History professors are generally responsible for teaching several
courses each academic period. They may teach courses in specific facets of history, such as American or European history. Teaching involves preparing lectures, devising and grading assignments, advising students, performing research and overseeing graduate student-teaching assistants. Professors must remain up-to-date with developments in the field, which requires significant time and research, and they need to be able to organize this information and communicate it effectively to their students. Professors often set their own schedules, aside from assigned class hours, and they typically do not work during summer. 
Academic research and publication are required for full-time
professors by most universities in addition to teaching duties.
Balancing the requirements of research and teaching is frequently
noted as a source of stress for newer instructors. Professors also
work with colleagues to provide continuity within degree programs, and they may also serve on academic boards and administrative committees within their college. Those who serve as heads of academic boards tend to have a heavier administrative load and may have less time for teaching.