Welcome to the Department of History and Political Science

The study of history and political science are essential components of a liberal arts education designed to help students cultivate awareness of the responsibilities of democratic citizenship and develop the versatile skills and knowledge needed to meet the many challenges of 21st century working and community life. It is our shared conviction that understanding the rich complexities of past societies as well as the diversity of political ideas and systems that span the globe today, and how both have shaped and been shaped by a panoply of cross-cultural encounters and exchanges, are integral to these aims.

Our mission is to help students achieve the broad cultural and civic literacy and social awareness needed to communicate and thrive professionally in today’s world. Our curriculum is structured to give students a proficiency in research and analytical methods –critical reading, reasoning, written and oral communication – that will prepare them for advanced graduate study and a wide array of careers in education, law, business, administration, public service, government, and non-governmental organizations. Undergraduates can choose from four specialized major degree programs the department offers: History (BA), Political Science (BA), Interdisciplinary History/Political Science (BA), and Social Studies 7-12 Adolescence Education (BA). We also offer an interdisciplinary MA focused on US history and politics in international context which students can pursue part-time or full-time in our evening seminars.

Department of History and Political Science Public Service Reception and Kermit Hall Constitution Day Lecture, September 24th, 2009.