History and Political Science
Department Chair: Rowland Brucken.
It is the mission of the History Department to instill and foster, in the spirit of free inquiry and intellectual exchange: 1) An understanding of the influence of political, economic, social and cultural forces on past and contemporary events; institutions and peoples; 2) The critical skills necessary to research and create substantive papers and oral presentations; 3) The ability to comprehend, compare, and evaluate competing explanations of past and present subjects, using reason and evidence to guide such inquiry; 4) The opportunity to experience learning outside of the classroom through internships, independent study, study abroad programs and participation in academic clubs and honor societies; and 5) The values, ethics and reasoned judgment necessary to be active, compassionate and useful citizens of the local community, nation and the world.
Honors Program in History or Political Science
Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and who meet all university and departmental curricular requirements, and have grades averaging 3.2 or better in courses in their major will be, at the end of their junior year, eligible to become candidates for the history or political science major with honors. Students who have not met these standards may be invited to candidacy by the department. Six hours of credit will be assigned, normally three hours each semester. A successful defense of an honors paper must be conducted and a minimum grade of 3.5 must be earned for the student’s registration in an Honors Course to appear on the transcript. For further guidance, see the History and Political Science Department’s Honors Thesis Guidelines.
Pre-Law Training
The Association of American Law Schools identifies the following as the major objectives to be sought in an undergraduate pre-law curriculum:
- comprehension and expression in words;
- critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals;
- creative power in thinking.
These goals can best be approached by an undergraduate curriculum in which the social sciences and English play the leading part. One of the leading American law schools advises college students preparing to study law: “The importance of history in a pre-legal program cannot be over emphasized”; and of political science: “This subject also is one with which the lawyer must be well-acquainted and it, too, is a natural college major for pre-law students.” Accounting (for which mathematics is a prerequisite) is also strongly recommended by law schools.
History
Program Coordinator: TBA
Charles A. Dana Professor Lord; Professors Brucken, McCann, Pennington, and Taylor; Associate Professors Gray, Hayes, and Sodergren; Adjunct Faculty Walsh and Zirblis.
Requirements for History Major
History majors must complete at least 36 credits in History (HI) and PO 202 and PO 105 with a grade of “C”, or higher. All history majors are required to complete 12 History courses including the distribution requirements and HI 121 or HI 122; HI 209, HI 3XX Colloquium in History, Capstone Seminar, HI 430, , HI 432, or HI 433 with a grade of “C” or higher.(HI 430 HI 431, HI 432, and may count in the distribution requirements.) History majors may not count more than five 100 and 200 level courses, including HI 209 – Historical Methods – towards their major. Additionally, majors are required to pass EC 201 or EC 202.
Distribution area requirements
Courses taken to meet the distribution area requirements must be numbered 300 or higher.
United States - 1 course
Modern European – 1 course
Pre-Modern (prior to 1600 C.E.) - 1 course
Non-Western – 1 course
B.A. in History – Curriculum Map
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 |
| HI 1XX or Higher | 3 | HI 121 American History Survey I or 122 American History Survey II | 3 |
| Modern Language | 6 | Modern Language | 6 |
| PO 105 American Politics | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EN 201 World Literature I | 3 | EN 202 World Literature II | 3 |
| Math Elective (except MA 103) | 3 | Math Elective (except MA 103) | 3 |
| HI 209 Historical Methods | 3 | HI 2XX or higher | 3 |
| HI 2XX or higher | 3 | PO 202 Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| Arts or Humanities Elective | 3 | Arts or Humanities Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EC 201 Principles of Economics (Macro) or 202 Principles of Economics (Micro) | 3 | HI 3XX History Elective | 3 |
| HI 3XX History Colloquium | 3 | HI 3XX History Elective | 3 |
| HI 3XX History Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| PH Ethics Elective | 3 | Arts or Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Lab Science Elective | 4 | Lab Science Elective | 4 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HI 43X Capstone Seminar | 3 | HI 3XX | 3 |
| HI 3XX | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 122 | |||
| 1 | HI 107 and HI 108 are open only to first year students. If not taken in the first year, students must substitute upper level History (HI) courses. |
Course Prerequisites
100 level open to Freshmen only, except by permission of department chair.
200 level not open to Freshmen without instructor’s permission.
