History and Political Science

About the Major

History and Political Science is an interdisciplinary, liberal arts major. The interdisciplinary emphasis deepens understanding of the nature and development of human institutions and behavior. In particular, students gain a historical perspective which is vital to a comprehensive understanding of contemporary social and political issues. Courses in the major also increase the student’s awareness of strategies available for dealing effectively with these issues.

The program emphasizes development of skills useful in various occupations as well as in graduate school. Course work stresses development of verbal and written communication skills and analytical thinking. Small class sizes allow faculty members to frequently use innovative teaching methods, including simulations and collaborative learning.

While breadth of knowledge in the major is emphasized, students also concentrate in an area of their choice. Concentrations are offered in these areas: History, International Relations, Political Science, and Thematic. A certificate for secondary teaching in Social Studies is also available.

Course Requirements

ECO 101: Introduction to Macroeconomics

Institutions and functioning of capitalism; national income and its determination; monetary and fiscal policy; international economics; and problems of growth and development. CC

or

ECO 102: Introduction to Microeconomics*

The mechanisms by which resources are allocated in a market system, and study of modifications to account for imperfections in the system. Topics include demand, production and cost, theories of business behavior and consumer behavior, market performance in the U.S. economy and comparative economic systems. CC

One of the following three

HIS 110: Ancient and Mediterranean World

History and culture of the ancient world as known from literature, art and thought of civilizations in the Near East, Greece, the Roman Empire and lands surrounding the Mediterranean. Geographical and chronological focus may vary. FWC

HIS 111: Medieval and Early Modern Europe

Social, cultural and political history of Western Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Enlightenment. FWC

HIS 112: Modern European History

Social, cultural, economic and political history of Western Europe from the background of the Old Regime and the French Revolution to present times. HWC

One of the following three:

HIS 124: American History to 1865

From the European expansion to the Civil War. Includes the colonizing experience; interaction and conflict of African, Native American and European cultures; development of colonial society, economy, government; and politics; the Revolution; and establishment of a republic, its growth in the 19th century and conflicts leading to the Civil War. HWC, CD

or

HIS 125: American History 1865-1945

Covers period from Reconstruction to World War II, including the rise of big business and organized labor, the immigrant experience, attempts at reform and the impact of the Great Depression and two world wars on American society. HWC

HIS 126: American History Since 1945

Major developments since World War II, including the Cold War; the civil rights, women’s and other movements; Watergate; the "Reagan Revolution"; the American Presidency; and the legacy of the "rights revolution" and cultural debates in recent decades. CC

or

HIS/PS 399: Senior Thesis

PS 120: American Government

Survey of United States national government, particularly Congress, Supreme Court and the presidency. Attention is also given to political parties, elections, interest groups and analysis of contemporary issues. CC

SOC 120: Introduction to Sociology*

A general introductory course to the discipline of sociology, intended mainly for students who wish to gain a broad overview of the field, its areas of study, methods of inquiry and conceptions and analysis of society. The central objective of the course is to encourage students to think sociologically. CC, CD

All majors are encouraged to take

HIS/PS 355: Internship

and

SOC 232: Qualitative Methods and Feminists Research

Introduces student to basic research procedures for collecting qualitative data in the social sciences. Students learn skills for participant observation and ethnography, interviewing, content analysis and procedures for qualitative data analysis. Considers the major theories on qualitative research with special attention to feminist approaches, research ethics and project design. Includes introducing students to computer-based qualitative analysis. Prerequisite: 120 and permission. WS, WI

In addition to the requirements above, one of the following concentrations will be completed: History, International Relations, or Political Science. See the "Concentrations" tab to view the requirements for these concentrations.

*Note: For the history concentration, the requirements in Economics (101 or 102) and Sociology (120) may be replaced with two humanities courses for those who seek a humanities-oriented major.

