The Department of History, Politics and Culture at St. Scholastica offers a number of programs, including a major and minor in History, a minor in Political Science, and courses in cultural studies. The department also contributes to the major in Social Studies Secondary Education, and to the liberal arts component of general education for all St. Scholastica students. It strives to cultivate creative and critical thinking; to foster an appreciation for the richness and diversity of human experience and for the meaning of human dignity in varied historical and social contexts; and to encourage responsible work on behalf of human values, justice and the fuller realization of human potential.
History, the department's core discipline, is the critical study of the human past. Encompassing all spheres of human experience, inquiry, belief, and aspiration, it is the most integrative of humane disciplines. It is essential to any understanding of the human condition. History satisfies a deep need to know who we are, both as individual persons sharing a common humanity and as members of various groups (whether based on gender, class, ethnicity or religion, or whether local, national or global). The deeper our historical knowledge, the deeper our self-knowledge. And only with this type of knowledge can we formulate wise goals to help guide our future, again, both as individuals and collectively. The study of history is an indispensable part of a liberal education; it enables students to make informed judgments on a wide range of public issues and to argue their positions cogently.
Political science examines the origins, uses, justification and distribution of power in society, as well as the relationship between power and other social "goods" such as wealth, rights and liberties. The nature, organization and functions of the state, as the sovereign center of political power, are among the main subjects of politics. Political science can be both descriptive and normative. When descriptive, it investigates how power, wealth and rights actually are distributed. When normative, political science (or political philosophy) explores how they ought to be distributed. Politics, in short, is about how societies are governed, how competing ideas about what is best for society are articulated and resolved, and how decisions in one part of the world affect other parts of the world. The study of politics provides an opportunity to understand not just how societies work, but also how to make them better.
The study of culture is integral to history and politics. Human beings are cultural beings because we seek to give our experiences meaning. The record of this search for meaning (and the way we interpret it) is the history of culture. Yet the idea itself of culture - from its first appearance in the late 18th century English literary tradition as "the best that has been thought and said" (culture as moral edification) to the 20th century anthropological concept of culture as a "whole way of life" (culture as the totality of practices in a given society) - is of modern origin. The study of culture thus also offers an opportunity to explore the historical development of key concepts and discourses in the humanities and social sciences, themselves part of the human search for meaning.
History, one of the classic liberal arts, is an excellent preparation for graduate studies as well as many professions: education, law, politics, public policy, civil and foreign service, archival and library science, museum studies, historic preservation and public history. A minor in political science can prepare students for a range of career opportunities not only in law, but in government, journalism, business or interest-group advocacy.
Chair: Robert H. Craig, Ph.D.
History Major A History major must successfully complete 36 semester credits in history, and at least 20 of those credits must be completed at St. Scholastica. Required courses consist of HIS 3206 (Historiography and Historical Methods) and a 4000-level seminar. In addition, students must complete at least one course from each of the following fields (total of 12 credits): United States history, World history, and European history. At least 20 of these credits must be upper-division credits (3000 or higher). Application process: Students apply for a major in History at the end of their sophomore year; they are expected to have a 2.75 average and submit a copy of their general education essay.
History Minor A History minor must complete 20 credits in history, with at least 12 being completed at St. Scholastica. Required courses consist of HIS 3206 (Historiography and Historical Methods) and a 4000 level seminar.
Political Science Minor The minor consists of a total of 20 credits, 12 of which must be: POL 2001 (Introduction to Political Science), HIS 3310 (U.S. Foreign Relations), and PHL 2223 (Political Philosophy). The remaining eight credits will be selected from the following courses: CTA 2210 (Mock Trial and/or Policy Debate), CTA 4417 (Mass Media Law and Ethics), LIS 3301 (Human Rights), POL 3331 (American Government), POL 3001 (Politics of Globalization), POL 4402 (Politics of the Environment), POL 2280 (Rethinking Religion and Culture after 9/11), SWK 3360 (American Social Welfare Policy), and LIS 3200 (Popular Music and Political Movements). In addition, it is highly suggested that students who seek to pursue a minor in Political Science avail themselves of the opportunities associated with the Washington D.C. Semester Program.