300 level for Juniors and Seniors, need to have taken a 200-level course with a grade of "C" or higher, otherwise by written permission of instructor.
400 level open only by permission.
Political Science
Program Coordinator: J. Jagemann
Professors Kearsley, and Talentino; Associate Professors Andrew and Jagemann; Assistant Professors Ku and Remmel; Visiting Associate Professor Thalman; Adjunct Faculty A. Gray and K. Ryan.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Political Science program is to emphasize the objectives of the liberal arts, which are to help the student cultivate powers of analysis and exposition in reading, writing, and communication; to expand the student’s intellectual horizons; and to increase the student’s knowledge and curiosity. The program explores the realm of politics; its vocabulary, its principal concepts and strategies, its ethics, and its expediencies. To do so, the program encourages students to appreciate and understand theories about government and politics, as well as the methods of the discipline.
Distribution Requirements for Political Science Majors
| Required Courses | ||
| American Politics | 3 | |
| Introduction to Public Policy and Administration | 3 | |
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 | |
| International Relations | 3 | |
| Research Methods | 3 | |
| Capstone Seminar in Political Science | 3 | |
| Group 1 Political Philosophy 1 | 3 | |
| Political Philosophy | 3 | |
| American Citizenship | 3 | |
| Group 2 American Politics 1 | 3 | |
| The Presidency | 3 | |
| Political Parties and Interest Groups | 3 | |
| The Legislative Process | 3 | |
| Public Opinion and Political Behavior | 3 | |
| U.S. Constitutional Law | 3 | |
| State and Local Politics | 3 | |
| Group 3 Comparative Politics 1 | 3 | |
| European Politics | 3 | |
| Topics in Area Studies | 3 | |
| American Foreign Policy | 3 | |
| Revolution and Forces of Change | 3 | |
| Asian Politics | 3 | |
| Group 4 International Relations 1 | 3 | |
| Special Topics in International Relations | 3 | |
| Geopolitics | 3 | |
| International Organizations | 3 | |
| International Law | 3 | |
| War and Peace | 3 | |
| Group 5 Free PO Electives | ||
Upper-Division PO Elective-Must be 300 Level or Higher | ||
Upper-Division PO Elective-Must be 300 Level or Higher | ||
| Group 6 Area Requirements | ||
| American History Survey I 2 | 3 | |
| American History Survey II 2 | 3 | |
HI Elective (non-western) 2 | ||
| Principles of Economics (Macro) | 3 | |
or EC 202 | Principles of Economics (Micro) | |
| Public Speaking | 3 | |
| Elementary Statistics | 3 | |
PH Elective (all PH courses except PH 230) | ||
| Group 7 Literature Elective 1 | 3 | |
| World Literature for Foreign Nationals I | 3 | |
| World Literature for Foreign Nationals II | 3 | |
| Modern Short Story | 3 | |
| Children's Literature | 3 | |
| Survey of British Literature I | 3 | |
| Survey of British Literature II | 3 | |
| Survey of American Literature I | 3 | |
| Survey of American Literature II | 3 | |
| The Literature of Leadership | 3 | |
| Crime in Literature | 3 | |
| Literature of the Sea | 3 | |
| Military Literature | 3 | |
| The Plays of Shakespeare | 3 | |
| The Plays of Shakespeare | 3 | |
| English Romantic Literature | 3 | |
| Victorian Literature | 3 | |
| Modern British Literature | 3 | |
| Recent British Literature | 3 | |
| Major Writers of the American Renaissance | 3 | |
| Major American Social Realists | 3 | |
| American Short Story Writers | 3 | |
| Major19th Century American Poets | 3 | |
| American Novelists, 1920-1940 | 3 | |
| Writers of Contemporary American Fiction | 3 | |
| American Dramatists from 1918 to the Present | 3 | |
| Topics in English Studies | 3 | |
| Major Figure Seminar | 3 | |
| Thematic Seminar-Literature | 3 | |
| Senior Seminar | 3 | |
| A Survey of French Literature I | 3 | |
| A Survey of French Literature II | 3 | |
| French Literature of the Twentieth Century I | 3 | |
| French Literature of the Twentieth Century II | 3 | |
| Seminar: Topics in French Literature | 3 | |
| Reading and Research on a Topic in French Literature and Civilization | 3 | |
| Survey of German Lit I: From the Beginnings to 1848 | 3 | |
| Survey of German Literature II: 1848 to 1945 | 3 | |
| Survey of German Literature III: 1945 to the Present | 3 | |
| Seminar on a Topic in German Literature and Culture | 3 | |
| Reading and Research in German Literature or Civilization | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Literature of Spain I | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Literature of Spain II | 3 | |
| Hispano-American Literature I | 3 | |
| Hispano-American Literature II | 3 | |
| Seminar: Topics in Spanish or Latin-American Literature and Culture | 3 | |
| Reading and Research in Spanish or Latin-American Literature and Culture | 3 | |
| 1 | Select one course from the group. |
| 2 | Must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. |
All PO courses taken to satisfy the political science major requirements must be passed with a "C" or better.
