Purpose Statement

The Department of History and Politics majors are designed to develop student scholarship in the study of history and political science, to nurture historical and political awareness, and to enhance critical and analytical skills. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers where strong research, organization, and writing skills are needed, as well as for graduate and professional programs in history, political science, and law. The program also prepares graduates for careers in secondary education with a specialization in social studies. Majors at McPherson have the advantage of the college’s central Kansas location, with research access to local, state, and federal libraries and archives. The department serves this purpose for students at McPherson College by

• providing wide access to available formal courses in the disciplines of history and politics;
• offering opportunities for independent research and reading in the relevant fields;
• encouraging students to study further in related graduate and professional programs;
• supporting and encouraging students with interests in careers related to the disciplines to pursue such careers;
• meeting State Department of Education standards for certification in the area of social studies (applies to candidates for teacher certification only)

Course Content

General Education – “History: Students will demonstrate scholarship in the study of history, historical and political awareness; and critical and analytic skills in at least one area of world civilization.” — College Catalog. Courses fulfilling the history general education requirement are either 100 – or 200 – level classes. They are designed to emphasize how historic events shape people’s lives, as well as how historic events are interpreted in different ways.

100 level – No prior college experience required, no prior history coursework required. Designed to provide the most direct supervision of students. Includes emphasis on introductory terms and concepts. Student work emphasizes recall and use of material delivered in the course and completion of more directly prescribed assignments.

200 level – Suitable for students with no prior history coursework, students should have prior college experience. Students develop skill locating, interpreting and applying resources beyond those specifically provided by the instructor. Increased emphasis on both written and oral presentation consistent with the standards of the discipline. Higher expectations for engagement of students in classroom. Students expected to apply course content to subject areas beyond those directly delivered in the course.

300 level – Designed for students at the sophomore level or higher with previous college history coursework. Students develop skill in independently locating, interpreting and applying resources. Increased emphasis on both written and oral presentation consistent with the standards of the discipline, including a minimum 10 page written research paper and formal oral presentation. High expectations for engagement of students in classroom.

400 level – Intended for advanced students conducting largely independent research and project development. Students will locate resources, conduct research and implement curriculum of their own design, with faculty consultation and supervision.

Program Options

Option I

Bachelor of Arts in History

Goals: To prepare graduates for careers and post graduate education in history, museum studies, law, archival work, and related fields.

Objectives:

• Students should be able to demonstrate field specific methodology in written and oral course work.
• Students should be able to discuss major problems in history drawing upon substantive knowledge in a field.
• Students should be able to analyze and critique theoretical frameworks for understanding historical continuity and change in human communities.
• Students should be able to assess and utilize materials in the media and popular culture as historians in the course of their daily lives.

Requirements: A minimum of 42 credit hours as described below.

I. Core Courses:

G-SO 101  Introduction to Sociology
G-HI 101  Historical Introduction to Politics
G-HI 130  Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis
EC 201  Elementary Economics: Macro
Or EC 202  Survey of Economics
HI 410  Historiography
*HI 475  Senior Thesis

II. Foundations: Complete 6 hours from the following list:

G-HI 110  World Civilization to 1500
G-HI 120  World Civilization since 1500
G-HI 140  American History to 1877
G-HI 150  American History since 1877

III. Complete the following required supporting courses:

G-ML 108  Level I Spanish
And G-ML 109  Level II Spanish
OR
Two semesters in an equivalent foreign language program

Complete 6 hours in each of the following subfields for a total of 18 hours. At least 6 of these hours must be at the 300 level.

Social History:

G-PR 202  History of Christianity
G-HI 236 Topics in Social History
*PE 380  History & Philosophy of Sports and Physical Education
*G-HI 333  Technology and Society
G-HI 261  Kansas History

Political History:

G-HI 101  Historical Introduction to Politics
G-HI 220  Modern Europe
G-HI 237  Topics in Political History
HI 301  Advanced Historical Topics
HI/PS 356  American Diplomacy

Cultural History:

HI 205  Social and Cultural History of the Automobile
*G-MA 290  History of Mathematics
*G-PA 385  Performing Arts History and Literature I
*G-PA 390  Performing Arts History and Literature II
*G-AR 310  Art History I
*G-AR 311  Art History II

 

Option II

Bachelor of Arts in History for Teaching Licensure (6-12)

Goals: To prepare graduates for careers in teaching social studies in grades 6-12.

Required curriculum: History and Government 6-12

Endorsement Number: History & Government 71599

Requirements: A minimum of 9 hours in U.S. History; 9 hours in World History; 9 hours in Political Science; plus 15 hours of supporting course work for a total of 42 hours. In addition, the candidate for teaching licensure must complete the Teacher Education Professional Education Requirements.