Social Studies Secondary Education Major This is an outcome-based major approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. It provides Social Studies licensure for grades 5-12. This program requires the completion and assessment of outcomes in the social sciences (anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology); the integration of these disciplines; and teacher education. Basic social science outcomes, as specified by the Minnesota Board of Teaching, are achieved through the following courses: HIS 1101 or 1102; HIS 1110 and 1111; HIS 2201 or 2202, 2214, 3206 and 3327; HUM 1174; POL 2001 or 3331; PSY 1105; SOC 1125 and 2231; SSC 3900 and SSC 3905. In addition to fulfilling these basic outcomes, each student must complete an additional four HIS credits. Students must also complete general requirements for Middle/ Secondary licensure listed in the Education section of this catalog. Each candidate will meet with departmental members for an informal evaluation prior to admission.
HIS 1101 World History I (VII) 4 cr.
An introduction to world history from the origins of civilization to
1500. The course focuses on the societies and cultures of Eurasia:
Southwest Asia (the Middle East), India, Persia, China, Greece and
Rome, and Europe. Major themes include the founding and development of
the world's great religions; political ideas, institutions and
practices; law and legal institutions; society and economy; war,
conquest and empire; the expression and meaning of human dignity in
varied contexts; and the richness and diversity of human experience and
aspiration in the foundational eras of the world's civilizations.
HIS 1102 World History II (VII) 4 cr.
An introduction to world history since 1500. The course surveys the
societies and cultures of Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the
Americas. Themes include Europe's impact on the world, modernization
and tradition, imperialism and empire, the great ideologies of the
modern era, and growing consciousness of human rights and world
citizenship. The course traces global patterns of change and
continuity, while striving to understand the particular perspectives of
distinct world cultures and the meanings these cultures have given to
their historical experiences.
HIS 1110 History of the United States I (VII) 4 cr.
Surveys United States history from its pre-Colonial origins through
Reconstruction.
HIS 1111 History of the United States II (VII) 4 cr.
Surveys United States history from Reconstruction to the end of the
Cold War.
HIS 1112 Religion in the United States (VII) 4 cr.
Offers students an introduction to the history of religion and culture
in the United States from the pre-Colonial era to the present. Explores
the varieties of religious life in the United States (e.g. Native
American religions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and various
"non-traditional" religions such as Mormonism, Spiritualism and
Christian Science) from a combination of historical, literary and
cultural perspectives.
HIS/LIS 2009 Modern Latin American History (I, VII) 4 cr.
Provides an introduction to 19th and 20th century Latin American
history. Themes and issues will include the colonial legacy,
modernization and nationalism, religion and politics, the revolutionary
experience of the 20th century, the role of women and the continuing
struggles of indigenous people.
HIS/INS 2201 American Indian History I (I, VII) 4 cr.
Political, economic, social and cultural development of the American
Indian from pre-contact through conquest.
HIS/INS 2202 American Indian History II (I, VII) 4 cr.
Political, economic, social and cultural development of the American
Indian from conquest to the present.
>HIS 2212 Medieval Europe (VII) 4 cr.
Traces the political, social, cultural and intellectual development of
Europe from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance, emphasizing ideas,
institutions and practices that form a major part of modern western
societies. Topics include feudalism, the rise of towns, religion and
philosophy, church history, the formation of territorial states and the
origin of the university.
HIS 2214 The World Since 1945 (VII) 4 cr.
An introduction to world history from the end of World War II to the
present. Major themes include the origins, course and end of the Cold
War; the Soviet Union from Stalin to Gorbachev; China under Mao and his
successors; decolonization, nationalism and the retreat from empire;
the Vietnam War; Africa since independence; democracy, dictatorship and
intervention in Latin America; war and peace in the Middle East; the
Islamic world; human rights and the struggle for justice; the role of
the United States in the contemporary world; and the meaning and
responsibilities of global citizenship.
HIS 2216 The Shaping of Modern China (VII)
4 cr.
An introduction to modern Chinese history, from the foundation of the
Qing dynasty in 1644 to the present day. The course begins with an
exploration of the Confucian worldview and the imperial tradition,
before turning to major 19th-century developments: the Opium Wars and
impact of imperialism, the Taiping Rebellion, Qing efforts at reform,
and the Boxer Rebellion. The second half of the course is devoted to
20th century China: Nationalist China, establishment of the People's
Republic of China, the Cultural Revolution, and China since Mao.
HIS 3206 Historiography and Historical Methods (VII) 4 cr.
Introduction and hands-on survey of methods, resources, tools, and
historical thought processes involved in writing history papers.
Includes a review of major historiographic trends, past and present.
HIS 3301/LIS 3304 Russia since 1900 (VII) 4 cr.
