Mission
The Department of History and Political Science is dedicated to advancing the College's mission of teaching and learning by providing a rigorous liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and informed citizenship. The department strives to foster a deep understanding of historical contexts, political systems, and global perspectives while preparing students for professional excellence, graduate study, and engaged participation in their communities.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will understand global systems, including how they are maintained through human actions, and evaluate their impacts on societies and individuals, recognizing the interplay of political, economic, cultural, and social forces in shaping global issues.
- Students will develop critical thinking and communication skills, both written and oral, to effectively present and defend their analysis of global systems and challenges.
- Students will design and assess research on global issues, synthesizing diverse perspectives and evaluating sources to deepen understanding of global challenges.
- Students will be prepared for careers and graduate study in the government, law, corporate, and non-profit sectors.
Introductory international social science courses
Six credits from introductory international social science courses
Introductory international humanities courses
Six credits from introductory international humanities courses
World Languages
12 credits in world languages completed after matriculation (even if the student tests into an upper-
level language) and spread across one or two languages
International students whose native language is not English OR students who are fluent in a language
other than English may substitute for 6 credits of this world language requirement with one course to
enhance English language proficiency (chosen from COMM 206, ENGL 212, 220, 230, 240, THEA 120,
221, or 226) and one course to promote understanding of contemporary American culture (chosen from
ENGL 250, 383, 385, HIST 202, 355, POLS 225, PSYC 250, or THEA 335). The other 6 credits of the
world languages requirement cannot be substituted.
Track
15 credits in either
- Track 1: Social Sciences (12 credits chosen from POLS 211, POLS 212, POLS 253, POLS 325, POLS 341, POLS 342, ECON 201, ECON 202, ECON 260, ECON 360, BUSI 308, BUSI 328, BUSI 345, BUSI 371, BUSI 403, PSCH 250, SOCO 210, GENS 202, COMM 345, and COMM 403; 3 credits chosen from either POLS 370 or ECON 222); OR
- Track 2: Humanities (12 credits chosen from HIST 230, HIST 328, HIST 329, HIST 330, HIST 331, HIST 332, RELS 210, RELS 239, RELS 244, RELS 305, RELS 352, ENGL 200, ENGL 267, ENGL 268, ARBC 320, CHIN 320, FREN 320, FREN 321, FREN 410, GRMN 320, GRMN 321, GRMN 410, JAPN 321, SPAN 320, SPAN 321, and SPAN 410; 3 credits from HIST 377);
Electives
6 additional credits from Track 1, Track 2, INTD 202, INTD 203, INTD 204, INTD 210, INTD 211, INTD 253, INTD 306, INTD 487, INTD 488, OR any additional world language courses;
Capstones
INTD 490 and INTD 495