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HISTORY aND POLITICAL SCIENCE

The disciplines of History and Political Science are represented in the Social Science Department, a unit of the College of Arts & Sciences. History is one of the oldest disciplines of human study and one of the foundations of a liberal arts education. The goal of History is to describe, understand and explain the development of human society in all its complex diversity across time and space.

Political Science uses both in empirical quantifiable studies and qualitative research to study, analyze, and explain political systems, relationships and their practice. There are numerous subfields in political science, including American Politics ( the presidency, Congress, the courts, the mass media, political parties, interest groups) and world affairs international relations, comparative government, international organizations/international law, U.S. foreign and defense policy).

B.A. & B.S. DEGREES IN HISTORY / POLITICAL SCIENCE

We offer a combined major in history and political science in which students may choose to emphasize the study of either discipline. The History/Political Science major can be pursued in either the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. The choice depends primarily on whether the student is more interested in taking additional courses in the sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) or languages (Spanish, French, German or Chinese). Given the increasingly global nature of the modern world, the history and political science faculty believes that the study of languages is important to the ability to understand and succeed.

All students majoring in History/Political Science, are required complete an internship of at least 120 hours. Interns work with history museums, law firms, courts, as well as city, county and state governments and interest groups in Washington D.C. In addition majors must write a senior thesis and pass a senior exit exam. These requirements help majors to gain extensive knowledge of their subject, develop skills in research and writing, and confidence in public speaking.

HISTORY EDUCATION

Persons aspiring to teach history/social studies at the secondary level (grades 6-12) choose to major in History Education (B.S.). The History Education Program is designed to provide the content knowledge in history and the social sciences and the professional skills and dispositions necessary to succeed as a middle grades or high school history/social studies teacher. Program completion leads to Georgia certification in Secondary History (grades 6-12).

Requirements for admission to the History Education Program.

• 2.50 GPA
• Minimum grade of C in specified courses, including all education and major courses
• Pass GACE I
• Recommendations from liberal arts faculty member, advisor and Director of TPP
• Acceptable writing sample
• Acceptable criminal background check
• Liability Insurance
• Abide by Code of Ethics
• Complete application

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

The B.A. International Studies major is designed to prepare students for international careers and for the global challenges of life in the twenty-first century. As the globe shrinks and cultures collide, the demand for world citizens who can move between nations and across cultures will increase.

These world citizens must possess a knowledge base that will enable them to understand the histories and cultures of various regions of the world. But more importantly, these citizens must have an appreciation for cultural differences and an ability to understand such differences in order to create a better world and to live satisfying and fulfilling lives.