An introduction to Russian history from late tsarism to the
post-communist era. The first half of the course treats the last years
of the tsarist autocracy, the Russian Revolution, Lenin and Stalin, the
nature of Soviet communism, and the concept of totalitarianism. The
second half of the course considers the Khrushchev and Brezhnev eras,
Gorbachev and perestroika, the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia
under Yeltsin and Putin, and the Chechen wars. Cultural and
intellectual history is an integral part of the course.
HIS 3303 History of Great Britain (VII) 4 cr.
Surveys the development of Great Britain from its Tudor-Stuart
foundations through the last days of empire. Major themes include the
emergence of the British constitution, the development of empire,
relations with the North American Colonies, industrialization, the
Victorian era, and Britain in the 20th century (including two world
wars and development of the welfare state).
HIS 3304 The Renaissance and Reformation in Global
Perspective (VII, X, WI) 4 cr.
The period from 1400-1650 was one of amazing change in religion,
thought and culture, politics and society, science and technology and
worldwide exploration. This course explores religious, political and
social transformation in Mesoamerica, Europe, Asia and Africa. It
examines the period from a global rather than solely European
perspective.
HIS 3305 Issues in Modern European History (VII) 4 cr.
Study of major selected themes and problems in European history since
1789. Topics may include intellectual history, nationalism, liberalism
and democracy, religion, revolution and social change, and the role of
the modern state.
HIS/INS 3308 Ojibwe History (I, VII) 4 cr.
History and culture of the Ojibwe people.
HIS 3310 United States Foreign Relations (VII) 4 cr.
Study of American foreign relations from the emergence of the U.S. as a
world power at the end of the 19th century to the present. Examines
principles, personalities and politics involved in the creation of
modern American foreign policy.
HIS 3315 Modern German History (VII) 4 cr.
History of Germany from Bismarck to the present day. Topics include
Germany and the Great War, the Weimar period, Hitler and the Third
Reich, World War II and the Holocaust, occupation and partition,
problems of historical memory and national identity, and Germany since
reunification.
HIS 3320 Women in United States History I (VII) 4 cr.
Examines significant topics in U.S. women's history from the
pre-Colonial period to 1890, focusing on the roles that women of
different classes and races have played in shaping society.
HIS 3321 Women in United States History II (VII) 4 cr.
Examines significant topics in U.S. women's history from the 1890s
through the present, focusing on the roles that women of different
classes and races have played in shaping society.
HIS/WMS 3324 African American History I (I, VII) 4 cr.
Examines significant topics in African American history from the period
of forced migration to the Americas through Reconstruction. Analyzes
the roles African Americans of different classes and genders have
played in shaping U.S. history.
HIS/WMS 3325 African American History II (I, VII) 4 cr.
Examines significant topics in African American history from
Reconstruction through the current experience of diverse members of the
African diaspora living in the U.S. Analyzes the roles African
Americans of different classes and genders have played in shaping U.S.
history.
HIS 3327 U.S. Economic History 4 cr.
Uses historical events as case studies for basic economic principles.
Students use historical analysis to investigate economic concepts and
use economic theories to analyze U.S. history. Requirements: develop
critical thinking skills so that students can evaluate the influences
and trends that have shaped the economic institutions and events of the
United States, both past and present.
HIS 3333 Issues in United States History (VII) 4 cr.
Specialized study of topics in United States History. Issues considered
may include the role of race, class, and gender in the shaping of the
nation state, movements for reform or liberation, and the lived
experience of people and communities.
HIS 3335 Issues in Asian History 4 cr.
Focuses on historical and cultural movements in the Asian region.
Themes will vary from traditional Asian society and culture to the
modern era with an emphasis on a multilayered perspective of these
complex societies.
HIS/WMS 3350 Feminism and Globalization: Women, Religion,
and the Body 4 cr.
Explores how European imperialist accounts of non-European women's
experience have been crucial to culturally dominant ideas about
feminism, globalization, and the legacy of the colonial state
throughout the so-called "third world." Beginning with a critical and
historical overview of feminist theory and practice, the course will
trace recent studies, both historical and ethnographic, of how terms
such as " women," "religion," and "the body" were radically changed by
the colonial projects of the 19th century (e.g. in South Asia and
Africa) - projects that are intimately related to contemporary debates
on transnational women's movements and globalization.
HIS 3355 Islam and the Modern World (VII) 4cr.
