Department Mission

The Department of History, founded in 2000, offers a four-year undergraduate program, approved by the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK), and prepared according to the latest developments in historiography. The program provides comprehensive education on Ottoman and European history preparing students for professional career or graduate study programs. The language of education is English and the Ottoman Turkish is taught as a source language.

Strong emphasis is given to the Ottoman history, however courses concerned with various periods of World and European history are also included in the curriculum. Another strength is the study of the history of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean . Special attention is given to Ottoman paleography and to courses in the methodology of history.

The Department of History is an active intellectual community with a strong commitment to bringing outstanding scholars to campus on a regular basis. Among its young and dynamic teaching staff there are distinguished experts in Ottoman and European history who obtained degrees from prestigious universities.

Distinguishing Attributes

The study of history at EMU is not confined simply to presenting facts but to searching for an interpretation and evaluation of the past events. The purpose of historical inquiry is to find patterns and establish meaning through the rigorous study of documents and artifacts left by people of other times and other places. It is commonly acknowledged that an understanding of the past is fundamental to an understanding of the present. The analysis and interpretation of history provide an essential context for evaluating contemporary institutions, politics, and cultures.

Department Facilities

The Department has a strong commitment to research activities. Thanks to the cooperation protocol signed with the Directorate of State Archives, the students enrolled in the EMU History Program have the opportunity to receive a specialist training by working in different archival institutions in the TRNC. The major project recently conducted by the students is field-work on material for Cyprus Oral History Archives.

EMU's Department of History attributes great importance to its international connections. In February 2004 a cooperation agreement was signed with University of Erfurt , Germany , on academic exchange of students and faculty, and similar agreements with some other European and North American universities are underway.

Quality of Graduates

The study of history prepares one for citizenship and career. The skills encouraged by the study of history - the ability to articulate significant questions, find and evaluate evidence, weigh alternative methods and interpretations, draw sound conclusions, and articulate substantive arguments with clarity and precision - are the skills that are in high demand in a wide variety of professions. As the economy undergoes restructuring and institutional needs and job markets are redefined, there is a greater demand not for people with narrow technical training but rather for people who are creative and flexible, able to solve problems, make sound judgements, and communicate effectively.

Job Opportunities

The BA program in history prepares students for careers in teaching, law, museum work, media, public relations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, publishing, community affairs and business, among other fields. They will also be qualified to take graduate courses at EMU and other institutions.