B.A. in Political Science - Curriculum Map
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 |
| Modern Language | 6 | Modern Language | 6 |
| PO 105 American Politics | 3 | PO 106 Introduction to Public Policy and Administration | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EN 201 World Literature I | 3 | EN 202 World Literature II | 3 |
| HI 121 American History Survey I | 3 | HI 122 American History Survey II | 3 |
| MA Elective | 3 | MA 232 Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| PO 215 International Relations | 3 | EC 201 Principles of Economics (Macro) or 202 Principles of Economics (Micro) | 3 |
| PO 220 Research Methods | 3 | PO 202 Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EN 112 Public Speaking | 3 | HI (non-western) Elective | 3 |
| Lab Science | 4 | Lab Science | 4 |
| Philosophy Ethics Elective | 3 | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Political Philosophy Elective | 3 | American Politics Elective (PO) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | International Relations Elective (PO) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | EN Literature Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | PO Upper Division Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | PO Upper Division Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| PO Comparitive Politics Elective | 3 | PO 410 Capstone Seminar in Political Science | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 122 | |||
Course Prerequisites
100 level open to Freshmen only, except by permission of department chair or unless a major requirement for another program or major.
200 level not open to Freshmen without instructor’s permission.
300 level typically for upper classmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
400 level typically for upper classmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
Topics courses may be repeated for credit as long as a new topic is offered.
History
For a minor in history, the student must complete six history courses (HI), at least two of which must be 300 level courses, one of the 300 level courses must be a colloquium. All courses must have a grade of "C" or better.
Political Science
For a minor in Political Science, the student must complete six courses of 3 or more credit hours as specified below with a grade of "C" or better.
| PO 105 | American Politics | 3 |
| PO 106 | Introduction to Public Policy and Administration | 3 |
| PO 202 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| PO 215 | International Relations | 3 |
| PO 220 | Research Methods | 3 |
| PO Elective (must be upper-division) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
History Courses
HI 107. The History of Civilization I. 3 Credits.
A survey providing a global perspective of the history of human cultures and institutions from earliest times to 1500 CE, focusing on Europe, Asia, and Africa. The course offers an active and participatory environment to the study of history through discussions, simulations, study of primary sources, and research assignments. Open only to first year students or by permission of department. Offered annually.
HI 108. The History of Civilization II. 3 Credits.
A survey of major world civilizations that provides a global perspective of the development of the modern world from 1500 to the present. The course offers an active and participatory environment to the study of history through discussions, simulations, study of primary sources, and research assignments. Open only to first year students or by permission of department. Offered every semester.
HI 121. American History Survey I. 3 Credits.
A survey of American history from the Age of Discovery to 1877. American institutions ranging from political and economic to social and cultural will be examined. Open only to freshmen and sophomores. Offered every semester.
HI 122. American History Survey II. 3 Credits.
A continuing survey of multiple facets of American Civilization as presented in HI121, focusing on the period from the close of political Reconstruction in 1877 to the present. The maturation of democratic institutions and the emergence of the United States as a world power will also be examined. Open only to freshmen and sophomores. Offered every semester.
HI 201. Ancient Greece and Rome. 3 Credits.
A survey of Greek and Roman civilizations from the origins of the polis to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Usually offered annually.
HI 202. The Middle Ages: Europe 500 - 1500. 3 Credits.
The history of Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire to 1500. The class examines the major political, economic, social, and cultural trends in the development of a distinctive European civilization, built primarily on Christian, Greco-Roman, and Germanic foundations. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Usually offered annually.
