The Department of History and the Department of Philosophy and Religion offer an interdisciplinary combined major in history and philosophy. Students interested in the combined major integrate the study of philosophy and ethics with the study and analysis of human history. History at Northeastern University emphasizes the study of local and regional histories as well as of the global exchanges between nations, regions, and cultures. Knowledge of the past is also about building the future. In a world marked by increasing exchange between peoples, cultures, and societies, history is key to understanding contemporary issues such as the future of democracy, the nature of citizenship and rights, the origins and conduct of war, the foundations of racial and ethnic conflict and tolerance, and poverty and prosperity. At the same time, history teaches crucial skills in analytical thinking, research processes, writing, oral expression, and multimedia presentation.