the Major

U.S. History. If you don't learn about the importance of the American Revolution, chances are you won't be able to understand or appreciate most of what follows in American history. The principles that led to the nation's founding continue to influence American society, so as you can imagine it is useful knowing a thing or two about them. Everything thing from the creation of our country, to the civil war, to the advent of the almighty internet will be covered in these classes.

World History. You could take courses for the rest of your life on world history. No matter what way you slice it, thousands of years have passed since the beginning of time. Each of those years is chock-full of historical goodies such as inventions, wars, and discoveries. In these courses, you'll learn about everything from the Incas to the Iron Curtain. You'll be able to tell your friends about Sputnik (not Spudnik) and its historical significance, or give them long talks about French impressionist painters. No matter how much they protest. We'll admit, history isn't as interesting to everyone as it should be, but so what? That means more space in universities for you to study it.

Political Theory. "If men were angels, no government would be necessary." Very insightful, James Madison, but isn't government a man-made construction? Hmm? Okay, we'll give ol' Jimmy a break and leave all the criticisms for a political theory class. In these courses, you'll learn all about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Our political system isn't perfect, but maybe anarchy isn't the best way to go. History majors may find political theory courses very enlightening, and will likely provide the appropriate terminology and political concepts (the better to debate with, our dears).

Economic Theory. Since the semi-beginning of time, trade and capital have been a thing. One day, Atouk wanted to give Tizoc corn in exchange for a foot massage, and the rest is history. Politics (and, therefore, history) is influenced a lot by the economy. Money and resources are very powerful motivators, which is why we're not all that surprised whenever a politician does something naughty in order to keep our country financially on top. It's a sweet thought, however fundamentally wrong. Taking an economic theory course is super helpful to history majors in that it fuels strong, informed opinions on certain historical topics—perfect for those boring college parties where all you want to do is don a tweed coat and monocle, puff on a pipe, and preach your heart out.

Public Policy. "We the people, of the United States of America…" We all know how this goes from reciting it in school, but do we know how it affects us on a day to day basis? Public policy classes will cover important documents, along with the context behind which public policies are created. Everything from traffic laws, to where people are allowed to smoke. They also survey election law, voting, and campaigning. Political parties and their lines will be discussed too. If graduates in this field are going to write policy someday, they need to know how it works and what it means from the ground up. Banning men in Florida from wearing strapless gowns in public must have had some logical basis behind it…though we are having a hard time coming up with one.