Dan Barnhardt
History Major
"As a history major, I have focused my undergraduate career on studying history of numerous countries from around the globe, particularly that of contemporary Europe and the Middle East. Penn State’s wide array of history courses has enabled me to pursue very diverse historical subjects. I have been able to thoroughly study Europe and the Middle East from the birth of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia and the founding of the Roman Empire throughout history up to modern day issues arising within the European Union and the various problems in the Middle East. My favorite classes have ranged from a course entitled The History of the Modern Middle East, to a class on American Foreign Policy toward Latin America, obviously a very eclectic and wide reaching range of topics which interest me, but that is what makes Penn State’s History Department awesome.
"The flexibility of the history degree and breadth of historical epochs which can be studied is what drew me to Penn State. This flexibility has allowed me to double major in both History and International Studies, as well as having a minor in Political Science. It has also allowed me to experience first-hand my areas of academic interest: for instance, I am looking forward to studying abroad during the Spring Semester of my junior year in Amman, Jordan. There, I will be taking classes on the history and politics of the Middle Eastern in a Penn State approved program. This program, as well as the larger range of courses offered by Penn State’s History Department, will help me achieve my ultimate career goal of working in international relations and diplomacy."