Fall 2019 courses
From the history of amateur athletics to race, crime and the prison system, the Second World War, Archaic and Classical Greece: We've got it all! Check the new list of courses that will be offered in the coming semester, along with professors' descriptions of content and workload: Fall 2019 courses
New Books: LSU History professors will be on hand at the campus Barnes and Noble bookstore to discuss and sign copies of their new books, April 12 at 3 p.m. Details
Stay up-to-date on our activities by checking back here frequently, or by visiting and following our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Contact individual faculty members by the email addresses listed in their faculty profiles; for general comments or questions about this website you may contact: History Department Webmaster.
NEWS
The Calculus of Violence: How Americans Fought the Civil War
This book demonstrates that the notoriously bloody Civil War could have been much worse. Military forces on both sides sought to contain casualties inflicted on soldiers and civilians. In Congress, in church pews, and in letters home, Americans debated the conditions under which lethal violence was legitimate, and their arguments differentiated carefully among victims—women and men, black and white, enslaved and free. Sometimes, as Sheehan-Dean shows, these well-meaning restraints led to more carnage by implicitly justifying the killing of people who were not protected by the laws of war. As the Civil War raged on, the Union’s confrontations with guerrillas and the Confederacy’s confrontations with black soldiers forced a new reckoning with traditional categories of lawful combatants and raised legal disputes that still hang over military operations around the world today.
Research opportunities for students
Did you know that the word "history" actually means research? LSU offers many opportunities for undergraduate students to hone their skills and deepen their knowledge of history by working on their own research projects. Here are some possible ways to find the best fit for your interests:
- Research Grants – students can apply each semester for funding to work on a research project. Grants can be used for hourly wages, supplies, and travel.
- LSU Discover Day 2019, The annual LSU student research and creativity symposium, will be held on April 9th.
- Mentor database – Students and faculty can use the Mentor database to find each other to pair up for research projects.
Graduates of Geaux Teach, the Major in History with a Concentration in Secondary Education, pose with program advisor Prof. Zevi Gutfreund (far right). For information on the Secondary Education history program: Geaux Teach
Studying History at LSU
If you are considering enrolling as an undergraduate major in History or as a graduate student, you may wish to explore the information provided here about Careers, Internships, Financial Aid and Fields of Study. Make sure to check out the background and specializations of the professors with whom you may be working. Most professors will also be happy to meet with you one-on-one, or communicate by email, to explore their passion for history and suggest avenues of study you may wish to pursue. The Undergraduate Advisor is Steven Ross, skross@lsu.edu; and the Director of Graduate Studies is Alecia Long, aplong@lsu.edu.