In this Student association spotlight, we are taking a look at the History Student Association. Representing the History side of the History and Classical Studies Department, the HSA is one of the main points of contact and places for student community amongst history students. Within the history department, an array of courses awaits, covering a rich tapestry of topics, cultures, and societies. As someone immersed in the study of history myself, I find the task of selecting courses during enrollment periods quite challenging, given the plethora of intriguing offerings available.
Spanning from ancient civilizations to the modern era, our department's esteemed professors delve into a diverse array of thematic interests, including but not limited to the history of sexuality, Imperialism and Colonialism, and even the evolution of science. Fortunately, undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the arts are afforded many opportunities to engage with history, whether through pursuing an Honours History degree or selecting history courses as electives.
For further insight into the student experience, I had the pleasure of speaking with Will Bompey, Vice President of Communications for the HSA.
Q: What has been your favourite History course at McGill?
A: My favorite history course I've taken so far at McGill has been HIST 381: Colonial Africa, with Dr. Rachel Sandwell. I have always been interested in this area and temporal period, but frankly, there are not many options to have in-depth conversations about this due to archival limitations and other factors. However, Dr. Sandwell conducted a class that I couldn't wait to attend every week (even if it was 8:30 on a Monday). The course taught me so many things about an area that often goes understudied in my field of study, and it certainly sparked my interest in continuing to focus on that area. One major area in which we focused was the effects of colonialism on today's Africa, which was an interesting lens through which we conducted our studies. Often, we look at history as something that happened in the past, but throughout McGill and especially in HIST 381, we often reflect on the past's effects on the present, and how as historians, we can move forward and learn from the events that occurred before to better our world around us.
Q: What type of History do you specialize in? (Ie time period, theme, location)
A: My focus so far has been on late 19th-early 20th century America, in particular the Gilded Age and its effects on American life.
Q: What was an Arts course you didn't expect to take during your degree? Were you glad you took it?
A: One Arts class that I did not expect to take during my degree was actually my first history class, HIST 218 with Dr. Lorenz Lüthi. I initially came to McGill as a declared Math and Political Science double major, but after taking HIST 218 and seeing the possibilities of the study of history, I knew I had to change my focus. Ironically, this change has led me to so much, but I didn't expect myself to be a history major when I entered McGill!
Q: What are some of your favourite features of the History Department?
A: One specific feature of the History department that I consider my favorite above all else is the accessibility to my professors. Even in lower-level courses, the professors are always able to discuss a paper, a confusing reading, or just generally the study of history. Often, I've confided in my professors about my future and what I would like to do with my degree, and they have been more than helpful on numerous occasions. These relationships are something special and something that I believe made my McGill experience more worthwhile.
Q: What do you like about being part of the HSA?
A: Being part of the HSA has been so much fun, but in particular, I've loved the people I have been able to meet. Oftentimes, university can be an isolating experience, especially since as a member of the Varsity Baseball team, I am the only History student, and thus didn't know much of anyone coming into McGill in my department. Through working with and attending events of the HSA, I've met some great friends and people that I cherish for being in my life. The HSA has brought me so many wonderful opportunities and relationships, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
Q: What are some of the main features or events that the HSA has thrown?
A: HSA’s two primary functions are to plan and execute history-related events throughout the academic year to foster a greater sense of community amongst members and to serve as a liaison between students and the administration. We host Trivia Nights, Open Forums on Historical Events, Wine and Cheese Gatherings, run a Tutoring Service, and publish Historical Discourses, our annual journal for excellence in undergraduate research in History. In the coming years, we hope to expand our reach within the Arts department at large by working with our department closely and engaging students in the study of history outside of the classroom.
From speaking with Will, the HSA seems like a great way to connect with fellow history students and Network with experts in the field. Clearly, Students within the Department are deeply that are deeply passionate about Historical study should take the chance to be more involved whether that be attending an event or joining the HSA executive team. To learn more and maybe take a history course yourself visit the department page: /history/ or the HSA page: to get more involved within the history student community!