Student learning Objectives

Goal #1: Acquisition and comprehension of content knowledge

• >Students have a broad understanding of the significant developments in Western European and American History
• Students have knowledge of political institutions, processes, and theories and knowledge of fields in political science, including American government, political theory, and international studies

Goal #2:  Attainment of skills: written communication, oral communication, research, critical thinking and analysis

• Students are able to write with clarity and precision in various forms and in a manner which reflects acquired knowledge
• Students are able to speak effectively in a discussion group and present their work to audiences, using technological innovation where appropriate
• Students are able to effectively utilize a variety of sources – primary and secondary—and show mastery of research techniques
• Utilizing these skills, students will be able to formulate and defend a thesis, consider conflicting evidence and interpretations, critically examine sources, analyze change over time, and apply evidence

Goal #3:  Obtain an awareness of and appreciation for diversity

• Students gain a knowledge of and appreciation for issues related to race, class, gender and ethnicity in historical and political context
• Students will learn from others who are different than themselves, thereby engaging in a robust exchange of ideas that works to broaden their perspectives, promote thinking skills, enhance leadership and personal skills, and promote democratic values

Career Opportunities

History and Political Science is an excellent introduction to the study of law. Virtually all Wilson alumnae who have applied to law schools have been accepted. Career choices include: politics or government service, social service, publishing, librarianship, teaching, museum work, journalism, business, or criminal justice. Some careers require graduate study. Wilson has an excellent record in graduate school placements. Students are assisted in planning their academic programs to meet the needs of advanced degree programs.

Concentration

Five courses in history, two of which must be at the 300 level, and two additional courses in political science. Students fulfilling a humanities focus in the history concentration may substitute two courses in classics, art history, music history, literature, philosophy, or religion studies for Sociology 120 and Economics 101 or 102 (see Course Requirements tab).

Concentration in International Relations

Seven of the following, with two at the 300 level:

ECO 315: Comparative Economic and Political Systems

Study of major international economic and political systems and the role each plays in influencing global economics and politics. Prerequisite: 101 or 102, or PS 110 or 120. NWC

ECO 362: Problems of Developing Countries

A seminar in the economic, political, social and educational problems of developing nations. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. NWC

HIS 112: Modern European History

Social, cultural, economic and political history of Western Europe from the background of the Old Regime and the French Revolution to present times. HWC

HIS 213: Europe in the Nineteenth Century

Institutions and values from 115 to 1914, with emphasis on the development of liberalism, nationalism and international relations. Prerequisite: 112.

HIS 214: Europe in the Contemporary World

Problems and policies from 1900 to the present, with emphasis on the collapse of the 19th-century international system and the effects of the rise of the United States and Russia as superpowers. Prerequisite: 112.

HIS 270, 370: Topics in History

Courses offered periodically to enhance the curriculum with subjects of special interest. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

PS 203: International Relations

The forces influencing relations of nations. Agencies, organizations, procedures devised to carry on such relations. Prerequisite: 110. NWC

PS 215: Congress and the Presidency

The role of Congress and the president in the policy-making process. Relationships with such external publics as constituents, the bureaucracy, interest groups, media and staff. The extent and limits of each institution’s powers. Case studies involving foreign or domestic policies. Prerequisites: 110 or 120. CC

PS 216: Public Policy

The methods and substance of public policy analysis. Where possible, the policy focus will be interdisciplinary. Possible topics include environmental policy, human reproductive technology and public policy, economic policy and criminal justice policy. Resources in surrounding areas used as appropriate. CC, ETH

PS 221, 321: Women in Global Perspective

The political, economic and social position of women on a cross-national basis. Race, class and cultural barriers to the advancement of women. Topics include women in politics, women in business and economics, and various policies affecting women. WS, NWC

PS 225: Politics in Comparative Perspective

United States political systems examined in relation to other political systems: modern and transitional, eastern and western, democratic and non-democratic. Examination of fundamental political problems: internal and international order, the establishment of authority, resolution of conflict, violence and politics, political socialization and capacity for change. Prerequisite: 110.

PS 270, 370: Topics in Political Science

A course offered as needed to cover topics of interest to students and faculty that are not covered in depth in the regular curriculum.

Concentration in Political Science

Five courses in political science, to include work in American government and international politics, with at least three of the five courses taken at the 300 level. Two additional courses in history.