History & Social Science
Faculty/Staff
R. Steven Jones, Chair; Eric Anderson, Elizabeth Bowser, Robert Gardner, Amy Rosenthal, Cristina M. Thomsen
Senior Lecturer: Erwin Sicher.
Mission
The mission of the History/Social Science Department is to help students acquire critical, analytical, and communicative skills through a mastery of Social Science courses, taught in a Christian context.
Aims of the Department
The department’s offerings in history are designed to help the student to understand the present more fully by guiding him in a study of the past and by helping him to reason from cause to effect. The study of history is approached from the biblical viewpoint. “In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping of events seems, to a large degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the Word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counter-play of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsel of His own will.” E. G. White, EDUCATION, p. 173.
In political science the student traces the development, functions, and operation of national, local, and foreign governments.
Programs
- B.A. European Civilization
- B.A. History
- B.A. History - Secondary Certification
- B.S. Social Science
- B.S. Social Studies - Secondary Certification
- B.A. Social Science, emphasis in International Affairs
- Minors in History, History - Secondary Certification, Political Science and Social Science
History, B.A.
| HIST 111 | American History 1492-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 112 | American History 1866-Present | 3 |
| HIST 201 | Historical Methods: Research & Historiography | 3 |
| HIST 211 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST | Electives 9 hours must be non-American History | 21 |
Electives to be selected from the following courses
| HIST 320 | American International Relations | 3 |
| HIST 326 | From Colony to Nation, 1607-1783 | 3 |
| HIST 331 | History of Christianity I | 3 |
| HIST 332 | History of Christianity II | 3 |
| HIST 335 | Establishing a Nation, 1783-1836 | 3 |
| HIST 345 | Sectionalism and Civil War, 1836-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 355 | Reconstruction and Reunion, 1865-1917 | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of the British Isles | 3 |
| HIST 370 | East Asian History | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Ancient Cultures | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Global Power: America 1917-Present | 3 |
| HIST 414 | Early Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 415 | Texas and the West | 3 |
| HIST 424 | Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 430 | Medieval Europe | 3 |
SPAN 315 Spanish Civilization and Culture or SPAN 317 Spanish American Civilization may be used to fulfill three hours of the non-American requirement.
| Total: | 36 |
Required cognates:
| POLS elective | 3 |
European Civilization, B.A.
Prerequisite: Intermediate-level language: Spanish, French, German, or Italian.
ACA program language study: 18 hours at least 6 hours upper division
Humanities courses: 16 hours
Electives to be selected from the following courses
| ENGL 451 | Studies in Renaissance Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 452 | Studies in 17th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 453 | Studies in 18th Century Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 454 | Studies in Medieval Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 455 | Studies in Romantic Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 456 | Studies in Victorian Literature | 3 |
| HIST 201 | Historical Methods: Research and Historiography | 3 |
| HIST 221 | History of Western Art | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Ancient Cultures | 3 |
| HIST 414 | Early Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 424 | Modern Europe or | |
| HIST 430 | Medieval Europe or | |
| SPAN 315 | Spanish Civilization and Culture | 3 |
| HIST 475 | Portfolio Development | 1 |
| MUHL 221 | Survey of Music | 3 |
Students will also complete and present a Senior Thesis.
Social Science, B.A., emphasis in International Affairs
Prerequisite: Intermediate-level language: Spanish, French, German, or Italian.
ACA program language study: 9 hours 3 hours upper division
Social Science courses: 22 hours
Electives to be selected from the following courses
| HIST 112 | American History History 1866 - Present | 3 |
| HIST 201 | Historical Methods: Research and Historiography | 3 |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST 312 | Historical and Political Geography | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Global Power: America 1917 to Present | 3 |
| HIST 424 | Modern Europe or | |
| SPAN 315 | Spanish Civilization and Culture or | |
| SPAN 317 | Spanish American Civilization | 3 |
| HIST 475 | Portfolio Development | 1 |
| POLS 320 | American International Relations | 3 |
Students will also complete and present a Senior Thesis.
