Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

History and Political Science Department

Department Chair, William R. Wantland

History and Political Science Faculty

B. Barnett Cochran, PhD

Christopher J. Devine, PhD

Paul D. Mayle, PhD

William R Wantland, PhD

History and Political Science Program Objectives

The courses and curriculum of the history and political science programs are designed to achieve the following student outcomes:

  • understand and interpret the past through systematic analysis of historical events and interpretations;
  • integrate faith and learning in the process of studying the varied political, economic, religious and cultural achievements of past and present civilizations;
  • demonstrate effective writing skills in such specific applications as journals, essays, reports and reviews, and original research papers;
  • appreciate the aesthetics of reading and studying history and political science for personal enjoyment and enrichment;
  • demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for careers involving history and political science, including public school and college teaching, museum and archival work, and interdisciplinary programs in art, media, business and science; and
  • develop the knowledge and skills necessary for foundational training in careers such as law, government service, library and research activities that use history or political science as a supportive field.

History Programs

Bachelor of Arts in History (American Studies Track)

(This program requires that the student apply to, be accepted by, and complete the American Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.)

Required Courses

HIS1003g Western Civilization I: Antiquity to the Reformation

3

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

3

HIS2013g United States History to 1865

3

HIS2023g United States History since 1865

3

POL1003G American Politics and Government

3

HIS2093 Seminar in Historical Research

3

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities American Studies Program in Washington, DC

16

Elective Courses

Upper division American history

3

Upper division non-American history

3

Upper division history

3

Total

43 Hours

The student with a major in history (American Studies track) must complete a minor in another discipline.

Bachelor of Arts in History (British Studies Track)

(This program requires that the student apply to, be accepted by, and complete the Scholars' Semester at Oxford of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.)

Required Courses

HIS1003g Western Civilization I: Antiquity to the Reformation

3

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

3

HIS2013g United States History to 1865

3

HIS2023g United States History since 1865

3

HIS2093 Seminar in Historical Research

3

aHIS3003 Age of the Renaissance and Reformation

3

aHIS3053g History of Modern Britain

3

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Scholar's Semester in Oxford Program.

15-17

Upper division American history

3

Upper division non-American history

3

Total

42-44 Hours

The student with a major in history (British studies track) must complete a minor in another discipline.

Bachelor of Arts in History (China Studies Track)

(This program requires that the student apply to, be accepted by, and complete the China Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.)

Required Courses

HIS1003g Western Civilization I: Antiquity to the Reformation

3

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

3

aHIS3103G History and Culture of East Asia

3

HIS2013g United States History to 1865

3

HIS2023g United States History since 1865

3

aHIS3053g History of Modern Britain

3

HIS2093 Seminar in Historical Research

3

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities China Studies Program at Xiamen University, China

16

Upper division American history

3

Upper division non-American history

3

Total

43 Hours

The student with a major in history (China studies track) must complete a minor in another discipline.

Bachelor of Arts in History (General Track)

Required Courses

HIS1003g Western Civilization I: Antiquity to the Reformation

3

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

3

HIS2013g United States History to 1865

3

HIS2023g United States History since 1865

3

HIS2093 Seminar in Historical Research

3

Elective Courses

Upper division American history

6

Upper division European history

6

Upper division non-Western history

6

Upper division history electives

6

Total

39 Hours

The student with a major in history (general track) must complete a minor in another discipline.

Bachelor of Arts in History (Middle East Studies Track)

(This program requires that the student apply to, be accepted by, and complete the Middle East Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.)

Required Courses

HIS1003g Western Civilization I: Antiquity to the Reformation

3

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

3

HIS2013g United States History to 1865

3

HIS2023g United States History since 1865

3

aHIS3093G The Islamic World

3

HIS2093 Seminar in Historical Research

3

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Middle East Studies Program in Cairo, Egypt

15-16

Elective Courses

Upper division American history

3

Upper division non-American history

3

Total

39-40 Hours

The student with a major in history (Middle East studies track) must complete a minor in another discipline.

Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Studies Education

Note: Students who wish to teach in adolescent to young adult education, in multi-age education, or in career-technical settings must complete general education and professional education courses which are listed in the School of Education and Professional Studies section of this catalog.

Required Courses

HIS1003g Western Civilization I: Antiquity to the Reformation

3

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

3

SOC1013G Introduction to Sociology

3

ECO1033g Principles of Macroeconomics

3

ECO2033 Principles of Microeconomics

3

HIS2013g United States History to 1865

3

HIS2023g United States History since 1865

3

POL1003G American Politics and Government

3

HIS4002 Content Area Teaching Methods in Social Studies

2

HIS2093 Seminar in Historical Research

3

ITD3043 World Geography

3

Select two upper level U.S. history electives

6

aHIS3013g Colonial America

 

aHIS3023g Early National America: 1783-1850

 

aHIS3033g The American Civil War

 

aHIS3043g Modern America

 

aHIS3079 Special Topics in U.S. History

 

aHIS4003 Seminar in Foreign Policy

 

Select two upper level European history electives

6

aHIS3003 Age of Renaissance and Reformation

 

aHIS3053g History of Modern Brittan

 

aHIS3063g History of Modern Russia

 

aHIS3073 Emergence of Modern Europe:
1648-1815

 

aHIS3089 Special Topics in European History

 

Select two upper level non-western history electives

6

aHIS3103G History and Culture of East Asia

 

aHIS3113G History and Culture of South East Asia

 

aPOL3113 International Relations

 

aHIS3093G The Islamic World

 

aHIS3099 Special Topics in non-Western History

 

Select one psychology elective

3-4

PSY2013 Lifespan Developmental Psychology

 

PSY2044 Theories of Learning

 

PSY2063 Cognitive Psychology

 

PSY3053 Social Psychology

 

PSY3063 Abnormal Psychology

 

Select one sociology elective

3

SWK2003G Cultural and Human Diversity

 

aSOC2083 Group Behavior and Processes

 

aSOC3073 Sociology of Community

 

aSOC4013 Sociology of the Family

 

Required Education Courses

46

Total

102-103 Hours

British Studies Minor

This program requires that the student apply to, be accepted by, and complete the British Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

aHIS3053g History of Modern Britain

3

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Scholar's Semester in Oxford Program.