HI 209. Historical Methods. 3 Credits.
This course introduces students to the methods, techniques and conventions of historical research and writing, including such skills as identifying, understanding, analyzing and interpreting primary and secondary sources, compiling bibliographies, citing sources, and understanding historiography. In addition, this course approaches the issue of ethics through a discussion of the ethical responsibilities of historians, including a discussion of plagiarism. Required for all history majors. Open to sophomore history majors only or by permission of department chair. This course does not fulfill the General Education History requirement. The course must be completed by the end of the junior year. Offered annually in the fall semester.
HI 211. Early East Asian Civilizations. 3 Credits.
This broad, historical survey course is about the civilizations and cultures of East Asia and the people that lived in them until the immediate post-Mongol conquest period. The core of the course will cover the areas that include modern Japan, China and Korea with reference to the inner Asian steppes. This lecture based course will be supplemented by primary source readings and discussion on Chinese and Japanese cultures, art and political philosophy. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Usually offered annually.
HI 212. Modern East Asian Civilizations. 3 Credits.
This is a broad historical survey of the transformation of societies and states in East Asia from traditional empires to modern nation states. Rather than an exhaustive survey of facts and dates, this course is designed to introduce students to key questions in modern East Asian history. This lecture based course will be supplemented by primary source readings and discussion on Chinese and Japanese culture and politics. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Usually offered annually.
HI 214. History of the Middle East. 3 Credits.
This course is a survey of a historically vital region. It will include an overview of the area known as the “Cradle of Civilizations and Monotheism,” as well as the rise of the Islamic Caliphate, the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, and the late 19th and 20th Centuries European imperialism and colonialism. The greatest emphasis, however, will be on the modern period. In order to fully comprehend the contemporary situation, it is necessary to include an historical examination of the cultural and religious diversity, as well as the political complexity of the people and states which comprise the so-called Middle East. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Offered in the spring semester.
HI 215. VT Regional Material Culture. 3 Credits.
HI 218. Survey of Sub-Sahara Africa. 3 Credits.
This course encompasses the history of sub-Saharan Africa from approximately 1800 to the end of the so-called "Cold War." It is a comprehensive introduction to the numerous and diverse cultural, political, and economic entities comprising this complex area of the world. The central themes of the course, however, will be the related phenomena of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, European colonialism, and western neo-colonialism and their varying impact upon the different regions.
HI 223. Europe's Age of Revolution. 1500 -1800. 3 Credits.
This course traces Europe's path from medieval to modern by examining a series of political, intellectual, and technological revolutions between 1500 and 1800. Topics will include the Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions, and the Industrial Revolution, all discussed within the broader context of cultural change, social reform, and technological development, Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Offered annually.
HI 224. Modern European History. 3 Credits.
This course examines the political, military, and social history of Europe in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The nineteenth century witnessed remarkable changes in European society and politics. It was an age of romantics and reactionaries, liberals and imperialists, revolutionaries and racists, nationalists and irrationalists. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Europe dominated the world. However, two world wars, the rise and fall of fascism and communism, the concept of superpowers, and the growth of mass consumer society destroyed the old European hegemony and led to a new and evolving idea of "Europe". Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Offered alternate years.
HI 227. Modern British History, 1688 - Present. 3 Credits.
The history of the British Isles from the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 to the region's current struggles with maintaining national identity at the dawn of the twenty-first century. Emphasis will be on the decline of the monarchy, the establishment of parliament as a truly representative body, and the rise and fall of the British Empire. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Offered alternate years.
HI 228. Norwich University History. 3 Credits.
HI 235. Military History I. 3 Credits.
This course provides an examination of the major issues evident in the study of military affairs from the dawn of time to the present day. Using a modular approach, this course will explore the following topics: mobile warfare, urban warfare, child soldiers, war in the air, civilians in the path of war, women in war, and the unintended consequences of warfare. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Offered every semester.
HI 236. Military History II. 3 Credits.
This course provides an examination of the major issues evident in the study of military affairs from the dawn of time to the present day. Using a modular approach, this course will explore the following topics: the origins of war, total war, soldiers in war, military theory, insurgency & counterinsurgency warfare, military revolutions, and static warfare. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. Offered every semester.
