Department of History, Political Science and Sociology

The mission of the Department of History, Political Science, and Sociology is to help students better understand the world they live in by exploring how people, societies, and institutions develop, interact, and change over time. Through these interconnected disciplines, students gain the knowledge, perspective, and critical thinking skills needed to become informed citizens and engaged members of their communities.

In History courses, students study the past to better understand the ideas, events, and experiences that have shaped human societies. This historical perspective helps students recognize patterns of change and continuity and appreciate the diversity of human experiences across time and place. In Political Science courses, students examine how power, governance, and public policy shape societies, focusing on how individuals and groups work to create just and effective political systems. In Sociology courses, students explore social relationships, institutions, and structures, gaining insight into how culture, inequality, and social forces influence individual lives and communities.

Across all three disciplines, the department emphasizes thoughtful dialogue, analytical reasoning, and effective communication. Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, evaluate evidence, and clearly express their ideas in both written and oral forms. Through this approach, the department prepares students to be confident, articulate thinkers who are well equipped for productive careers and lifelong learning.

The department’s programs provide a strong foundation for graduate study and professional work in a wide range of fields, including education, law, public service, business, journalism, research, archives, library science, and community-based organizations.

Upon completing the program of study in the Department of History, Political Science and Sociology, students will:

• Demonstrate inquisitiveness and mastery of the principles of scholarly research.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the values, beliefs, and ideas that constitute the western political tradition.
• Recognize the complex nature of the political community and the role of social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors in political life.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of American political institutions and processes and be able to compare them with those of other political systems.
• Understand the patterns of interaction among members of the world community and the sources of international cooperation and conflict.
• Be able to evaluate conflicting political arguments, assemble empirical evidence, and make reasoned conclusions from available evidence.

Majors
History (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
Political Science (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
Sociology (Accelerated Degree Program and Traditional Undergraduate Program)

Minors
History (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
Political Science (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
Pre-Law (Accelerated Degree Program and Traditional Undergraduate Program)
Sociology (Accelerated Degree Program and Traditional Undergraduate Program)