History Department

Understanding of the diversity of human experience over time

History graduates often pursue graduate work in the social sciences, law and church vocations; they're equally well prepared to begin careers in teaching and administration, media reporting, library science, archival work, genealogy, public administration, and museum studies.

News & Updates

• We are hosting the 2023 Phi Alpha Theta Southern California Regional Conference on March 25, 3023! Please visit the website for information on submitting papers, registration, etc. If you are a current student or alumni who would like to volunteer for the conference, please contact Dr. David Nelson.
• The latest volume of our undergraduate journal, The Scribe of the Ages is now available: Volume 8, May 2022
• We are happy to announce our 2022 History Department Awards were awarded to the same student, a graduating senior who has worked hard and developed his talents during his time at Cal Lutheran:  Chase Reichenbach, who earned the O. Fritioff Ander History Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior, and the Smith Family Writing History Award.  Chase Reichenbach will have one of his research papers published in the 2022 volume of our undergraduate journal, The Scribe of the Ages, Volume 8.
• Now available online: “In Your Own Backyard: Civil Liberties Then and Now,” is a grant project obtained from California State Library California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, providing  secondary teachers and their students an opportunity to learn about the history of civil liberties in the state of California, specifically Los Angeles. Granted to California Lutheran University History Professor, Michaela Reaves, Ph.D,. the goal of this project is to educate secondary school students about the erosion of civil liberties during the last two centuries and specifically in “our own backyard.” These topics include the Japanese removal and internment during the 1940’s, nineteenth century slavery and xenophobia, and twentieth century ethnic and gender rights.  Each historical “module” is juxtaposed with a twenty-first century example including  “enemy aliens,” under-represented groups, and the need for smart justice. The grant’s website includes ten primary source lesson plans, which are available for both pre and post assessment. In addition, bus scholarships for ten classes for field trips are available for individual schools in the LAUSD.

• Wonder what you can do with a History degree? Check out the American Historical Association's web page, "Careers for History Majors," as well as their article, "History is Not a Useless Major: FIghting Myths with Data."
• During 2021 Festival of Scholars, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society held its induction ceremonty on April 21, 2021. Our Keynote Speaker, and Honorary inductee was Len Zerlin. An article on this event was published in the May 27, 2021 edition of the Acorn. On December 7, 2017, we had the privilege of hearing from Len Zerlin. We recorded his presentation, and it is now available online: click here. Please enjoy!