HI 260. Topics in History. 3 Credits.
HI 303. Colloquium in Ancient History. 3 Credits.
A reading and writing intensive course, emphasizing historical research and analytical skills. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the development of historical writing, the Roman Empire, women in antiquity, pagans and Christians, etc. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered annually.
HI 304. Colloquium in Medieval History. 3 Credits.
A reading and writing intensive course, emphasizing historical research and analytical skills. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the Crusades. medieval Christianity and medieval women. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered annually.
HI 315. Modern China. 3 Credits.
A standard reading and lecture course, Modern China introduces students to the major processes shaping twentieth century Chinese history. The course emphasizes regional knowledge, historical research and analytical skills building. Major topics will include in all cases an overview of Chinese history since 1700 (late imperial and twentieth century "modern" China) with emphasis on political, social history and environmental developments. Other sub-topics in the course include, but are limited to, nation building/nationalism, gender issues, and border/Central Asia relations. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. Offered annually.
HI 317. Modern Japan. 3 Credits.
A standard reading and lecture course, Modern Japan introduces students to the major processes of shaping twentieth century Japanese history. The course emphasizes regional knowledge, historical research and analytical skills building. Major topics will include in all cases an overview of Japanese history since 1868 (Tokugawa dissolution through the late twentieth century) with emphasis on political and economic history. Other sub-topics in the course include, but are not limited to, Japan-in-the-world (international relations), gender issues, ethnic relations and the environment. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. Offered on occasion.
HI 319. Colloquium in Chinese History. 3 Credits.
This is a thematic, reading and writing intensive course, emphasizing historical research and analytical skills. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the development of ethnicity and ethnic visions of regional history in China, China's military history, frontier/border history, Ancient China and Greece, etc. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Offered alternate years.
HI 321. Reformation Europe. 3 Credits.
The years immediately following the 1517 publication of Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses saw a sudden and unprecedented upheaval in European society. This course will examine the social, political, and spiritual context of late medieval Europe, then consider the implications of the Reformation for politics, gender and the modern world. Original sources in translation will form the basis for discussion, supplemented by lecture and secondary materials. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. Offered alternate years.
HI 322. Colloquium in Early Modern European History. 3 Credits.
A reading and writing intensive course covering a specialized topic within the history of Early Modern Europe. Topics could include the Thirty Years War, Crime and Deviance, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, or Persecution and Tolerance. Designed for history majors in their junior or senior years. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
HI 326. Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. 3 Credits.
This course examines the political, military, cultural and social history of Germany during the period of Nazi rule, 1933-1945. Special attention is given to the sources of support for Nazism, the structure of the National Socialist state, the role of Adolf Hitler, and the Holocaust. Offered alternate years.
HI 329. Modern Russian History, 1917 to the Present. 3 Credits.
This course examines the political, military, and social history of Russia and the Soviet Union from the birth of the Soviet state through the present day. The foundations of the Soviet state - ideological, industrial, and soical - proved too shaky to support the needs and expectations of a modern society. From Nicholas II to Lenin, Stalin to Yeltsin, this course examines the unique and dynamic leadership of Russia, as well as the lives of ordinary people in this fascinating culture. Offered alternate years.
HI 331. The Colonial Period of American History. 3 Credits.
A study of the settlement and development of the British colonies from their origins to 1763. Offered alternate years.
HI 332. The American Revolution. 3 Credits.
A study of the separation of the 13 British colonies from the mother country and establishment of the United States as an independent nation in the period 1763-1789. Offered alternate years.
HI 333. Colloquium in Early American History. 3 Credits.
An intensive reading, research and writing course focusing on selected topics relating to early American history. The chronological range of possible topics extends from the Age of Discovery in the sixteenth century through the American Revolution and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
HI 334. The Citizen-Soldier in American History. 3 Credits.
An examination of the evolution of American military policy from the colonial era through the Vietnamese War, giving special attention to the perennial conflict between the advocates of a professional army and the proponents of a civilian soldiery. Offered alternate years.
HI 335. Colloquium in 10th Century United States History. 3 Credits.
A reading and writing intensive course, emphasizing historical research and analytical skills. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the rise of political parties in the United States, the Gilded Age, etc. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
HI 338. U.S. Diplomatic History, 1776-1914. 3 Credits.
