Department of History and Political Science

Daphne M. Cooper, Interim Chairperson

Objectives

The Department of History and Political Science offers students a knowledge of the past that enables them to better understand today’s world and prepare for the future. The Department helps students develop skills in research, analysis, decision-making, and communication. These skills prepare students for successful careers, constructive participation in civic affairs, and lifelong learning. In short, the Department of History and Political Science emphasizes the personal development of each student.

The specific objectives of the History and Political Science Department are: 1) to contribute to the general education of students by providing the historical and geographical, background for the study of the arts, the sciences, and technical subjects; 2) to provide historical and political content and professional training to students preparing for careers in fields such as education, law, religion, international affairs, social service, journalism, history, politics or government; 3) to offer a curriculum that allows students to learn the history and politics of many areas of the world; 4) to offer a course of study leading to the Master of Science degree in Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching degree with a concentration in history; and, 5) to provide instruction for students preparing for doctoral programs in history and political science.

In carrying out its aims and objectives, the Department offers a broad range of courses in history, political science, as well as courses in geography. To help ensure student success, the Department assigns each student major to an advisor. It is particularly important that students consult their advisors when planning their educational programs. The Department also offers students a variety of extracurricular opportunities to enrich their college experiences. These include five student organizations. The History Scholars, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Political Science Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, and The Henry Frye Pre-Law Society as well as The Annual Gibbs Lecture and Student Conference, and numerous public lectures. Finally, the Department participates in the University Honors Program, which enables outstanding students to work closely with faculty members on special course and research assignments.

Degrees Offered

History - Bachelor of Arts
History Education - Bachelor of Arts
Political Science - Bachelor of Arts

Program Requirements

The admission of students to the undergraduate degree programs in the History and Political Science Department is based upon the general admission requirements of the University.

Departmental Requirements

History Major - History majors must complete 120 credits of University courses. Included in the 120 credits are 56 credits in history courses and 15 credits in the social sciences. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in these history and social science courses. Students who wish to specialize in the history of Africa and African-Americans may pursue the special concentration in Africana history within the history major.

History Education Major - History Education majors must complete 120 credits of University courses. Included in the 120 credits are 42 credits in history courses and 15 credits in the social sciences. This major also includes 32 credits of education courses and field experience as a student teacher. Students in this major must earn at least a “C” in all history, social science, general education, and curriculum and instruction courses.

Political Science Major - Completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours of University courses. Included in the 120 semester hours are 37 hours of political science major courses, 15 hours of political science electives, 6 hours of International Relations and Comparative Politics courses. Students must also complete 34 hours of general education requirements, 6 hours of a foreign language and courses in speech, economics and health. A minimum grade of “C” must be attained in the major courses. Students desiring to minor in political science must complete 18 semester hours in political science, including POLI 110 POLI 250 , POLI 221 and POLI 444 . A student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of academic credits before declaring a minor, must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and may not have more than two minors.

Career Opportunities

The undergraduate degree program in history leads to careers in education, state and federal law enforcement, foreign service, journalism, business, archives and museums, international affairs, and state and federal government service, among others. It also prepares students for law school, theological seminary, and other graduate and professional school programs.

The baccalaureate degree in Political Science prepares students for careers in government, public administration, law (for those continuing to law school), business, campaign management, foreign service, industry, interest groups, journalism, international affairs, teaching, research, and leadership in civic and political activities.

Directory of Faculty

Ayanna R. Armstrong; Assistant Professor
B.A., Spellman Collage; M.B.A, Ph.D., Clark Atlanta University

Paul Baker; Professor and Director of the University Galleries
B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; M.A., North Carolina State University; Ph.D., North Carolina A&T State University

Fuabeh P. Fonge; Professor
B.A., University of Yaounde; M.A., Georgetown University; Ph.D., Howard University

Thomas E. Porter; Professor
B.A., Loyola College; M.A., Ph.D., University of Washington

Philip Rubio; Professor
B.A., Vermont College of Norwich University; M.A., North Carolina Central University; Ph.D., Duke University

Arwin D. Smallwood; Professor and Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
B.A., M.A., North Carolina Central University; Ph.D., The Ohio State University

James A. Wood; Professor
B.A., Tufts University; M.A., Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Yunqiu Zhang; Associate Professor
B.A., Qufu Normal University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Toronto