Social Science, B.S.
| ECON 211 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| HIST 111 | American History 1492-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 112 | American History 1866-Present | 3 |
| HIST 201 | Historical Methods: Research & Historiography | 3 |
| HIST 211 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST 312 | Historical and Political Geography | 3 |
| HIST | History electives 9 hours must be non-American History | 18 |
| POLS | Political Science electives | 6 |
| Social Science elective | 3 | |
| Total: | 48 |
History electives to be selected from the following courses:
| HIST 320 | American International Relations | 3 |
| HIST 326 | From Colony to Nation, 1607-1783 | 3 |
| HIST 331 | History of Christianity I | 3 |
| HIST 332 | History of Christianity II | 3 |
| HIST 335 | Establishing a Nation, 1783-1836 | 3 |
| HIST 345 | Sectionalism and Civil War, 1836-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 355 | Reconstruction and Reunion, 1865-1917 | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of the British Isles | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Ancient Cultures | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Global Power: America 1917-Present | 3 |
| HIST 370 | East Asian History | 3 |
| HIST 414 | Early Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 415 | Texas and the West | 3 |
| HIST 424 | Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 430 | Medieval Europe | 3 |
SPAN 315 Spanish Civilization and Culture or SPAN 317 Spanish American Civilization may be used to fulfill three hours of the non-American requirement.
Political Science electives to be selected from the following courses:
| POLS 211 | National and Texas Constitutions | 3 |
| POLS 320 | American International Relations | 3 |
| POLS 360 | American National Government | 3 |
| POLS 364 | American Constitutional Development | 3 |
| POLS 425 | Executive Leadership | 3 |
Social Science elective to be selected from the following courses:
| ECON 212 | Microeconomics or | |
| COMM 110 | Communication Media or | |
| SOCI 111 | Intro to Sociology | 3 |
Minor in History
| HIST 111 | American History, 1492-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 112 | American History, 1866-Present | 3 |
| HIST 211 | History of Western Civilization I or | |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST | Electives upper division | 9 |
| Total: | 18 |
Minor in Political Science
| POLS 211 | National and Texas Constitutions | 3 |
| POLS | Electives 9 hours upper division | 15 |
| Total: | 18 |
Minor in Social Science
| HIST 112 | American History, 1866-Present | 3 |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST 312 | Historical and Political Geography | 3 |
| POLS | Electives | 6 |
| ECON | Electives | 6 |
| HIST | Electives | 3 |
| 6 upper division | ||
| Total: | 24 |
Teaching Certification Program
The following history and social studies majors and minors are for teaching certification only. Requirements for certification are listed in the Education section of the Bulletin.
You must make formal application for admittance to the Teacher Education Program. Applications are available at the Education Department office.
History, B.A. - Secondary Teaching Area
| HIST 111 | American History 1492-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 112 | American History 1866-Present | 3 |
| HIST 211 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST 201 | Historical Methods: Research & Historiography | 3 |
| HIST | Electives upper division | 21 |
| 9 hours non American History | ||
| Total: | 36 |
History Minor - Secondary Teaching Area
| HIST 111 | American History 1492-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 112 | American History 1866-Present | 3 |
| HIST 211 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST | Electives upper division | 12 |
| 9 hours non American History | ||
| Total: | 24 |
Social Studies, B.S. - Secondary Teaching Area
| HIST 211 | Historical Methods: Research & Historiography | 3 |
| HIST 111 | American History 1492-1865 | 3 |
| HIST 112 | American History 1866-Present | 3 |
| HIST 211 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 212 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| HIST 312 | Historical and Political Geography | 3 |
| HIST | Non-American History | 9 |
| HIST | Electives | 9 |
| POLS | Electives | 6 |
| ECON | Electives | 6 |
| Total: | 48 |
The following are non-American History courses:
| HIST 331 | History of Christianity I | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of the British Isles | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Ancient Cultures | 3 |
| HIST 370 | East Asian History | 3 |
| HIST 414 | Early Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 424 | Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 430 | Medieval Europe | 3 |
History Courses
HIST 111 - American History, 1492-1865 (3 hours)
A brief account of the discoveries, colonization, and the struggle for independence; growth of federal government, expansion of territory, and the Civil War. (Fall)
HIST 112 - American History, 1866 to Present (3 hours)
A survey of U.S. history beginning with Reconstruction and big business, through two major world wars, to the present time of cold and hot wars. (Spring)
HIST 201 - Historical Methods: Research and Historiography (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENGL 121
An introduction to the skills used in the profession of history. Students will use primary and secondary sources as well as historical journals, indexes, and databases as they produce a major research paper, bibliography, and book review; prepare a presentation based on their work; and engage in other activities relative to critical thinking within the discipline of history. Students will also be exposed to basic trends in historiography. Within this class, history/social science majors begin the process of senior portfolio development. This course fulfills the requirement for UNIV 201: Research in an Academic Discipline as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring)
