The History Department as a Community
A fourth year B.A Honours, History student explores what it looks like to be a student in history, and how she and fellow students have found community and friendship through the program.
by Madeline deJonge
History as an academic pursuit carries many misconceptions—the “history imaginary,” you might say. I want to challenge that perception through my own experiences and the friendships I’ve made in the program.
I started at Carleton University in 2021 as an undeclared B.A student, uncertain with the direction I wanted to head in. I had always enjoyed history in high school, especially writing about it, so I took a First Year Seminar; Sex, Squalor, Scandal: Victorian London, taught by Danielle Kinsey. The course was nothing like I expected. It reshaped my understanding of history, showing me perspectives I hadn’t considered before.
Declaring my program in history is one of the best decisions I have ever made
– Maddy
Declaring history as my major was one of my best decisions. The variety of courses throughout the program allowed me to explore diverse topics, refine my interests, and discover new ways to study and write about history.
Some of the classes I have taken include Social History of Alcohol with Professor Rod Phillips, Witches and Witchcraft in Britain 1500 -1700 with Professor David Dean, A History of Cowboys in the Americas with Professor Mark Anderson, and Social History of Sexuality with Professor Jennifer Evans. These courses were far from the conventional war or Canadian history I had expected, and they helped me realize what I was truly enthusiastic about.
Studying history at Carleton has also shaped me as a historian, teaching me how to think critically, research effectively, and write with purpose. Just as importantly, it has connected me with a supportive community of professors and friends.
The history program at Carleton gave me the valuable ability to figure out what I was enthusiastic about
– Maddy
Many history classes at Carleton have fewer than 30 students, creating an environment where you naturally bond with your peers. By my fourth year, I had taken multiple courses with the same people, building lasting friendships with people who share my adoration for the program.
I have always been fascinated by history, ever since I can remember. However, growing up, I didn’t know many people who shared that passion. When I started studying at Carleton that really changed. I found a real sense of community here. Even though I began online, by the time I reached my fourth year, I made some incredible friends. The program naturally brings people together, especially in fourth year seminars, where you really get to know your classmates. There are always opportunities to connect with others who share your historical interests. You are bound to make a friend and find community even just by attending your classes!
– Zoha, Fourth Year History Major
For example, I met Zoha in my third year, and she quickly became a friend I’m incredibly grateful for. She has a deep passion for history and is one of the kindest, most outgoing people I know.
Friendships develop naturally in the program as you grow alongside your peers. Another friend, Brianna, discovered her own sense of belonging in the History Department.
“I found a community in the history department as a history major by going to some HuGs events in my first year! I also felt even more connected to the community by joining the HuGs online discord group chat because it was a place we could all talk, ask for academic and life advice, and just vent if needed. Finally, I found I made a lot of friends in the history department by doing my work in the history lounge, as there are usually a lot of history students that work and get together in this location.”
– Brianna, Fourth-Year History Major
As Brianna mentions, Carleton’s history department fosters this sense of community beyond the classroom. The history floor of Patterson Hall has a lounge where students can work, free history books to browse, and the Underhill Reading Room for study and research, all helping students immerse themselves in history.
Beyond history classes, the program encourages students to explore other interests. Many history majors pursue minors in complementary subjects. I chose psychology, which introduced me to new perspectives and helped me connect with others outside of history.
Overall, studying history at Carleton is about more than coursework and readings. It breaks away from the “history imaginary” and opens doors to unique topics, passionate professors, and a welcoming community. As you progress through your degree, you don’t just gain expertise—you gain friendships and an authentic sense of belonging.