HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE Dr. Rogers, chair; Dr. Dirck, Dr. Frank (pre-law advisor), Dr. Murphy, Dr. Sutton, Dr. Varner; Prof. Cassell, Prof. Dowd
HISTORY The traditional model of education in history has been to prepare history majors for possible graduate-level work and offering history and education majors the necessary comprehensive understanding of history subjects to pursue careers in education. Such is the model for both lower- and upper-level coursework in history, not only at Anderson University but nearly all liberal arts universities. This is as it should be, and we certainly do not neglect these goals. However, the history faculty of Anderson University believe it critical for students to think holistically and deliberately integrate into our traditional historical fare broader theoretical issues and life skills — particularly communication and critical-thinking skills — that students will find useful and marketable. Accordingly, our course offerings pursue three primary goals: • Historical content and critical-thinking skills: The traditional matter of a history course focuses on major events, themes, people, etc. Students will continue to receive a strong and comprehensive education in the bread-and-butter topics that have always defined the history discipline. • Theoretical content and critical-thinking skills: Particularly in upper-division history courses, the broader themes and issues which are rooted in historical events and issues also focus to speak directly to present as well as past concerns, such as the promise and problems of democracy, the nature of community, global affairs, and the various challenges related to writing and understanding biography. • Writing and communication skills: Upper-level history courses in particular place an emphasis on developing the student’s communication skills but with different variations for each course, such as traditional term papers; a series of brief, shorter papers culminating in a larger project; personal interviews; ethical and professional use of electronic communications such as Twitter; archival research; and/or writing projects pursued in coordination with experiential and technology-driven components. The history degree prepares students for graduate and law school; careers in public service, museums, archives, and nonprofit associations; education; and many other diverse fields.
HISTORY MAJOR (36 hrs.) Foundational Courses (18 hrs.) • One from HIST 2030, 2040 • One from HIST 2110, 2120 • HIST 2000, 2300, 2350, 4800 (2 hours), 4930 (1 hr.) American History Courses (6 hrs.) • Two from HIST 3420, 3425, 3440, 3451, 3452, 3470, 3510, 3520, 3540, 3560, 4030 European History Courses (6 hrs.) • Two from HIST 3100, 3135, 3150, 3190, 3220, 3280 World History Courses (6 hrs.) • Two from HIST 3240, 3250, 3260, 3300, 3360, 3370
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Anderson University Undergraduate Catalog, 2022-23