15-17

Total

18-20 hours

Recommended Cognate Course

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

 

China Studies Minor

This program requires that the student apply to, be accepted by, and complete the China Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

aHIS3103G History and Culture of East Asia

3

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities China Studies Program at Xiamen University, China

16

 

 

Total

19 hours

Recommended Cognate Course

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

 

History Minor

Select one of the following:

3

HIS1003g Western Civilization I: Antiquity to the Reformation

 

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

 

Select one of the following:

3

HIS2013g United States History to 1865

 

HIS2023g United States History since 1865

 

Select one of the following:

3

aHIS3103G History and Culture of East Asia

 

aHIS3113G History and Culture of Southeast Asia

 

aHIS3093G The Islamic World

 

History electives

9

(9 hours from courses numbered 3000 or above.)

 

Total

18 hours

Middle East Studies Minor

This program requires that the student apply to, be accepted by, and complete the Middle East Studies Program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

aHIS3093G The Islamic World

3

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Middle East Studies Program in Cairo, Egypt.

15-16

Total

18-19 hours

Recommended Cognate Course

HIS1013G The Western Tradition in World Context

 

Pre-Law Program

No specific set of courses is typically prescribed to prepare students for law school. Pre-law education should prepare students to understand the world about them, to express themselves effectively, and to reason accurately and logically. The major chosen and courses selected need to emphasize communication and critical thinking skills.

Preparation for law school traditionally has emphasized the humanities and social sciences, but other baccalaureate programs are very acceptable. Individuals who anticipate a law career in government might emphasize political science, while those interested in tax or corporate law might stress economics or business. Those interested in family law could take course work in child development and family relations. Students interested in a broad pre-law preparation might also consider the philosophy pre-law major in the School of Theology and Philosophy. What remains important is that the program develops intellectual discipline.

While law schools do not prescribe a preparatory curriculum, they seek students who have demonstrated certain proficiencies and potentials. High GPA and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores are vital. Successful applicants must be able to read with speed and comprehension, to think logically and creatively, to understand human institutions and values, and to speak clearly and effectively. Most law schools look beyond academic performance. Admission committees typically consider non-quantifiable factors such as work experience, extra-curricular activities, letters of recommendation and community service. The more well-rounded the applicant is, the better are the chances of acceptance. Specific questions about law school may be answered by the pre-law advisor, Dr. Paul Mayle.

Political Science Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (American Politics and Government Track)

Required Courses

SOC1013 Introduction to Sociology

3

ECO1033g Principles of Macroeconomics

3

POL1003G American Politics and Government

3

POL1013 Comparative Politics

3

aPOL3113 International Relations

3

POL2073 Political Thought

3

POL3033 Public Policy

3

MAT2063G Introduction to Statistics

3

ITD3043 World Geography

3

Select one of the following:

3

SWK3003 Social Science Research Methods

 

SOC3113 Social Research Methods

 

Select from the following:

12-16

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities American Studies Program in Washington, DC

 

Or

 

Select four of the following:

 

POL2063 Political Campaigns and Elections

 

POL3043 American Constitution

 

aPOL3053 Presidency

 

POL3063 Congress

 

aPOL3083 Political Parties and Interest Groups

 

POL3093 State and Local Government

 

POL3103 War and Peace

 

COM4003 Seminar in Communication: History of American Public Address

 

POL5029 Political Science Internship

 

Total

42-46 Hours

The student with a major in Political Science must complete a minor in another discipline.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Comparative Politics Track)

Required Courses

SOC1013 Introduction to Sociology

3

ECO1033g Principles of Macroeconomics

3

POL1013 Comparative Politics

3

aPOL3113 International Relations

3

POL2073 Political Thought

3

POL3033 Public Policy

3

MAT2063G Introduction to Statistics

3

ITD3043 World Geography

3

Select one of the following:

3

SWK3003 Social Science Research Methods

 

SOC3113 Social Research Methods

 

Select four of the following:

12

aHIS3103G History and Culture of East Asia

 

aHIS3113G History and Culture of Southeast Asia

 

aHIS3053g History of Modern Britain

 

aHIS3063g History of Modern Russia

 

aHIS3093G The Islamic World

 

aHIS4003 Seminar in Foreign Policy

 

SOC4043 Classical Sociological Theory

 

POL5029 Political Science Internship

 

Total

39 Hours

The students with a major in Political Science must complete a minor in another discipline.

Political Science Minor

Required Courses

Select one of the following:

3

POL1003G American Politics and Government

 

POL1013 Comparative Politics

 

Select one of the following:

3

aPOL3113 International Relations

 

POL2073 Political Thought

 

Select four from the following:

12

POL2063 Political Campaigns and Elections

 

POL3043 American Constitution

 

aPOL3053 Presidency

 

POL3063 Congress

 

aPOL3083 Political Parties and Interest Groups

 

POL3093 State and Local Government

 

POL3103 War and Peace

 

POL5029 Political Science Internship

 

Total

18 Hours

Political Science Minor (American Studies Program Option)

Required Courses

Course work/practica taken in association with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities American Studies Program in Washington, DC

16

Select one of the following:

3

POL1003G American Politics and Government

 

POL1013 Comparative Politics

 

Total

19 Hours