Each spring semester the history department offer its distinctive Great Cities Program, which gives students the opportunity to experience directly and to enjoy the history and culture of some of the great cities of the world, such as London, Paris, Dublin, Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, Santa Fe, and Quebec City.
The course consists of on-campus study of the selected city, a faculty-led trip to the city under study, and a period of study and reflection back on campus following the trip.
Great Cities
Awards
Each year the department presents four awards at the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Ceremony held at the end of the academic year.
The Clio Award is given to an outstanding sophomore student who has completed between 30-48 university credits and at least 12 credit hours in History/American Studies at Roger Williams University. The award is based upon G.P.A., contributions to the department and service to the community.
The Ronald J. Davis Memorial award, named after one of the founding members of the History Department, is awarded to the graduating senior with the highest G.P.A. in History.
Excellence in studies in United States History and Culture is recognized by the Herbert Claiborne Pell Award given by former Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell in honor of his father. The award is based on demonstrated interest and excellence in the study of the United States specifically and is awarded to a graduating senior.
The Herodotus Award is given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated both excellence in their departmental course work and significant service to the department and the university.
Phi Alpha Theta
Students who have completed twelve credit hours in History and/or American Studies at the University are eligible for consideration for membership in our local chapter (Alpha Eta Kappa) of the International Honor Society in History Phi Alpha Theta. Invitations for membership are based upon minimum achievements attested by:
•A 3.3 G.P.A. in all History/American Studies courses
•A 3.0 G.P.A. in non-History/American Studies courses
•A ranking in the top 35% of their class
Invitations are made in the spring semester to all juniors and seniors who meet these criteria. These students are honored at an induction ceremony held at the University and are eligible to participate in regional and national conferences held every year by the society. Members also meet periodically during the year to plan related activities under the direction of the faculty advisor.