HIST/HNRS 204 - Advanced American History, 1866-Present (3 hours)
This course provides a detailed study of American history from Reconstruction to the present, charting the United States’ rise from a frontier nation to a world power. This course covers the turbulent days of post-Civil War Reconstruction and the settlement of the west, booming industrialism, Populism and Progressivism, the United States in World Wars I & II, the Cold War, and the distrust of the post-Watergate era. Students will become acquainted with trends in American historiography and practice the skills of historical interpretation and writing. The class satisfies general education requirements for history. It is required for history/social science majors. Students taking this course should not take HIST 112, American History, 1866-Present. (Spring)
HIST/HNRS 206 - Advanced Western Civilization, early times to the 16th Century (3 hours)
A study of key issues, events, and transformations that form the basis for pre-modern western civilization and established the foundations for early modern and modern western history, including the Agricultural Revolution, the development of Hebrew monotheism, classical Greek social ideas, the rise and fall of the Roman empire, and medieval Europe. Students taking this course should not take HIST 211, History of Western Civilization. (Fall)
HIST 211 - History of Western Civilization I (3 hours)
A study of Near Eastern and Western man’s past from the earliest time to the 16th Century. Special attention is given to man’s evolving cultural framework, his changing ideas and beliefs, his views of human nature, the world, the universe, the deity, and the good life. The rise and fall of many of the Near Eastern and Western empires will also be considered. (Fall)
HIST 212 - History of Western Civilization II (3 hours)
The course of European history from the 16th Century to the present. Examined will be the political, social, cultural, and economic history of that period, including the Age of Absolutism, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the Age of Revolution, the Nineteenth Century “isms”, world wars, cold wars, and contemporary history. (Spring)
HIST 221 - History of Western Art (3 hours)
A survey of fine arts and how they have related to the various cultures throughout western civilization. The class will deal with the arts from the Renaissance to the present time. (Also taught as ARTS 221) (Spring)
HIST 291 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department chair
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
HIST 312 - Historical and Political Geography (3 hours)
This course considers the interaction between world cultures, environments, and geographic regions to explain patterns of human history and political development. (Also taught as GEOG 312) (Spring, odd years)
HIST 320 - American International Relations (3 hours)
Details American foreign policies and diplomatic relations toward Europe, Latin America, and Asia, from the revolutionary era to the present. Will detail major foreign policy decisions and initiatives and the results of each. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Also taught as POLS 320) (Fall, odd years)
HIST 326 - From Colony to Nation, 1607-1783 (3 hours)
A study of the creation of the American nation. The course examines how transplanted Europeans became a new people, emphasizing social, political, and economic changes that led to independence. Includes a discussion of the impact of African slavery upon American democracy. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Offered periodically)
HIST 331, 332 - History of Christianity I, II (3, 3 hours)
A study of the rise and impact of Christianity in the Roman world and western culture. Attention is given to theological and social movements, the influence of Islam, the crusades, expansionism, and religious adaptation to modern life. The second semester traces development from the Reformation through the growth of American religion. (Also taught as RLGN 331, 332) (Spring)
HIST 335 - Establishing a Nation, 1783-1836 (3 hours)
An in-depth study of United States history from the Articles of Confederation through the Constitution, War of 1812, and Jacksonian Democracy. (Offered periodically)
HIST 345 - Sectionalism and Civil War, 1836-1865 (3 hours)
American history from the Reform Era through Manifest Destiny, Sectionalism and Civil War. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring, odd years)
HIST 355 - Reconstruction and Reunion, 1865-1917 (3 hours)
American history from the close of the Civil War to the US entry into World War I. Among the topics examined in this course are Reconstruction and the New South, industrialization, the “winning of the West,” immigration, and America’s changing world role. (Spring, even years)
HIST 360 - History of the British Isles (3 hours)
A study Britain from pre-Roman times through the restoration of the monarchy under William and Mary in 1688. Topics include Anglo-Saxon England, the Norman Conquest, the Wars of the Roses, the Tudor and Stuart dynasties, and the English Civil War. (Offered periodically)
HIST 364 - Ancient Cultures (3 hours)
This is a study of man from his beginning through the empires of Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Persia, Israel, Greece, and Rome to the end of the Roman Republic. (Fall, even years)
HIST 365 - Global Power: America from 1917 to Present (3 hours)
A study of the American rise to global power. Class will focus on WWII, the Cold War, Era of Civil Rights, Vietnam, Watergate, and the post-Cold War era. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring, even years)
HIST 370 - East Asian History (3 hours)
A survey of the history of East Asia, primarily China, Korea, and Japan, from its foundations until modern times. Topics will include China’s enduring influence over its neighbors, interactions with and isolation from the West, the emergence and growth of Buddhism, the influence of Confucian philosophy, Chinese and Japanese imperialism, Western imperialism in East Asia, and Nationalism and Communism. (Offered periodically)
