The American Historical Society describes the study of history as "an encompassing discipline. Its essence is in the connectedness of historical events and human experiences . . . [in] understanding the nature of continuity and change in human experiences. Contemporary issues, ideas, and relationships take on new meanings when they are explored from historical perspectives. History therefore plays an integrative role in the quest for liberal learning. . . ."

Study in the history department aims at enabling students to come to grips with the world around them through an understanding of the past and the perspectives that this provides on societies and cultures in different times and places. Students are encouraged to read, think, discuss, and write critically and effectively as they learn to ‘do history’ through historical inquiry, explanation, and argument. Because of the integrative nature of history, interdisciplinary approaches are used in many courses in the department. Students are also encouraged to explore basic values and worldviews of their own and other cultural traditions, and in turn, to articulate their personal values, faith and worldview.

Students who choose history as a major for the bachelor of arts degree will complete HS 125, 126, 211, 212, 222, 477, 487, PS 181 or 111, and eighteen additional hours in history, eight of which must be in courses numbered 300 or above. Up to six hours of approved substitutes may be included in the major. PS 181 or PS 111 may be counted as one of the social science requirements in the core curriculum. Students majoring in history for the bachelor of arts degree must complete 12 hours in the same language to fulfill the college’s foreign language requirement.

Students who complete a bachelor of science degree in history- education can be licensed in Indiana to teach history, government, and geography in a middle or high school setting. The program requires HS 125, 126, 211, 212, 222, 477, and 487; EB 211, ES 262/L; PS 111 or 181, and 324; nine additional hours in political science chosen from PS 355, 377, 444, 466, and approved January Term courses (which must include either PS 377 or 466); PY 111 and SO 111. To add a content concentration in economics, students also take EB 212 and one other 300 or 400-level EB course. To add a content concentration in psychology, students also take PY 211 and six additional hours in psychology. To add a content concentration in sociology, students also take SO 292, 321, and three additional hours in sociology. Refer to the Department of Education for education courses required for teacher licensing.

Students who choose American history as a minor will complete HS 211, 212, 222, 487 and ten hours from HS 361, 377, 381, 444, 466, 490 or appropriate January Term course in American history.

Students who choose European history as a minor will complete HS 125, 126, 222, 477 and ten hours from HS 311, 322, 332, 355, 411, 432 or appropriate January Term in European history.

Course work in political science is designed to provide the student with analytical approaches to the basic systems, institutions, and ideas of government and politics, particularly of the United States. Instruction in this area also gives attention to questions of significant political values, issues, and themes such as justice, democracy, national sovereignty, and warfare.

Students who choose to minor in political science will complete PS 181, 224, 377, 466 and six hours from PS 321, 355, 444, or BA 351 or appropriate January Terms; and MA 151.

HS 115 Historical Perspectives on Culture and Civilization I (3)

A general survey of the history of civilization from the ancient Near East to the sixteenth century. This course provides historical and cultural literacy for students in majors other than history, or programs in pre-law or teaching of social studies. Emphasis is given to historical information, concepts and perspectives essential for the educated nonspecialist.

HS 116 Historical Perspectives on Culture and Civilization II (3)

A general survey of the history of civilization from the sixteenth century to the twentieth century in continuation of HS 115. Not open to those in history, pre-law or social studies teaching programs. Prerequisite: HS 115

HS 125 The Mainstream of Civilization I (3)

An in-depth study of the main currents of historical development from Sumer to the Reformations coupled with an introduction to the essentials of doing history. The course is designed for students majoring in history or programs in pre-law or teaching of social studies or those whose substantive background and interest enables them to qualify. Prerequisite: consent

HS 126 The Mainstream of Civilization II (3)

A continuation of HS 125 through an intensive study of the main currents of historical development from the Reformations to modern times. Open only to those in history, pre-law or social studies teaching programs, or those whose substantive background and interest enables them to qualify. Prerequisite: consent

HS 211 History of the United States I (3)

A survey of the origins, development, and meaning of American history and heritage from the earliest European discovery and the birth of the United States to the Civil War and Reconstruction.

HS 212 History of the United States II (3)

A continuation of the survey of American history from the Reconstruction era to the present. Emphasis is given to the role of social, economic, and political factors in understanding American development as well as to the role played by the United States in international life.

HS 222 Historical Method (3)

An introduction to the nature, scope, and practice of historical research methods, tasks, and writing, concentrating on the principles and problems relevant to organized scholarly study and the presentation of the results. The logic of historical inquiry, explanation, and argument is also thoroughly examined.

