In a society too often characterized by uncritical worship of the new?whether it be a new technology or the latest in intellectual fashions?the study of history both connects us to the human experience that has preceded us and shows how that experience has value, interest, power, ur?gen?cy, and usefulness. Organized to reflect and demonstrate the idea that history matters, history department offerings are designed to help students learn to interpret their world (present and past) and to help them gain an appreciation for the fullness of human experience. History courses emphasize a grasp of themes and context?the experience of people in the past rather than rote and tedious memorization. They also focus on helping students learn to write clearly and critically about primary sources and more complex historical issues.