A history professor is a professor of history who teaches at the college or university level. Depending on where they teach, these education professionals usually have at least a master’s degree in history and may have completed doctorate and post doctorate work. History professors, like other faculty members, usually have responsibilities outside of the classroom, which vary depending on seniority and institution.
Students are frequently required to take history classes as part of their education to ensure that they are well-rounded and understand historical context. Professors of history can teach broad overview classes on topics such as national and international history, as well as classes on specific historical topics. A history professor, for example, might be passionate about teaching about the history of science, the history of a specific region during a specific time period, and so on. They may also teach small classes and seminars, such as history major seminars.
History professors interact with their students in the classroom to get them thinking about historical topics and applying what they’ve learned. A history professor is also expected to keep office hours so that students can come to the professor with questions or for additional guidance if they need it. Professors also create course syllabi and book lists, and they may grade papers and tests themselves or delegate these tasks to a teaching assistant, typically a graduate student.
Professors are frequently expected to participate in administrative roles at colleges. To be involved in the administration of the department, a history professor may be required to attend department meetings and other events, and colleges frequently encourage their professors to be active in the community as well. As a result, professors may give open-to-the-public talks, organize lecture series, and participate in other community activities. They can also run for positions in the Faculty Senate and engage with administration in other ways to keep the institution vibrant and current.
A history professor must engage in professional development in addition to teaching at the university level and in some colleges. Attending conferences, conducting original research, and publishing are all examples of this. Failure to publish can result in tenure denial, and while tenured professors are generally safe in terms of keeping their jobs, they tend to publish and stay active in academia in order to obtain grants, increase the prestige of their institutions, and attract new students.