I. Complete the following courses in U.S. History:

G-HI 140  American History to 1877
G-HI 150  American History since 1877
HI 361  Kansas History

II. Complete the following courses in World History:

G-HI 110  World Civilization to 1500
G-HI 120  World Civilization since 1500
G-HI 101  Historical Introduction to Politics

III. Complete the following courses in Government:

G-PS 102  United States Government
G-PS 130 Principles of Geography
PS 356  American Diplomacy

All history majors seeking Social Studies certification:

G-SO 101  Introduction to Sociology
G-HI 130  Introductory Methods for Historical
EC 201  Elementary Economics-Macro
Or EC 202  Survey of Economics
HI 410  Historiography
HI/PS 475  Senior Thesis

Other courses required by Curriculum and Instruction Department for licensure.

 

Option III

Bachelors of Science in Politics and History

Goals: To prepare graduates for careers and post graduate education in politics, government, law, library science and related fields.

Objectives:
Students should be able to demonstrate field specific methodology in written and oral course work.
Students should be able to discuss major problems in history drawing upon substantive knowledge in a field.
Students should be able to analyze current political problems and issues. Students should be able to assess and utilize materials in the media and popular culture as historians in the course of their daily lives.

Requirements: A minimum of 42 hours in history and political science.

I. Required Courses:

G-HI 101  Historical Introduction to Politics
G-PS 102  United States Government
G-HI 130  Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis
G-PS 130  Principles of Geography
G-HI 120  World Civilization since 1500
G-HI 150  American History since 1877
G-SO 101  Introduction to Sociology
G-PS 125  International Relations and Globalization
Or *G-PS 215  Global Peace Studies
EC 201  Elementary Economics: Macro
Or EC 202  Survey of Economics
G-MA 221  Elementary Applied Statistics
PS 356  American Diplomacy
+ One additional History or Politics course at the 300 level or above
HI 410  Historiography
*HI 475  Senior Thesis

 

Option IV

History Minor

A minor in history consists of 18 hours of history courses chosen from the list of courses in the history major and must include courses in both world and American history. At least two courses counting toward the history minor must be for upper level credit.

G-HI 101 Historical Introduction to Politics

3 hours
An introduction to the history of political ideas, and the ways in which politics and government have changed, yet in many ways stayed the same, from ancient Greece to the present. Topics include the questions of the limits of government power, when to disobey the law, conflict between church and state, political intervention in the economy, and how we balance our security needs with our desire to be free. (Fall)

G-HI 110 World Civilization to 1500

3 hours
An introductory survey of the history of world civilizations. The course starts in the beginning with the earliest agricultural communities in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China, examines the rise of the world’s great civilizations, and concludes with the European Middle Ages. (Fall)

G-HI 120 World Civilization since 1500

3 hours
An introductory survey of the history of world civilizations. The course starts with the European Age of Exploration and continues through to the present day. Special emphasis is given to the rise and dominance of the West in world history. (Spring)

G-HI 130 Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis

3 hours
An introduction to the study of history, designed for general education for non- majors and as a core course for majors. Students will acquire an understanding of the important people, events, and concepts that shape history through the use of critical thinking and analytical skills. By approaching history as a historian, students will examine historical scholarship, primary source materials and the methods used by historians to understand the past. While specific topics will vary from year to year, sample topics include Medieval Military History and the Crusades. (Interterm)

G-HI 140 American History to 1877

3 hours
An introductory survey of selected topics in the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian period to the end of Reconstruction in 1877. (Fall)

G-HI 150 American History since 1877

3 hours
An introductory survey of selected topics in the history of the United States from the period of Reconstruction to the present day. (Spring)

HI 205 Social and Cultural History of the Automobile

3 hours
A study of the global development of the automobile from its precursors to concept cars of the future. Extra emphasis is given to the American automobile and its importance in American life, including attention to both the technical and corporate aspects of the topic as well as the automobile’s role in society and culture. (Spring, Monday evenings)

G-HI 210 International Travel Study in History

3 hours
An opportunity to travel abroad while studying a topic in world history at historical locations. Students gain a deeper, more personal experience of history, beyond the possibilities of pure classroom content. The specific content and travel location will change from year to year. This course fulfills the General Education Foundation requirement for a Global / Intercultural Experience and may be repeated. Contact the instructor for more information. (Occasional Interterms, odd years)

G-HI 220 Modern Europe

3 hours
A study of the modern historical forces and events that have culminated in the creation of Europe. This course explores topics including World War I and its disastrous peace settlement, the mass destruction and atrocities of World War II, and the political, cultural, and economic processes that created the European Union of the twenty-first century. (Fall, even years)

G-HI 236 Topics in Social History

3 hours
An examination of a select time, subject, or related episodes in history. This course explores the chosen topic through the lens of social history; one of the single most important developments in the late 20th century expansion of historical methods. While specific topics will vary from year to year, sample topics include Historical Epidemics and the European Witch Trials. (Fall)

G-HI 237 Topics in Political History

3 hours
An examination of a select time, subject, or related episodes in history. This course emphasizes the methods of political history, one of the oldest and most respected fields among historians. While specific topics will vary from year to year, sample topics include Fascism, The Russian Revolution, and The English Civil War. (Fall, odd years)

G-HI 261 Kansas History

3 hours
A study of the history Kansas, from the earliest Indian settlements through the political history of the modern state. The course examines the contributions Kansans have made to the total stream of American development. Designed with special relevance for public school teachers. (Spring, even years).