A study of the foreign relations and foreign policies of the United States from the American Revolution up to the First World War. Topics include territorial expansion, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the expansion of American trade, and the Spanish-American War. Offered alternate years.
HI 339. U.S. Diplomatic History, 1914-present. 3 Credits.
A study of the foreign relations and foreign policy of the United States from the First World War to the present. Topics include the two World Wars, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and post-cold war policy. Offered alternate years.
HI 340. Colloquium in Twentieth Century United States History. 3 Credits.
A reading and writing intensive course, emphasizing historical research and analytical skills. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, World War I, the Great Depression, the 1960's, and the Rise of the Modern Conservative Movement. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
HI 341. U.S. Civil War Era, 1848-1877. 3 Credits.
This course examines the causes of the American Civil War, the course of the conflict, and the subsequent period of reconstruction through 1877. Offered alternate years. 3 lecture hours.
HI 345. Colloquium in the History of the Middle East & Northeast Africa. 3 Credits.
This colloquium topic deals with the history of the Ottoman Empire, one of the most significant and longest lasting empires in world history. It rose from the remnants of the Byzantine Empire to be the most powerful “state” in the world during the 15th and 16th Centuries. Even in its decline, the Ottoman Empire played a key role in European and global politics. Its disintegration during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries would have a lasting impact on subsequent events throughout Middle East and Eastern Europe. Special emphasis will be placed upon the evolution of its political, military, and economic institutions, as well as its successful integration of numerous and disparate ethic and religious groups. 3 lecture hours.
HI 355. Colloquium in Modern Military History. 3 Credits.
A reading and writing intensive course, emphasizing historical research and analytical skills. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the First World War, the Second World War, the military history of Russia, etc. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
HI 360. Topics in U.S. History. 3 Credits.
Topics vary. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission.
HI 361. Topics in Modern European History. 3 Credits.
Topics vary. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission.
HI 362. Topics in Pre Modern History. 3 Credits.
Topics vary. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission.
HI 363. Topics in Non-Western History. 3 Credits.
Topics vary. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission.
HI 371. Nation-Building. 3 Credits.
This course provides an exposure to the challenges of crating or re-creating nations after a period of crisis and upheaval. Whether following wars, grants of independence from foreign rule, or human rights atrocities, countries must undertake political, economic, and social reforms to construct stable, popularly accepted, and economically viable polities. How have nations tried to accomplish this complex task in the past hundred years? Historical case studies may be drawn from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission. Offered alternate years.
HI 372. Military History of the United States I, 1775-1902. 3 Credits.
This course will trace the evolution of American military power from the early days of frontier and revolutionary conflict to an era of American imperial ambition at the end of the nineteenth century. Particular attention will be given to strategic challenges of protecting/expanding the American state, the tactical innovations and failures of nineteenth century warfare, and the formulation of the civil-military relationship in American politics and society. Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission.
HI 373. Military History of the United States II, 1902-Present. 3 Credits.
This course will explore the evolution of the American military from its days as a small frontier force at the turn of the twentieth century to its present status as a multi-tasking, global power. Specifically, this course will examine the struggle of American political and military leaders to work together in developing strategies and tactics capable of tackling the complex challenges of modern warfare. . Prerequisite: C or better in one 200 level history course or instructor permission.
HI 400. Independent Study. 3 Credits.
An opportunity for qualified upperclass students to engage in an intensive reading or research program in fields of interest not satisfactorily covered by regular course offerings. Periodic conferences will be required. Prerequisites: written consent of the instructor to a specific project presented by the applicant. Offered as occasion demands.
HI 405. History Internship. 3-12 Credit.
Supervised experience at a museum, archives, historical society, or restoration project involving research or field work. Direct participation in such activities as the editing of manuscripts, the interpretation of artifacts, or the preservation of historic structures. Prerequisite: permission of department chair. Normally open only to seniors. Offered as occasion demands.
HI 430. Capstone Seminar in United States History. 3 Credits.
A semester course for advanced students, primarily for senior History or Studies in War & Peace majors. Topics vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: Completion of one history colloquium with a grade of C or higher and permission of the instructor.
HI 431. Capstone Seminar in Modern European History. 3 Credits.
