UCLA History Department

The 2025-2026 edition of the Quaestio History Undergraduate Journal is now available! But first, a word from the Editor-in-Chief -

To many, the study of history may seem to be filled solely with descriptions of endless facts and the tedious memorization of significant dates. In a time of monumental technological advancements, prompting a growing dependence on the usage of large language models, the role of the historian, as many may perceive it, might therefore seem to be steadily slipping away.

While pursuing my degree in history at UCLA, I have realized how this perception of the subject is far from true, and I have also recognized, first-hand, the weight of the historian’s responsibility both within academia and broader society. The study proves itself to be anything other than straightforward, and it is clear that historians function as so much more than merely its scribe. Instead, by nature, history is inherently confusing and even contradictory; convoluted records, documents, and accounts often result in conflicting facts and dates, and the lack thereof can mean entire cultures, rich traditions, or vital narratives risk becoming lost in time. Consequently, it is up to the historian to examine all available accounts, reconstruct descriptions, and synthesize narratives to preserve and recount historical data.

Not only is their work in the conservation of information absolutely necessary, but—as a result of historians’ responsibilities regarding their methods of interpretation—it is also deeply consequential. The limitless angles through which one can approach or examine any moment in time display the ever-evolving and ever-progressing role of history within society. Therefore, it is essential for the historian to be highly cognizant of the narrative they maintain and the lens they choose to highlight. And the most monumental, consequential pieces of historical work are often those that unveil and consider novel perspectives, constantly perpetuating the evolution and expansion of knowledge regarding the study.

[Read more below...]

Ellie Friederich
Quaestio Editor-in-Chief

➡️ View the full issue by clicking the link in our bio!

Dear History Students,

Ever wondered how your love for the past can lead to a future in law? ⚖️ Join us for an in-person event next week on Thursday, May 28 at 4pm in the Paul Padilla Reading Room (6265 Bunche Hall) where we will explore career paths for history majors interested in the legal world. We'll discuss how your skills translate and you'll have a chance to talk with history alumni who now work in the legal field.

Space is limited, please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/2026CareersinLaw (link in bio)

The History Graduate Student Association invites you to their upcoming Colloquiums:

Tues, May 26 at 2:30pm, "Letters in Transit: Utilizing Family Letters for Migration Histories" presented by Lucia Alvarez, 2nd year Europe Field

Wed, June 10 at 3pm, "Nepal and the Asian Information Order, 1750s-1850s" presented by Shubhanga Pandey, 4th year South and Southeast Asia Field

For zoom link or questions, please email [email protected].

The History Department is excited to meet our newly admitted transfer students at Bruin Day this Saturday, May 16! 💛💙

Stop by to connect with student leaders from Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society () and chat with our advisors. Whether you're curious about the History major or minors, or just want to hear about how you can make the most of your time at UCLA, we've got you covered!

Find us at the Information Fair and try our blind box sticker giveaway while you're there! 🐻

Please join us tomorrow, May 13, for the 10th Annual Undergraduate History Research Conference. The posted agenda details our timeline for Wednesday's conference, please stop by as your schedule permits to support UCLA undergraduates.

This is a hybrid event, please RSVP (link in bio) to receive a zoom link.

Need a break after Spring Quarter but still want to get ahead on your requirements over summer? SUMMER SESSION C is for you! Session C is a 6 week session from August 3-September 11. The spotlighted courses below still have a limited amount of seats available. Check out our for more information and enroll today!

SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! ☀️🏄 Take advantage of these amazing History courses being offered in Summer Session A (June 22-July 31)!
Check out our for more information on these courses as well as all of our summer offerings.

Dear Students,

The History Undergraduate Advisory Board cordially invites you to our 10th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference, "History Against the Grain: Counternarratives and Voices of Resistance."

Come and support your fellow undergraduates on Wednesday, May 13th from 10am to 4pm in Bunche 6276 (History Conference Room) as they present their research in front of various faculty and graduate students from the department. This event will be available via Zoom as well (Please RSVP below).

Please register for the event via https://forms.gle/QEip9ach7VbU2ZJ17 (link in bio)

The History Department is excited to meet our newly admitted first-year students at Bruin Day this Saturday, April 11! 💛💙

Stop by to connect with student leaders from Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society () and chat with our advisors. Whether you're curious about the History major or minors, or just want to hear about how you can make the most of your time at UCLA, we've got you covered!

Find us at the Information Fair and try our blind box sticker giveaway while you're there! 🐻