History/Political Science

History

Chair: Dr. Mark C. Gentry

The study of history develops an awareness and understanding of the past, a sensitivity to the rich variety of human experience and aspirations and an appreciation for the extraordinary human capacity for good and for evil. Further, it illuminates the present and renders it intelligible by providing both context and direction.

Students of history learn to reason critically and analytically, to synthesize large bodies of information and to write clearly and effectively — skills that are applicable to any job setting.

History graduates pursue a wide variety of careers, for example, in communications, business and industry, museum management, state and national park service and government at every level. The program of study provides the requisite background for graduate study and for the study of law. A professional program is also offered which combines the major concentration with specialized courses in education and leads to secondary teacher certification. For students wishing to extend their learning experience beyond the classroom, a variety of internship opportunities are available.

International Studies

Chair: Dr. Mark C. Gentry

The International Studies major reflects the reality of globalization and prepares students to address, manage and resolve contemporary foreign policy and public policy challenges, problems and issues employing an international and comparative perspective. The major addresses political, social, cultural and economic issues in their global and historical context, employing a multi-disciplinary approach, emphasizing core courses in political science and history and collateral courses in foreign languages, statistics, economics, religious studies, and philosophy. An experiential learning component is required to complete the major. Students may choose from a study abroad experience, an internship experience, or an independent research experience to satisfy the requirement. Students may choose to complete their capstone research project in either political science or history. Faculty from both political science and history will evaluate the completed capstone project. Students completing the major will have a sound grounding in international affairs and have acquired analytical and problem-solving tools to address complex global public policy issues. The major will prepare students for further graduate study and careers in international trade, international law, international social and economic development, international security, and foreign policy through employment with international governmental organizations, the non-profit sector, law firms, international business, and the U.S. government.

Political Science

Chair: Dr. Mark C. Gentry

American politics. International affairs. Health care. Jobs. The environment. Civil rights. If you are interested in such matters, political science is a major you should consider.

Political science has been defined as the study of “who gets what, when, and how.” It involves the study of government and public policy, as well as the study of the behavior of individuals and groups in the pursuit of their interests.

Political science majors can develop skills in writing, communications, analysis, and research. Such skills are useful in various employment settings. Such flexibility is attractive at a time when students can expect to change jobs, and even careers, on a number of occasions.

Political science helps to prepare students for careers in law; local, state, and national government service; interest groups and organizations; business; political campaigns; journalism, and teaching. Valuable training is also provided for graduate school and for those who eventually seek elected or appointed positions in public life or in the non-profit sector.

In addition, the political science program is designed to inform students’ interest in politics, to develop a deeper and fuller understanding of political processes, in short, to provide a solid conceptual foundation that can be built upon in their later lives as citizens.

In the belief that learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom, experiential educational opportunities in the form of internships and simulations (e.g., mock conventions, moot courts, model United Nations, etc.) are also available.

Students can pursue a general B.A. in political science or can pursue more specialized concentrations. A minor in political science is also available.

See also the listings for the B.S. degree program in Public Administration/Government Service.

Public Administration/Government Service

Coordinator: Dr. Joseph Melusky

This interdisciplinary major helps students acquire analytical skills and the ability to speak and write clearly. Training is provided in problem solving, statistics, library research, mathematics, logic, writing, and public speaking. Coursework on public policy, governmental operations, history, and other relevant subjects is provided. An internship providing an experiential blend of theory and practice is also part of this program.

Students also select one Interdisciplinary Field of Concentration from Management, the Social Sciences, or the Liberal Arts.

Such a diverse background provides useful preparation for graduate education, and/or for careers in government service (at the federal, state, or local level), nonprofit organizations, private sector management, and other fields.