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 should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the historical method.” — 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.

Methodology Core Courses

All of the Majors in the department share a three-course methodology sequence.

G-HI130 Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis (see course descriptions following this section) – This course introduces the core questions, resources, and methods of  inquiry used by historians. This 100 level course should be taken as soon as possible; ideally during the first year of study at McPherson.  Students transferring to McPherson should take care that they schedule this course as early as possible. Successful completion of G-HI130 is a prerequisite for enrollment in the second methodology core course, G-HI410

G-HI410 Historiography (see course descriptions following this section) – In this course students will further  develop research techniques and prepare a historiography – a survey of how historians have approached a specific historical question. Successful completion of HI410 is a prerequisite for enrolling in HI 475 or PS 475 Senior Thesis.

HI 475 or PS 475 Senior Thesis (see course descriptions following this section) – In this capstone course students will apply the lessons of earlier content and methods courses. Working with one-on-one supervision the student will prepare their own original research project.

 

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.

Core Courses (18 hours)

G-SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
G-HI 101 Historical Introduction to Politics (3 hours)
G-HI 130 Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis (3 hours)
EC 202 Survey of Economics (3 hours) or EC 201 Elementary Economics: Macro (3 hours)
HI 410  Historiography (3 hours)
*HI 475  Senior Thesis (3 hours)

Foundations (6 hours – pick two classes)

G-HI 110 World Civilization to 1500 (3 hours)
G-HI 120 World Civilization since 1500 (3 hours)
G-HI 140 American History to 1877 (3 hours)
G-HI 150 American History since 1877 (3 hours)

Required supporting courses (6 hours)

G-ML 108  Level I Spanish (3 hours)
G-ML 109  Level II Spanish (3 hours)
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 (6 hours)

G-HI 205 Social History of the Automobile (3 hours)
G-HI 236 Topics in Social History (3 hours)
*G-HI 333 Technology and Society (3 hours)
G-HI 261 Kansas History (3 hours)

Political History (6 hours)

G-HI 220 Modern Europe (3 hours)
G-HI 237 Topics in Political History (3 hours)
HI 301 Advanced Historical Topics (3 hours)
HI/PS 356 American Diplomacy (3 hours)

Cross-disciplinary History (6 hours)

G-PR 101 God and People in Ancient Israel: Hebrew Bible Foundations (3 hours)
G-PR 202 Christian Traditions (3 hours)
HI 245 History of Automotive Design (3 hours)
*G-MA 290 History of Mathematics (3 hours)
G-PR 306 World Religions (3 hours)
*G-AR 310 Art History I (4 hours)
*G-AR 311 Art History II (4 hours)
G-MU 355 Music History and Literature I (3 hours)
G-MU 360 Music History and Literature II (3 hours)
G-TH 385 Theatre History and Dramatic Literature (3 hours)

Total: 48 hours

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.

U.S. History Courses (9 hours)

G-HI 140 American History to 1877 (3 hours)
G-HI 150 American History since 1877 (3 hours)
G-HI 261 Kansas History (3 hours)

World History Courses (9 hours)

G-HI 110 World Civilization to 1500 (3 hours)
G-HI 120 World Civilization since 1500 (3 hours)
G-HI 101 Historical Introduction to Politics (3 hours)

Government Courses (9 hours)

G-PS 102 United States Government (3 hours)
G-PS 130 Principles of Geography (3 hours)
PS 356 American Diplomacy or *G-PS 215 Global Peace Studies

Social Studies Certification Requirements (15 hours)

G-SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
G-HI 130 Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis (3 hours)
EC 201 Elementary Economics-Macro (3 hours) or EC 202 Survey of Economics (3 hours)
HI 410 Historiography (3 hours)
*HI/PS 475 Senior Thesis (3 hours)

Other courses required by Curriculum and Instruction Department for licensure.

 

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.

G-HI 101 Historical Introduction to Politics (3 hours)
G-PS 102 United States Government (3 hours)
G-HI 130 Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis (3 hours)
G-PS 130 Principles of Geography (3 hours)
G-HI 120 World Civilization since 1500 (3 hours)
G-HI 150 American History since 1877 (3 hours)
G-SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
G-PS 125 International Relations and Globalization (3 hours) or *G-PS 215  Global Peace Studies (3 hours)
EC 201  Elementary Economics: Macro (3 hours) or EC 202  Survey of Economics (3 hours)
G-MA 221  Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
PS 356  American Diplomacy (3 hours)
+ One additional History or Politics course at the 300 level or above (3 hours)
HI 410  Historiography (3 hours)
*HI 475  Senior Thesis (3 hours)

Total: 43 hours

History Minor

A minor in history consists of 18 hours of history courses chosen from the list of courses in the history department with an ‘HI’ prefix; at least two courses counting toward the history minor must be for upper level (300 and above) 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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History or for Social Institutions. (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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for 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. G-HI 130 is a prerequisite for HI 410 and department majors should take this in their first year of study. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (Spring)

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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (Spring)

G-HI 205 Social 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 advent of assembly lines and mass production, the development of the American mass automobile industry and its impact on daily life: how we work, play, date, go to war, and relate to one another. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (Fall and Spring, Wednesday 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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for Global/Intercultural Experience.

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.  This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. (Fall, odd years)

HI 245/AR 245 The History of Automotive Design

3 hours
Discover and examine the technological and stylistic evolution of automotive design. This course will explore ways in which automobiles, by way of their design, reflect the technology and communicate the values of the culture that produced them. Prerequisites: None. (Fall)

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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History. Prerequisite: completion of G-EN 111 (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, odd years)

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-EN 111 or consent of the instructor. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for Global/Intercultural Experience. (Fall.)

HI 356 American Diplomacy

3 hours
A survey of the diplomatic relations of the United States, focusing on the events since 1900.  This course provides both a historical approach to interpreting American actions in the world and their consequences, as well as a political science approach to understanding the processes and decision makers that create United States Foreign Policy. Substantive topics include the role of the U.S. as the “world’s policemen” and the nature of the U.S. response to problems such as global terrorism, hunger, human rights, economic cooperation, and climate change. (Fall, odd 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: Junior or Senior status and completion of G-HI 130. Open to history majors and minors or with permission of instructor. (Fall, even years)

HI 475/PS 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: 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)

Special Course Options
295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
297  Study Abroad (12-16 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (3-10 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. Expect to discuss fascism, communism, libertarianism, and other modern ideologies. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for History or for Social Institutions. (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? This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for Social Institutions. (Spring, 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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for Global/Intercultural Experience. (Spring, odd 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. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for Global/Intercultural Experience. (Spring)

G-PS 215 Global Peace Studies

3 hours (Language Intensive)
An analysis of the problem of international conflict and international social problems. This course studies the economic, political, and ideological causes of international violence, and the mechanisms used to mediate and resolve modern conflicts. This course fulfills the general education distribution requirement for Global/Intercultural Experience. Prerequisite: G-EN 110 and G-EN 111 or recommendation of the instructor. (Spring, even years)

PS 356 American Diplomacy

3 hours
A survey of the diplomatic relations of the United States, focusing on the events since 1900.  This course provides a historical approach to interpreting American actions in the world and their consequences, as well as a political science approach to understanding the processes and decision makers that create United States Foreign Policy. Substantive topics include the role of the U.S. as the “world’s policemen” and the nature of the U.S. response to problems such as global terrorism, hunger, human rights, economic cooperation, and climate change. (Fall, odd years)

PS 475/HI 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: 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)

 

Special Course Options
295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
297  Study Abroad (12-16 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (3-10 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)