The Department of History and Political Science prepares students for a life of active citizenship and intellectual engagement by offering diverse courses that explore the historical evolution and contemporary challenges of the world and its peoples. Knowledge of history equips students to participate in core social, political, economic and cultural institutions by tracing the trajectory of those institutions and empowering students to contribute to their future development. Political science courses interrogate the processes by which communities decide what is important and what should be done by engaging in critical analysis of the institutions, policies and philosophies of the collective problem-solving processes known as governance. Global studies courses place students within the broadest context of human activity and orient them to the roles they play in the world as a single place. All of the courses in the department, therefore, focus student energy on the mechanisms they need to influence the conversations that shape their world, making them effective citizens of their local, national and global communities. The department offers majors in history, political science, history and political science, and global studies. Students may minor in history, political science or global studies. History faculty offer courses in U.S., European and non-Western history. Political science courses cover American politics, global politics and political philosophy. The history and political science major combines these two disciplines and is the typical major of students seeking careers in secondary education. The global studies major begins with core courses in the department, then branches out to upper-level courses in a wide variety of disciplines allowing students to create a path that best fits their interests. The department is home to the College’s Pre-Law Society and Phi Alpha Theta, the honor society for history. The course of study for each major emphasizes critical thinking, writing, research and project development—skills essential to any career. Faculty actively engage students with dynamic teaching that emphasizes discussion, reflection, simulations, problem-based learning and original research. This commitment extends to promoting experiential learning beyond the classroom including field trips, internships, service-learning and semester-length programs abroad. The department offers distinctive on- and off- campus experiences during May Term including trips to the United Nations, South Africa, Belgium, France and Britain. The internship program places students in law offices, nonprofits, state and local government agencies, and more. Many of our majors are elected to leadership roles in student organizations including the Student Senate, Soar Mentors and the Honor Council. Students pursuing majors and minors in the department have a wide variety of career interests including law, secondary and higher education, government service, museum and archival work, religion, journalism and overseas development work.