A curiosity that began with video games has become a passion for Thomas Petersen (’27 history). His introduction to history was through games like Rome: Total War, a turn-based and real-time battle simulation strategy game, and Sid Meier’s Civilization series. He was intrigued by the roots of these civilizations and the forces that worked to create these countries’ borders.
Petersen’s penchant for video games paired well with his deep interest in maps and drawing maps.
“So, what’s the reason the map is drawn this way?” Petersen said. “This led me to history.”
And in his senior year of high school, he also discovered a love of philosophy and theology.
Now as a history major at Iowa State, Petersen has merged all his passions into the study of intellectual history, thanks to the numerous opportunities the Department of History offers to explore this field.
Petersen was introduced to the field of intellectual history through a first-years honors mentor program he took with John Monroe, professor of history, in spring 2024. In this class, Petersen uncovered the formation of philosophical ideas. The books he read and the discussions he had with Monroe continue to inspire him.
“He allowed me to study intellectual history,” Petersen said. “I still use the concepts I learned in that class.”
Petersen also enjoyed a required class for all history majors called The Historian’s Toolbox, taught by Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, Distinguished Professor of history. For this course, Petersen wrote about student life at Iowa State from 1945 to 2000 for his final paper, which Riney-Kehrberg encouraged him to publish. Petersen was flattered by the suggestion and never expected to have this chance as an undergraduate.
“I am super excited,” he said.
Petersen is working with Riney-Kehrberg to refine and expand his paper into an article for publication in “The Annals of Iowa,” a State Historical Society of Iowa publication.
Petersen’s dream job following graduation from Iowa State is to be a university professor, and he credits the faculty in the Department of History with fostering his love of academia and preparing him for that future.
“The professors here are amazing,” Petersen said. “If you are willing to learn history, the professors are absolutely glad to help you do that.”