An introduction to Islam from its founding to the present day. The
course traces the establishment of Islam as one of the world's great
religions and explores the fundamentals of Islamic belief and practice
(in theology, mysticism, law and way of life). The focus is on Islam in
the 20th century, including topics such as the colonial legacy; the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the Iranian revolution; militant Islam,
jihad, and terrorism; the diversity of Muslim cultures; and the liberal
tradition in Islam.
HIS 3356 History of Modern India (I, VII)
4 cr.
Examines the history and culture of modern India from the origins of
British colonialism in South Asia to the present. Beginning with a
brief introduction to ancient, medieval and Moghul history (Muslim
rule), the course focuses on British rule in India and the colonizing
logic of its various forms of knowledge, from efforts by British
Orientalists to study Indian languages and law to anthropology and the
history of religions. Topics and critical issues include the vexed
relations between Hindus, Shikhs and Muslims, the invention of
authentic Indian religious "tradition" by British interpretations of
ancient Hindu scriptures, the colonial history of the caste system,
representations of Indian women by British missionaries and colonial
officers, the role of Gandhi's rise to power and other indigenous
nationalist movements, the origins of independence and the partition of
the subcontinent between India and Pakistan in 1947, and the religious
politics of contemporary Hindu nationalism.
HIS 3777 Topics in History 2 or 4 cr.
History courses not a part of the regular curriculum but which are
occasionally taught by guests or regular faculty on special topics.
Each course taught under "Topics" will also have a specific course
title listed on the schedule and transcripts.
HIS 4402 Seminar in World History 4 cr.
In-depth study of special historical topics or problems in World
history.
HIS 4403 Seminar in United States History 4 cr.
In-depth study of special historical topics or problems in American
history.
HIS 4404 Seminar in Asian History 4 cr.
In-depth study of special historical topics or problems in Asian
history.
HIS 4405 Seminar in European History 4 cr.
In-depth study of special historical topics or problems in European
history.
HIS 4555 History Internships 1-4 cr.
Internships are an opportunity for students majoring in history to gain
first hand experience in history-related fields. Internships can vary
and are not limited to work with museums, historic sites, archives,
historic preservation agencies and libraries. Prior approval of the
host institution or agency is necessary along with an agreed upon
learning agreement for the history internship. Prerequisite: approval
of the chair of the History Department.
HIS 4999 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for the
student whose interests extend beyond the curricular offerings of the
History Department.
POL/LIS 2001 Introduction to Political Science (II) 4 cr.
Introduction to the discipline of political science and the nature of
political discourse, institutions and organizations. Topics range from
politics and culture to terrorism and international relations.
POL 2280 Rethinking Religion and Culture after 9/11 (I, X) 4
cr.
Offers students the opportunity to engage in historical reflection on
9/11 in light of recent work in religious studies and political
philosophy on the rise of global religious violence throughout the
world today. Examines 9/11 and its aftermath in relation to
contemporary debates on the American-led "war on terror," the
socio-political origins of international terrorism, the politics of
corporate-led globalization, and transnational peace movements in the
wake of the war in Iraq.
POL/LIS 3001 Politics of Globalization (II) 4 cr.
Students are exposed to divergent points of view and forms of analysis
that surround the debate over globalization. The course stresses that
globalization is not only about economics and politics but also
wide-ranging cultural, social and moral issues confronting the world
community.
POL 3331 American Government (II) 4 cr.
Study of national government and development of form and functions of
the federal system. Topics range from constitutional issues to public
policy
debates.
POL/LIS 4402 Environmental Politics (I, WI) 4 cr.
An examination of debates dealing with global environmental problems
and the varying roles of nongovernmental organizations. Topics vary
from resource wars to environmental racism as issues confronting the
human community.
SSC 3900 Social Studies Education 4 cr.
Introduction to social studies education in both middle school and high
school settings. Topics
include the nature and purposes of social studies education, the social
studies curriculum, planning and designing a social studies unit and
course, community resources, assessment, classroom management, the
Minnesota Graduation Rule, and clinical experience in a social studies
classroom.
Pre- or co-requisite: EDU 3800.
SSC 3905 Social Studies Methods Field Experience 1 cr.
Introduces students to the culture of a high school environment. They
observe and assist a social studies teacher, interview school
personnel, talk with students, and teach technology-integrated social
studies lessons and content area reading strategies. Assessment
practices are observed and practiced. Co-requisite: SSC 3900
Return to St. Scholastica home page.