UAH Department of History to offer new graduate certificate program in Comparative Cultures and Conflicts

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Department of History in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences recently established a new graduate certificate program in Comparative Cultures and Conflicts (CCC).

The purpose of the new certificate program is to complement the STEM-focused mission of UAH by offering post-baccalaureate students a program of study that will establish a global, historical context for their careers in the civilian and military sectors.

Dr. Dylan Baun, Assistant Professor of History at UAH, said the CCC certificate is for both working professionals in science and technology fields and the most career driven of graduate students in the humanities and social sciences. "The certificate provides all with the historically-grounded, contextual knowledge necessary to succeed in the global workplace. Regardless of professional track, whether a mechanical engineer working abroad or a civil servant working in Huntsville, we welcome people with technical degrees who want a wider and longer historical context for their work."

CCC classes are flexible and blend online instruction and discussion with face-to-face meetings. The program begins enrolling students for the fall 2017 term and offers three CCC classes: HY 589: "Empires and Nations:  Russia since 1900," (Dr. Molly Johnson); HY 576: "Being Young in the Modern Middle East," (Dr. Dylan Baun); and HY 620: "Studies in 20th Century US History: America in International Perspective," (Dr. Stephen Waring). 

UAH faculty has expertise in the history of the Modern Middle East and Islam, Modern Europe and Russia, Modern Latin America and revolutions, United States military and diplomacy, contemporary United States public policy, technology, and the environment.  Students will study the cultural, political, economic, diplomatic, and military variables that influence various societies around the world.

Baun said additional goals of the program include:

• Analyze contemporary global patterns to show how various regions and cultures develop over time.
• Explain the historical causes and contexts of contemporary conflicts, both within and among states.
• Discuss the historical context of U.S. relations and interactions with the world.
• Compare the ways nations, groups, and individuals experience conflict.
• Practice historical thinking as central to engaged citizenship and leadership.
• Communicate historical knowledge and interpretation coherently in writing and in oral presentations.

"Most students in the program will already be employed either in government, military, or business and will be part-time students," said Baun. "We see the program as primarily pitched to their professional development and rising up their current job ladder rather than first time employment. But we welcome all interested in pairing their technical training with the global historical knowledge necessary as they take their skills outside of UAH, Alabama and the country."

For more information, visit the Catalog. If you have any questions about the program or are interested in pursuing a CCC, contact Dr. Stephen Waring.