Jon Clapperton, BA UNBC, MA University of Victoria, PhD candidate, University of Saskatchewan

My undergraduate years at UNBC and the history department (1999-2003) was a thoroughly pleasurable and formative time of my life. The history department offered much that other universities did not. Class sizes were exceptionally small, thus allowing one to connect with and receive the benefits of personal help from the history professors. The professors themselves were extremely knowledgeable, were all good lecturers, and were able to meet with me one on one when required. Furthermore, when considered as a whole, they cover a wide range of geographical and topical fields. I focused on Canadian and indigenous history, and in this area the history department is complemented by scholars in the departments of geography and political science who also specialize in these fields. The history department is also ahead of some other universities because of its history 200 and 300 classes, which introduce students to the actual “doing” of history, as well as the analysis of historiography.

The history department also offers an honours program, which I completed and would highly recommend to any other students, especially if one is thinking about pursing graduate studies. The introduction to historical theory, the writing of an extended (and possibly publishable) research paper, and having to defend one’s thesis prepared me for work on a MA. Other students who did not take advantage of such a program struggled in graduate school at first, especially when it came to historical theory. Perhaps most importantly, the UNBC history program and its professors inspired me to continue on with a rewarding academic career, and I am now working on a PhD and have been able to participate in a number of major historical research projects, including the Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canada History website. I am also the project co-coordinator for the University of Saskatchewan Native Research Database project, which will (hopefully) be launched this June. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support of the professors at UNBC and the high quality of courses and education offered by the history department. 

Yvan Prkachin, BA Honours 2006

I entered the UNBC History program in the fall of 2001. I had been interested in history for a number of years, but as I began my undergraduate degree, I was still unsure about what major I would ultimately pursue; as a result, I also pursued a minor in biology.  My initial impression of the history faculty was one of a group of caring, excited scholars who were as devoted to encouraging students in their research as challenging them in the classroom.  My introductory classes in Canadian, American and European history encouraged me to abandon my preconceptions about the past, and develop my talents for research and critical thinking.  I quickly abandoned my biology to focus solely on history.

At the end of my second year, I received a letter from the then-chair of the history department, Gordon Martel, asking me if I would be interested in pursuing an honors degree.  It is worth noting that being the recipient of this level of personal attention is quite rare in other universities (most of my present colleagues had to make a special request to enter an honors program).  In my third year I entered into a deeply stimulating professional relationship with Dr. Jonathan Swainger, who helped mould my initial topic suggestion of “something about drugs” into an examination of the enforcement of drug laws in rural British Columbia in the early 20^th century.  During my third and forth year, Dr. Swainger encouraged and challenged me to expand my interest in history into a genuine fascination with the research process, and I think it would be fair to say that I have never learned more than during that period.  The product of that honors thesis is currently under review for publication, an opportunity which I suspect I never would have had at another institution.

My Masters Program experience at UNBC has been great.  I really enjoyed studying history at UNBC.  The facilities provide excellent study and research opportunities, whether in the library or in the classroom.  The library and research staff is always willing to help, and if the required documents are not housed at UNBC, the library staff always does its best to bring in whatever is requested.  The professors and other faculty members in the history department at UNBC are exemplary.  All are very professional, very helpful, and all have a deep passion for the study of history.  It is very easy to study hard and do well with so many caring individuals around you.  Another great thing about UNBC is the fact that it is a smaller university, meaning that the student body is small, creating a more personal and intimate atmosphere.  As a graduate student, you come to know most of your fellow graduate students and professors on a first name basis.  The UNBC history department also has a good Teaching Assistant program for graduate students.  TA work pays well and provides important teaching experience for graduate students who hope to instruct at a college or university in the future.  What else can I say?  UNBC has it all.  If I could teach history at UNBC with my MA I would, because I love this school.  After seven years studying at UNBC, it has come to feel like home.  Having graduated, it feels strange, almost bittersweet, no longer studying at UNBC.

I have been a student at UNBC since 1999, graduating in 2004 with a BA Honours in History, and subsequently enrolling in the History Program as a Master’s student. Studying History at UNBC has been both challenging and enlightening, developing marketable skills and cultivating a greater understanding of the world around me.  What I value most about the History program is the vibrant community and the extraordinary support and encouragement from faculty and staff. 

Practically speaking, studying History at UNBC has taught me to think critically and express myself effectively. The relatively small classes provided me with many opportunities to practice my debating and public speaking skills, allowing me to try myself against both my fellow students and professors. 

The Honours program was just getting started when I enrolled in it, and it is a decision that I certainly will not regret. Not only did the Honours degree offer me the chance to engage in more substantial historical study, it also added value to my degree. When I was applying to various graduate programs around Canada, my Honours degree proved extremely worthwhile as I was accepted to every school that I applied to. While I originally thought that I would have to leave UNBC to find a quality graduate program, I learned that big things do indeed come in small packages. UNBC offered me the most attractive offer of all the universities I applied to, and combined with its excellent group of faculty and the location of the university itself, it was the ideal choice for my Master’s studies.