History class

World Histories and Cultures

Our programs of study in world histories and cultures promote a wide range of perspectives and encourage inquiry into diverse textual and theoretical traditions. We understand the importance of different viewpoints and experiences, which prepare students to function effectively, and to intervene more progressively, in a highly globalized world. 

  • Cornerstone Initiative: The Cornerstone Initiative reimagines the role of the humanities in general education at UMass Amherst. Our mission is to provide students with a solid academic foundation to recognize and value the connections between humanities studies and their personal and professional goals.
  • DEFA Film Library: The DEFA Film Library at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, founded by Professor Barton Byg in 1993, is the only archive and research center outside of Germany devoted to a broad spectrum of filmmaking from and related to the former GDR. It houses an extensive collection of 35- and 16mm prints, DVDs, books, periodicals and articles. Students are involved in all aspects of the Library’s research, outreach and teaching activities and also gain valuable experience in subtitling and library, conference and arts management.
  • Warring States Project: The Warring States Project's research began by focusing on the classical Chinese texts, those from the "Warring States" period, the basis of China's philosophical heritage and its modern identity. This work culminated in a definitive study of the Analects of Confucius, and continues with studies of the other major texts. It has been complemented in recent decades by investigations in the Biblical and Homeric texts, which are central to the religious and secular traditions of Europe.

Related Certificates