A semester course for advanced students, primarily for senior History or Studies in War & Peace majors. Topics vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: Completion of one history colloquium with a grade of C or higher and permission of the instructor.
HI 432. Capstone Seminar in Pre-Modern History. 3 Credits.
A semester course for advanced students, primarily for senior History or Studies in War & Peace majors. Topics vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: Completion of one history colloquium with a grade of C or higher and permission of the instructor.
HI 433. Seminar in Non-Western History. 3 Credits.
HI 490. Honors in History I. 3,6 Credits.
First semester of a two semester sequence honors thesis project. The first semester is devoted primarily to research. Not repeatable for credit. Does not fulfill distribution requirement for major.
HI 491. Honors in History II. 3,6 Credits.
Second semester of a two semester sequence. The second semester is devoted to writing and defending the honors thesis. Not repeatable for credit. Does not fulfill distribution requirement for major. Prerequisite: A grade of "B" or higher in HI 490 and permission of the program director and department chair. 3 lecture hours.
Political Science Courses
PO 105. American Politics. 3 Credits.
A study of the theoretical, institutional, and behavioral elements of the U.S. political system. Offered both semesters. Open freshman only, except by permission of department chair or unless a major requirement for another program or major.
PO 106. Introduction to Public Policy and Administration. 3 Credits.
An introductory examinatin of theoretical and practical approaches to policymaking and administration, the essential steps in the proces, and the roles of key actors at all levels. This course prepares students for more in-depth study of all other facets of the political realm. 3 lecture hours. Open freshman only, except by permission of department chair or unless a major requirement for another program or major.
PO 202. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.
An introductory course that acquaints students with the comparative study of politics. The course will compare executive and legislative relationships, electoral systems, ideologies, and political parties. Various countries from around the world will be used to illustrate the application and consequences of different institutions and ideas. Not open to freshman without instructor¿s permission.
PO 215. International Relations. 3 Credits.
An inquiry in assumptions, theories, and dogmas of the modern state system. Examination and evaluation of such topics as realist theory; conflict resolution; game theory; decision-making theory; and ecopolitics. Not open to freshman without instructor¿s permission.
PO 220. Research Methods. 3 Credits.
An introduction to the methods of political analysis, standard nomenclature, and basic research methods relied upon in the study of politics. Emphasis is placed on quantitative methods and ethical issues in conducting research. Not open to freshman without instructor¿s permission.
PO 300. Special Topics in Politics. 3 Credits.
Select topics offered on occasion. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 301. Special Topics in International Relations. 3 Credits.
Select topics in the area of international Relations offered on occasion. Topics courses may be repeated for credit as long as a different topic is offered. 3 lecture hours. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 303. Political Philosophy. 3 Credits.
After introducing the political philosophies of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, this course explores the ideas of major Western thinkers from the Renaissance through the Industrial Revolution. The course not only examines each philosopher's understandings of power, justice, equality and freedom, but also contemporary applications and implications of these ideas. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 305. Geopolitics. 3 Credits.
Geopolitics will give students an increased appreciation of the influence of geography on political decision-making. This course will help students "visualize" world politics and understand how geography affects both national and transnational political behaviors. Students will learn to think and write critically about such issues and forces as globalization, development, and conflict. Students will develop an understanding of how interests and perceptions are shaped by geography. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 310. European Politics. 3 Credits.
A study of the political systems, cultures, and issues of selected countries from western, northern and southern Europe as well as Russia and the European Union. This course will also consider the relationship between domestic and foreign policies and the relationship between the United States and Europe. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 312. The Presidency. 3 Credits.
A study of the presidential office and its relationship with the major American political institutions. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 313. Political Parties and Interest Groups. 3 Credits.
A study of political parties and interest groups as they influence the decision making process, the formulation of government policy, and the selection of official personnel. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 314. The Legislative Process. 3 Credits.
A study of the national and state legislatures in the United States through a combination of lectures, readings, contact with legislators, and actual investigations on the state legislative scene itself. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 315. Public Opinion and Political Behavior. 3 Credits.
A study of the development of political attitudes and the formation of public opinion; the influence of public opinion on governmental policy through its relationship to political participation representation and leadership. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 320. Topics in Area Studies. 3 Credits.