HIST 414 - Early Modern Europe (3 hours)
A survey of the Renaissance, Reformation, counter-Reformation, Absolutism, competition for empire, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the coming of Revolutions. (Fall, odd years)
HIST 415 - Texas and the West (3 hours)
A study of the multi-cultural heritage of Texas and the West with special emphasis on the pre-Columbian Native American cultures; Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American colonization; the annexation of the region to the US; and social, political, and industrial developments up to the present. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Fall, even years)
HIST 424 - Modern Europe (3 hours)
A study of the Intellectual and Industrial Revolution, the New Imperialism, the intensification of Nationalism, World War I, the Depression, the development and spread of Fascism and Communism, World War II, the Cold War, Decolonization and the emergence of a multipolar world. (Spring, even years)
HIST 425 - Executive Leadership (3 hours)
A study of leadership styles and their impact on politics and history. Examines the elements of leadership by focusing on different figures from the political, military, and corporate arenas, such as Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Carnegie, Alexander the Great, and Winston Churchill. Students will be able to take information gained from this class and apply it to a variety of life situations. This course meets the upper division writing component for senior year English and supports Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan.(Also taught as POLS 425.) (Offered periodically)
HIST 430 - Medieval Europe (3 hours)
A study of European history during the middle ages, approximately 500-1500 A.D. Course topics include feudalism, monasticism, the growth of monarchies, the Crusades, heresy and inquisition, the commercial revolution, the Hundred Years’ War, the Bubonic Plague, and the advent of the university. (Spring, even years)
HIST 475 - Portfolio Development (1 hour)
In this class, departmental majors will meet at arranged times with departmental faculty to finalize the contents of their portfolio before graduation. Students will also complete their senior thesis in this course. This class is required of majors in History, Social Science, Social Science (emphasis International Relations), and Social Studies, Secondary Education. Students will take the class in their last semester before graduation. This course fulfills the requirement for a capstone/portfolio completion course with components as specified in Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Fall, Spring)
HIST 491 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department chair
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Political Science Courses
POLS 211 - National and Texas Constitutions (3 hours)
This is a comprehensive treatment of U.S. and Texas Constitutions. The course deals with the formation of these constitutions and the governments which were established as a result. This course fulfills the government requirements as established by the Texas Education Agency. (Fall)
POLS 291 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department chair
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
POLS 320 - American International Relations (3 hours)
Details American foreign policies and diplomatic relations toward Europe, Latin America, and Asia, from the revolutionary era to the present. Will detail major foreign policy decisions and initiatives and the results of each. This course meets the upper division writing component for senior year English and supports Southwestern Adventist University’s Quality Enhancement Plan. (Also taught as HIST 320.) (Fall, odd years)
POLS 360 - American National Government (3 hours)
The organization, functions, and processes of America’s national government, with particular attention to constitutional framework, the judiciary, Congress, the presidency, political parties, interest groups, and the individuals as citizen. (Offered periodically)
POLS 364 - American Constitutional Development (3 hours)
An historical and institutional study of the origin, growth, and interpretation of the United States Constitution, with emphasis on the leading decisions of the Supreme Court. (Offered periodically)
POLS 425 - Executive Leadership (3 hours)
A study of leadership styles and their impact on politics and history. Examines the elements of leadership by focusing on different figures from the political, military, and corporate arenas, such as Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Carnegie, Alexander the Great, and Winston Churchill. Students will be able to take information gained from this class and apply it to a variety of life situations. This course meets the upper division writing component for senior year English and supports Southwestern’s Quality Enhancement Plan.(Also taught as HIST 425.) (Offered periodically)
POLS 491 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department chair
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Geography Courses
GEOG 291 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department chair
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
GEOG 312 - Historical and Political Geography (3 hours)
This course considers the interaction between world cultures, environments, and geographic regions to explain patterns of human history and political development. (Also taught as HIST 312.) (Spring, odd years)
Sociology Course
SOCI 111 - Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
A general survey of sociology and many of the areas of investigation in sociology; these areas will include the family, race and ethnic relations, social class, formal organizations, collective behavior, population problems and dynamics, culture, etc. Additionally, a brief introduction to the scientific methods and theories utilized in the study of society will be presented. (Spring)