Jenifer Parks
Assistant Professor of History
B.A. Oglethorpe University
M.A., Ph.D. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
406.238.7373
Morledge-Kimball Hall 204
jenifer.parks@rocky.edu
Biography
Jenifer Parks came to RMC in Fall of 2009 after finishing her Ph.D. in Russian and Soviet History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She enjoys teaching a wide variety of European and world history courses, including the world civilization survey covering ancient, medieval, and modern societies in every region of the globe.Her favorite subjects include medieval Europe, European imperialism, the post-colonial developing world, and Russian history. Her primary research focus is on sport and politics in the Soviet Union and she has published a book chapter on the Soviet entrance into the Olympic Games in 1952. Currently she is preparing a book that will follow the USSR's Olympic bureaucrats from 1952 through the 1980 Summer Olympic Games held in Moscow, Russia.
When not in the classroom, Jenifer enjoys hiking, singing, sewing, reading, acting, and especially traveling. In addition to traveling around the U.S., she has visited Europe several times, including a nine-month stay in Moscow.
Courses Taught
HST 103 History of Civilization I & II
Reformation, Absolutism, and Enlightenment, Europe, 1500-1789
The Age of Revolution, Europe 1789-1914
Special Topics: The World Since 1945
History of Russia to 1861
History of Russia and the Soviet Union since 1861
Europe Since 1914
Medieval History
The Modern World in Crisis, 1860-1960
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Take advantage of the individual attention and support that Rocky faculty provide. Email professors in your area of interest and set up meetings with them when you come to campus. Make sure you attend a class or two when you come to visit to get a feel for what it's like to attend Rocky.
What is your favorite class to teach and why?
I enjoy all of my classes, but I especially enjoy teaching Russian history because it combines my academic interests and expertise.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading whatever I've assigned for my next class. When I am not reading for teaching or research, I enjoy fantasy (I've probably read Lord of the Rings about a dozen times!), children's literature (e.g. Harry Potter), or the latest Kathy Reichs mystery.
What is your favorite thing about RMC?
I like the small class size and tight-knit community. Because of the small student-to-faculty ratio, there are numerous opportunities to get to know the students both in and out of the classroom. There are also more opportunities for inter-disciplinary interaction than you get at larger institutions.
