Powers, Dr. Amy

I’ve been teaching History for over 25 years. As you can probably imagine, much has changed over this time—I’ve witnessed momentous developments in our world, transformations in our community, and innovations in our classrooms.  Most importantly, I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of students, like you, who’ve inspired me to be a better historian and teacher. 

I truly enjoy teaching at our college. Waubonsee students are an admirable group of people: You work hard, regularly balancing the competing demands of school, jobs, and family.  Your creativity, tenacity, and desire to give back to your communities have enriched our college.  I encourage you to embrace these strengths—and look inside yourselves for other qualities to help you succeed.

Why do I teach History?

I’ve loved History ever since I was a child.  I think it was the stories that drew me to History.  After all, at its core, History is a narrative—a collection of stories about people who lived before us.

I find comfort in History.  I’ve discovered humans have not changed a great deal over time.  Throughout the ages, we have cherished our friends and loved ones, built robust communities, searched for beauty in the world, and displayed resiliency when faced with adversity.  Studying History allows us to remember past generations, who like us, journeyed through the world the best they could. We honor their love, bravery, and perseverance, on the one hand, while unflinchingly scrutinizing their mistakes, failings, and struggles, on the other.

We’ve inherited this History—both the beautiful and the tragic.  Let’s discover it together and uncover the richness of our shared past.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing my love of History.

History offers useful skills for all professions, whether you choose a career in Liberal Arts, STEM, business, healthcare, a trade, or a technical field. History is more than just knowledge of the past. It helps us understand the present and provides tools to secure a successful future. History sheds light on the present, explaining how our world—and our role in it—came to be.

At the same time, History teaches us to think critically, ask meaningful questions, apply new knowledge, and explore new ways of thinking. You’ll learn how to evaluate evidence, determining its value and credibility.  This last skill is particularly important in our world of instant communication, where we have access to information at all times of day, from a seemingly unlimited number of sources. 

History offers something for everyone and will enrich your life beyond the classroom. No matter your path, History prepares you to enter the future with confidence.   

Remember, History is for everyone! ☀️

HIS 121: American History to 1865

We'll explore four centuries of early American History, beginning with the first encounters between Indigenous peoples and Europeans and ending with the Civil War.  Topics include: Colonial America, the American Revolution, the Constitution, the Market Economy, Democracy, American Slavery, the Sectional Crisis, and the Civil War.

HIS 112: Western Civilization Since 1648

We'll journey through the rich history of the "West" beginning in 1648 and ending in the present.  Topics include: Absolutism, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, Industrialization, Imperialism, Nation-Building, WWI and WWII, the Cold War, Decolonization, the end of the Cold War, and today.

HIS 102: World History Since 1500

We'll discover the history of global peoples and cultures beginning with European exploration in the Americas and ending with the present.  Topics include: Global Contact, Global Trade, the Atlantic Revolutions, Industrialization, Imperialism, the emergence of Nation-States, WWI, WWII, the Cold War, Decolonization, the turn of the 21st Century, and today.

What will you learn?

In addition to providing knowledge about particular regions and eras, my courses introduce you to historical methodology. You'll have the opportunity to “do” history like a historian: ask historical questions, apply historical thinking, and evaluate historical evidence. You'll also be able to read and analyze primary sources, which often provide a window into the lives of the people who lived before us. 

I would be happy to have you in any of my classes! Please contact me with questions!

Education:

Ph.D., History, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.
M.A., History, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio.
B.A., History, Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Professional Affiliations:

American Historical Association
Organization of American Historians

Professional Development:

Association of College and University Educators (ACUE)
Quality Matters