Selected topics in area studies will be offered on occasion. This course will be used to cover subjects not included in the regular offerings in comparative politics. Topics may include the politics of a particular country or region such as Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, or the Middle East. A topics course may also be offered on a particular issue area such as foreign and defense policy, healthcare policy, welfare policy, or environmental policy. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 321. U.S. Constitutional Law. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the evolution and structure of the American constitutional system, focusing on the federal relationship, the separation of powers, and judicial review, relying primarily upon the case method of analysis. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 324. Civil Liberties. 3 Credits.
An examination of the relationship of individuals to government, relying primarily upon the case method of study, with specific consideration of problems of equal protection, due process, privacy, and freedoms of speech and religion. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 330. American Citizenship. 3 Credits.
Using the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as a foundation, this course examines what it means to be a citizen of the United States. The course addresses such questions as: What are citizens entitled to and what do they owe the state and each other? Is there an obligation to obey political authority? Is there ever an obligation to disobey authority? An important consideration is the role of the military in American political life and in particular, the relationship between the military ethic and republican values. Offered alternate years.
PO 331. State and Local Politics. 3 Credits.
The primary objective of this course is to gain an understanding of the role of the state and local political institutions within the context of American federalism. Emphasis is placed on procedural and policy differences as well as political issues in state, regional, and local governments. 3 lecture hours. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 333. American Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.
Through studies of the three "levels of analysis" personal political psychology, bureaucratic politics, and international relations-this course examines the processes of American foreign policy formulation and execution; it explores the objectives, methods, and consequences of major U.S. foreign and military policies. If practicable, students will take part in role-playing simulations. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 340. Revolution and Forces of Change. 3 Credits.
A critical analysis of several revolutions that will examine causes, outcomes, and accepted explanations in an attempt to discern generalities applicable to all revolutions. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 348. Asian Politics. 3 Credits.
A study of the political systems, cultures, and issues of the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, North and South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and India. This course will pay particular attention to the relationship between the West and Asia, the processes of "modernization," and the role of Asia in contemporary international relations. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 400. Independent Study. 3 Credits.
An opportunity for qualified upperclass students to engage in an intensive reading or research program in fields of interest not satisfactorily covered by regular course offerings. Periodic conferences will be required. Prerequisite: written consent of the instructor to a specific project presented by the applicant. Offered as occasion demands. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 403. Internship. 3-15 Credit.
Direct participation in the practical workings of state, municipal, and Federal government. Ordinarily open only to seniors. Offered on availability to internships. Credits to be determined by instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Not open to freshmen. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 405. International Organizations. 3 Credits.
This course focuses on the increasingly influential and varied roles international organizations play in the world today from peace and security to international development, human rights, and environmental protection. It traces the evolution of the thinking behind, and efforts to establish international organizations, and analyzes not only their promise and challenges, but also their successes and failures to date. Although particular attention is paid to the United Nations and its many affiliated bodies, regional organizations (e.g. European Union, Organization of American States, African Union, NATO), international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multi-national corporations are also assessed. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 410. Capstone Seminar in Political Science. 3 Credits.
A research and writing course designed to introduce students to graduate standards of original research and critical writing in political science. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 412. War and Peace. 3 Credits.
An inquiry into the ostensible causes of war-- biological, economic, psychological, strategic, and theological; and an examination of the purported causes of war -- personal probity, military counterpoise, political utopia, and world government. Preparation of a substantial paper is required. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 415. International Law. 3 Credits.
This course examines the development of international law, and assesses its effectiveness in governing the relations among nation-states. The course examines early as well as more recent efforts to build a body of such law. It compares international law with domestic law, and explores the principal sources of international law. The course uses cases to analyze the development of international law in areas such as extraterritorial jurisdiction, the range of sovereignty, diplomatic relations, the treaty system, arbitration and adjudication, the use of force, human rights, the environment, and economic relations. Offered alternate years. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 490. Honors in Political Science. 3 Credits.
A substantial, sequential, research and writing project. See description of department honors program. Offered as occasion demands. Students must take this course for two successive semesters. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.
PO 491. Honors in Political Science. 3 Credits.
The second semester of honors in political science. Devoted to writing and defending the honors thesis. 3 lecture hours. Open to upperclassmen, otherwise by permission of the instructor.