HI 301 Advanced Historical Topics

3 hours
An advanced study of a select time, subject, or critical period in history. This course explores the chosen topic through the lens of political history, one of the most important historical methods. While specific topics will vary from year to year, sample topics include Modern Africa, Medieval Europe, and Early modern Europe. (Spring)

G-HI 333 Technology and Society

3 hours (Language Intensive)
An advanced study of the historical development of technology as part of society and culture, exploring the ways which society and culture constrain and stimulate technologies, and the ways in which technology then shapes society and culture. Does not require previous specialized technical knowledge. This course is designed for both majors and non-majors. Prerequisite: G-EN111 or consent of the instructor. (Fall.)

HI 356 American Diplomacy

3 hours
A survey of the diplomatic relations of the United States, focusing on the events since 1900. The first half of this course focuses on a historical approach, providing an understanding of American actions in the world and their consequences. The second half of the course focuses on the processes and decision makers that create United States Foreign Policy. Substantive topics include the role of the US as the “world’s policemen”, and the nature of the US response to problems such as global terrorism, hunger, human rights, economic cooperation, and climate change. (Spring, even years)

HI 410 Historiography

3 hours
An advanced study designed to train students in historical research methodology and historiography. . The seminar is designed to allow students the opportunity to become familiar with the practices and techniques of professional historians and researchers. Prerequisite: Open to history majors and minors or with permission of instructor. (Fall, even years)

HI 475 Senior Thesis

3 hours (Language Intensive)
A capstone experience in historical research, analysis, and writing. The seminar offers students experience in seeking out and evaluating both primary and secondary sources of historical information Graduation requirement of all history majors. Prerequisite: Successful completion of HI 410 and permission of instructor. All students intending to take HI 475 must have a formal meeting with their thesis advisor in the previous semester. (Fall, Spring)

Individualized Courses Available

295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (1-12 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)

Political Science Course Descriptions

G-PS 101 Historical Introduction to Politics

3 hours
An introduction to the history of western civilization and political ideas. This course explores politics and government from ancient Greece to the present. Topics include the questions of the limits of government power, when to disobey the law, conflict between church and state, political intervention in the economy, and how we balance our security needs with our desire to be free. (Fall)

G-PS 102 United States Government

3 hours
A critical study of systems and structure of government and politics in the United States. This course explores key issues in American politics such as the debate over gun control and the right to bear arms, prayer in public schools, abortion, and gay rights, by examining the actors and outcomes in the political process. For example, how do interest groups, mass media, and political parties shape U.S. politics? How does congress, the president, and the Supreme Court act, or fail to act, to meet the needs of society? (Fall, even years)

G-PS 125 International Relations and Globalization

3 hours
An introduction to the study of international politics focusing on understanding current problems. Central topics include understanding how nations use both military action and cooperative agreements to provide for their security and well-being: how the global trade and financial system has become an engine for wealth; understanding the gap that has grown between the rich and the poor; and the challenge posed to humanity by the environmental degradation of the earth. (Interterm, even years)

G-PS 130 Principles of Geography

3 hours
Location, Location, Location! This course explores the physical, social, historical, and cultural landscapes of the earth from a geographic perspective, to demonstrate how location in space fundamentally shapes how the diverse peoples of the world live. Required for students seeking certification as secondary teachers in Social Studies. (Fall, odd years)

G-PS 215 Global Peace Studies

3 hours (Language Intensive)
An analysis of the problem of international conflict. This course studies the economic, political, and ideological causes of international violence, and the mechanisms used to mediate and resolve modern conflicts. Prerequisite: G-EN 110 and G-EN 111 or recommendation of the instructor. (Spring, odd years)

PS 356 American Diplomacy

3 hours
A survey of the diplomatic relations of the United States, focusing on the events since 1900. The first half of this course focuses on a historical approach, providing an understanding of American actions in the world and their consequences. The second half of the course focuses on the processes and decision makers that create United States Foreign Policy. Substantive topics include the role of the US as the “world’s policemen”, and the nature of the US response to problems such as global terrorism, hunger, human rights, economic cooperation, and climate change. (Spring, even years)

PS 475 Senior Thesis

3 hours (Language Intensive)
A capstone experience in reading, research, and writing. The seminar offers students experience in seeking out and evaluating both primary and secondary sources of political information. The seminar is designed to allow students the opportunity to become familiar with the practices and techniques of professional political scientists. Prerequisite: Successful completion of HI 375, HI 410, and permission of instructor. Students intending to take PS 475 must have a formal meeting with their thesis advisor in the previous semester. (Fall, Spring)

Individualized Courses Available

295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (1-12 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)