HS 311 History of Christianity (3)

A survey of the history of Christianity from the close of the New Testament to the present. Course will include developments related to theology, institutional concerns, and movements within the church. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

HS 322 Early Modern Europe to 1800 (3)

Examines European history from the beginning of the Reformations to the end of the French Revolutions. Focuses on the history of ideas within the context of the sweeping religious, political, economic and social changes of the period. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

HS 324 Geography of the Contemporary World (3)

A study and analysis of the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the geography of the contemporary world from a developmental perspective. Attention will be given to theoretical and practical issues such as the relationship of people to the environment and the political and economic constraints on development and power in the context of the modern nation state system since 1945. Identical with EB/PS 324.

HS 332 British History From the Tudors (3)

Survey of British history from 1485 to the present which will focus on English state-building under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, English Revolution, rise of Parliamentary supremacy and the British Empire, colonial experiences such as American, Irish, and Indian, the Industrial Revolution, British exercise of world power, and decline of that power since World War II. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

HS 355 Modern Russia (3)

A history and analysis of the development of Russia from Nicolas II to the present. Particular emphasis will be given to the formation and evolution of the Soviet System and to the political, social and economic challenges being faced by contemporary Russia. Identical with PS 355. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126 or consent

HS 361 American Religious History (3)

This course examines the religious history of the American people from the colonial period to the present, with reference to the theology, liturgy, and polity of different religious traditions. Special emphasis is given to the history of the Christian churches and to the nature of the evangelical strain of Protestantism.

HS 377 The American Presidency (3)

A study of the chief executive of the United States from 1787 to the present. Powers, limits, and roles of the presidency will be studied, with emphasis on the tenure of those who most affected the office. Identical with PS 377. Prerequisite: HS 211 or 212

HS 381 Civil War and Reconstruction (3)

This course examines an important epoch in American history, including the rise of sectionalist tension beginning in the late 1840s, the war with its battles and its profound political, economic, and social influence on the nation, and the postwar struggles to rebuild the nation. Prerequisite: HS 211

HS 411 Medieval Europe (3)

Survey of the history of Europe from AD 600 to AD 1500, the post-Roman era through the Renaissance. Prerequisite: HS 125

HS 432 Modern Europe (3)

Study of the modern and contemporary European state system since AD 1789, emphasizing Western Europe. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

HS 444 American Diplomatic History (3)

A study of the foreign relations of the United States from the Revolutionary War to the present. Identical with PS 444. Prerequisite: HS 211, 212

HS 466 American Constitutional History (3)

Constitutional development in the United States from AD 1606 to the present with emphasis upon political thought and practice. Identical with PS 466. Prerequisite: HS 211, 212

HS 477 Great Issues in European History (3)

An intensive study, analysis and discussion of major issues in European history, based on examination of original and interpretive sources. Issue development and synthesis are emphasized. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126, and HS 222 or consent

HS 487 Great Issues in American History (3)

An examination of a number of major problem areas relating to American history. Emphasis will be placed on the study of conflicting interpretations, the historiography of the problems and synthesis. Prerequisite: HS 211 and 212, and HS 222 or consent

HS 490 Independent Study (1-4)

Designed for the advanced student of history. The study of a problem, project, or research paper on the subject of mutual interest to the student and instructor. Prerequisite: Consent

PS 111 Public Policy (3)

A study of the formation and implementation of public policies in the U.S. Particular emphasis is given to the study of democracy and capitalism as they impact policy. Current issues of national concern are analyzed.

PS 181 American National Government (3)

The foundations and interrelations of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments of the federal government. Attention is given to the nature of public opinion and electoral processes.

PS 321 Public Finance (3)

A study of the political economy with a focus on fiscal institutions, taxation, government spending, and the federal budget. The application of social controls to economics and the regulation of economic controls by government are reviewed. Identical with EB 321. Prerequisite: EB 211

PS 324 Geography of the Contemporary World (3)

A study and analysis of the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the geography of the contemporary world from a developmental perspective. Attention will be given to theoretical and practical issues such as the relationship of people to the environment and the political and economic constraints on development and power in the context of the modern nation state system since 1945. Identical with EB/HS 324.

PS 355 Modern Russia (3)

A history and analysis of the development of Russia from Nicolas II to the present. Particular emphsis will be given to the formation and evolution of the Soviet System and to the political, social and economic challenges being faced by contemporary Russia. Identical with HS 355. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126 or consent

PS 377 The American Presidency (3)

A study of the chief executive of the United States from 1787 to the present. Powers, limits and roles of the presidency will be studied, with emphasis on the tenure of those who most affected the office. Identical with HS 377. Prerequisite: HS 211, 212

PS 444 American Diplomatic History (3)

A study of the foreign relations of the United States from the Revolutionary War to the present. Identical with HS 444. Prerequisite: HS 211, 212

PS 466 American Constitutional History (3)

Constitutional development in the United States from AD 1606 to the present, with emphasis upon political thought and practice. Identical with HS 466. Prerequisite: HS 211, 212

Department of History & Political Science