FAQ's About the Study of History
Mastering the past to shape the Future!

Isn't history just a bunch of facts?
Hardly. The study of history involves much more than facts and dates. Students at Guilford College use primary sources to formulate theories about how and why certain events took place, and apply what they learn to a much bigger picture. In many ways, the study of history is like participating in a treasure hunt.

I didn't like history in high-school, so why would I now?
Alas, high-school history is not always fun. The good news is that college level history is very different because you are working to develop analytical skills, which are very different than memorizing what date this or that happened. Indeed, you will quickly recognize that college-level study allows one the freedom to formulate unique theories, and apply opinions in the free exchange of ideas.

What's so special about Guilford College?
Guilford College draws on Quaker and liberal arts traditions to prepare men and women for a lifetime of learning, work, and constructive action dedicated to bettering the world.

Toward that end the college provides:

• student-centered instruction that nurtures each individual amid an intentionally diverse community.
• a challenging academic program that fosters critical and creative thinking through the development of essential skills: analysis, inquiry, communication, consensus-building, problem-solving, and leadership.
• a global perspective that values people of other cultures and the natural environment in which we all live.
• a values-rich education that explores the ethical dimension of knowledge and promotes honesty, compassion, integrity, courage, and respect for the individual access to work and service opportunities that forge a connection between thought and action.
  

Guilford seeks above all to create a special kind of learning community. We are not perfect at this. Our goal of creating independent thinkers and change agents necessarily pulls against the needs of community, and our great diversity of backgrounds sometimes works against our professed acceptance of and equal respect for all individuals. We are as a community at best in a perpetual state of becoming.

Nevertheless, in writing about Guilford in "Colleges that Change Lives," Loren Pope describes how there is "a special sense of family here." He notes of the college that "it truly is a friendly place," while also being "a stimulating place where the teachers care, where they expect a lot, and where they provide the encouragement as well as the challenge to get young people to do things they had no idea they could do." Guilford, he concludes, is "a fine example of a college family that is doubling talents."

We intend to continue to work toward being that community: a learning community defined somewhat paradoxically by both challenge and nurture, a community which produces compassionate graduates who are independent thinkers, risk-takers, and change agents possessing a strong moral compass.

What is a minor?
At Guilford College, most students, who do not double-major, select an undergraduate major, and a minor to complete their degree requirements. To find out more about the history minor, visit the minor page.

I've heard that history courses at Guilford are really hard.
While it is true that Guilford College challenges its students at all levels, there's no need to panic. Nothing worth having is ever easy, and before you plop down tens of thousands of dollars for an education, you need to ask yourself what you want out of college. If you are looking for a quality education; one that prepares you for the future, than Guilford may be the right choice. Set your goals high, and you'll be surprised at what you can achieve!

Can Guilford College history students study abroad?
The answer is yes! We not only allow study abroad-we encourage it! Each semester, students travel all over the world to study. Check out the Study Abroad page for more information.

What's this term "Quaker" mean?
In 1837, Guilford College opened its doors as New Garden Boarding School founded by the Religious Society of Friends, known as Quakers.

In 1888 the academic program was greatly expanded and the school renamed Guilford College. Today, Quakers make up about ten percent of Guilford's student body and approximately 18 percent of the faculty and administrative staff. The college continues to appreciate and honor its Quaker heritage as the foundation for its character, distinctiveness, and quality.

Quakerism has traditionally represented a mode of life rooted in simplicity, one that highly regards the individual, peace, and social concern. It also has been a mode of inquiry, a search for truth by the individual sustained by the whole community of seekers.

These characteristics have nourished the college from its beginnings. Guilford's original purpose was to train responsible and enlightened leaders, both women and men. Its method was the liberal arts, viewed not as a static body of knowledge but as a stimulus to intellectual and spiritual growth.

The Friends tradition harmonizes well with the college's atmosphere of free inquiry. Liberal education requires an atmosphere of academic and personal freedom, founded on intellectual and moral responsibility, and an atmosphere of commitment to ethical values and human beings. The combination of these qualities contributes to Guilford's character.

Through the years Guilford has remained true to the vision of its Quaker founders. It has continually sought new methods of challenging students, bringing them into contact with vital ideas and experiences, and helping them to arrive at their fullest potential as individuals and as members of society.

I'd like to get more information on Guilford College.
Visit the Guilford Main Web site for more information.

I've decided Guilford College is just the ticket. How do I apply?
That's awesome! You can now apply for admission to guilford online!

If you're under 23 years of age and have not completed a Bachelor's degree, you may apply online now!

If you're at least 23 years of age (or over), or if you are under 23 years old, but have a Bachelor's degree, you may apply online now through the Center for Continuing Education.