History

Department of History and Political Science 

Professor: 

  • Samuel London, Ph.D. (Chair)

Associate Professor: 

  • Marcya Burden, J.D. 

Assistant Professor: 

  • Preston Foster, M.P.A. 
  • Savonna Greer, M.A. 
  • Gabriel Nava, M.A.

Introduction 

The Department of History and Political Science comprises areas of study in history, pre- law, political science, and international relations. Courses are designed to address the questions of the past, present, and future. 

Purpose 

It is the purpose of the Department of History and Political Science to educate students in the disciplines of history, pre-law, political science, and international relations. The Department’s programs are designed to prepare students for graduate and professional schools, as well as the workforce. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Prospective majors must have an overall minimum GPA of 2.00. 

Exit Examinations 

Candidates for the B.A. degree must pass a departmental exit examination in their senior year with a minimum grade of 70% or take one of the national standardized tests (e.g., the GRE, LSAT).

Double Majors 

Students are not allowed to double major within the Department. This prevents “double-dipping,” which academic policy does not allow.

Career Opportunities 

The list of careers available to students that major in the fields of history, international relations, political science, and pre-law is almost endless. However, a brief list of job opportunities associated with these academic fields of study are: advertising executive, analyst, archivist, broadcaster, consultant, lawyer, teacher, editor, foreign service officer, foundation staffer, information specialist, intelligence agent, journalist, lobbyist, public relations staffer, researcher, diplomat, politician, librarian, and paralegal. 

Degrees

Courses

HI 265: Minorities in America

Credits 3
An examination of the struggles and contributions of women and such minorities as African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Asians in the United States.

HI 267: African American History I

Credits 3
A survey of African American history, with an emphasis on the origins of the ancient kingdoms of Egypt, Kush, Meroe, Axum, and West Africa and including the slave trade, slavery, the beginnings of black culture in the North and South, slave resistance and rebellions, and sectional differences. Northern free blacks will be studied along with the Civil War and the Reconstruction period of 1868.

HI 268: African American History II

Credits 3
A survey of the problems and experiences of African Americans from the period of Reconstruction in 1868 to 1877, with an emphasis on the inner dynamics of the black community and the sociopolitical efforts of the black community to the present. The relationship of blacks to the wider society will be studied with the internal migration of African Americans, and the political impact of cultural exhibitions.

HI 318: Latin American History

Credits 3
A survey of the history of Latin America. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of people and cultures of the regions, and how major historical events, both past and very recent, have shaped the everyday lives of the people who lived there and who still do today.

HI 324: History of England

Credits 3
Code
W
A survey of the history of England with an emphasis on landmark court decisions, Parliament, and the development of the British legal system.

HI 326: African History

Credits 3
A study of ancient Egypt, Nubia, Ethiopia, etc., and the expansion of Islam, and the slave trade in African history to 1800 and the conclusion of that trade, Islamic renewal, European partition and the colonial period, the growth of nationalism and of independence in Africa.

HI 330: Asian History

Credits 3
A study of Asian history, focusing primarily on China, India, and Japan. This course will examine the origins of these distinct civilizations and follow their political, economic, social, and intellectual movements through the Cold War era. Topics include: the impact of Confucianism and Buddhism, women’s changing roles, imperial state formation, samurai culture, impact of the Mongols, questions on Democracy and Communism, changing relationships with the West, and economic “miracles”.

HI 340: Middle Eastern History

Credits 3
A study of Middle Eastern history, focusing on the regions of modern-day Egypt, Israel, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran. The course will focus on both the Biblical period and the time of Christ, as well as the present day, so students can better understand the Scriptures as well as modern conflicts and current events.

HI 350: History of the American Civil Rights Movements

Credits 3
This course will thoroughly educate students about the civil rights movement in the United States as it took place in the 1950s and 1960s. Key events, personalities, and regions will be covered, as well as the relevancy of the movement on modern society.

HI 443: History of Christianity

Credits 3
Code
W
A survey of the historical development and growth of the Christian Church from the time of Jesus Christ to the present.

HI 459: Recent American History

Credits 3
Code
W
A pluralist study of modern American society and America in the international community, 1930 to the present.

HI 469: Modern Europe

Credits 3
Code
W
A study of the main events in European history from 1900 to the present, with emphasis on England, France, Germany, Russia, imperialism, and the two World Wars.

HI 480: Research Seminar

Credits 3
Code
W
A major research paper in history under the supervision of the professor specializing in that area. Required of all history majors in their senior year.

HI 495: Capstone Senior Seminar

Credits 3
The Capstone Senior Seminar is the culmination of learning in the core curriculum. Subsequently, it requires substantial reading and informed participation. The course is designed to enhance critical thinking, review of salient points of learning in the discipline, as well as prepare students to make the transition into graduate/professional schools and the workforce. Furthermore, students will obtain information designed to improve their skills in the areas of professionalism, networking, relationships, finances, and leadership.