Department of History and Political Science
Mission Statement
The Department of History and Political Science at Azusa Pacific University:
- Offers undergraduate degree programs in political science, history, and social science, and a single subject waiver for a teaching credential in social science.
- Provides General Education courses in history and political science consistent with the outcomes of a liberal arts education.
- Prepares students for graduate study, law school, and success in their chosen careers.
Department Overview
This department offers several majors and minors, and is home to chapters of the national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha; the national history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta; and the international legal community honor society, Phi Delta Phi. Many courses in the department emphasize the reading of classic texts or the study of primary sources. All courses offered in the department are within the School of Humanities and Sciences in the College of Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and Theology, and are designed to contribute to a Christian liberal arts education.
The department’s programs strive to:
- Develop intellectual curiosity.
- Equip students with the abilities to write and speak well, think critically, and judge wisely.
- Enable students to distinguish justice from injustice.
- Teach students the legitimate purposes and necessary limits of political power.
- Provide students historical perspective for making judgments in the present.
- Instruct students in human possibilities and limits.
- Prepare students for careers calling for clear, cogent reasoning.
- Familiarize students with other cultures and times.
- Make available to students the knowledge that is needed by citizens and political leaders.
- Prepare students to teach various social science disciplines.
Students who want to earn up to 9 units in their major through the American Studies Program in Washington, DC, may do so by arrangement with the Department of History and Political Science.
HIST 120, World Civilizations to 1648, 3 Units
This survey course deals with the customs, cultures, religions, and forms of government of peoples from ancient times to 1648. Meets the General Education Requirement: Humanities: History.
HIST 121, World Civilizations Since 1648, 3 Units
This survey course deals with the customs, cultures, religions, and forms of government of peoples from 1648 to the present. Meets the General Education Requirement: Humanities: History.
HIST 151, United States History to 1877, 3 Units
This course surveys the political and cultural history of the United States up to 1877. Areas of study include concepts of government and analysis of political institutions. This course meets the state requirement in U.S. history and government. Meets the General Education Requirement: Humanities: History.
HIST 152, United States History Since 1877, 3 Units
This course surveys the political and cultural history of the United States from 1877 to the present. Areas of study include concepts of government and analysis of political institutions. This course meets the state requirement in U.S. history and government. Meets the General Education Requirement: Humanities: History.
HIST 200, The Varieties of History, 3 Units
This course introduces students to various approaches to the study and philosophy of the discipline of history, from the ancient to the contemporary and from different cultural perspectives. Particular attention is paid to Christian approaches to the study and meaning of the human story.
Prerequisite: Recommended: Any 100-level history course.
HIST 201, World Civilizations and Geography to 1648, 3 Units
This survey course incorporates human geography as a crucial means to understand the narrative of histories, religions, migrations, and forms of government of people and civilizations from the ancient times to 1648. In doing so, this course aims to study the distribution, processes, and effects of the human population on our planet during this time period.
Prerequisite: Liberal Studies Majors Only
HIST 202, United States History to 1930, 3 Units
Students in this course survey the political and cultural history of the United States from its colonial origins to 1930. Subject matter includes concepts of government and analysis of political institutions. Specifically, course material covers early exploration, the colonial era, and the War of Independence; the development of the U.S. Constitution and the early republic; the Civil War and Reconstruction; and the rise of industrial America. This course meets California requirements in U.S. history and government.
Prerequisite: Liberal studies majors only.
HIST 210, World Geography, 3 Units
This course is a study of cultural, historical, and political geography. It includes study of the ways people interact with their natural environments, the ways different cultures interact with one another, the global patterns of human migration and settlement, and the distinctive natural, linguistic, cultural, and political features of different regions of the world.
HIST 235, Cultural History/Travel Study, 3 Units
This interdisciplinary course combines visits of major cultural and historical sites with academic study of the geography, history, art, literature, politics, and religion of the respective country, region, or continent. The course is taught by one or more faculty and developed around a history core from which each student may choose to develop an intensive focus upon art and architecture, history, literature, politics, or Church history. May be repeated for credit as topics/locations vary. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
HIST 238, History of California, 3 Units
Students in this course learn about the exploration, colonization, and development of Hispanic California; the coming of the Americans; and the political, economic, and cultural development of California since its acquisition by the United States.
HIST 300, Writing 3: Historical Research and Writing, 3 Units
Students in this course study historical methodology, focusing on the skills necessary for historical research and writing, and gain foundational knowledge of historiography. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines.
Prerequisite: Writing 2
HIST 311, Ancient Greece, 3 Units
This course is designed to introduce students to the laws, religions, art and architecture, philosophy, and governmental forms of Ancient Greece. Covers Myceanean Greece, Classical Sparta and Athens, Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, the Rise of Macedon, Alexander and the Hellenistic world, and the Greek experience under Roman rule.
HIST 312, Ancient Rome, 3 Units
This course is designed to introduce students to the laws, religions, art and architecture, philosophy, and governmental forms of Ancient Rome. Covers Republican and Imperial Rome, the Pax Romana, 3rd Century Crisis, and the Christianization and Fall of Rome.
HIST 320, Modern Africa, 3 Units
This course explores the political, social, cultural, and religious history of Africa from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present.
HIST 325, Topics in French History, 3 Units
This variable-topics course examines a select topic or theme of French history, and the relationship of France to the world. The course may be repeated for credit, as the topic varies. Taking a 100-level history course or FREN 101 prior to this course is recommended.
Prerequisite: 100-Level History course or FREN 101 recommended
HIST 334, History of American Foreign Affairs, 3 Units
This course is a study of American foreign affairs and international relations from 1776 to the present.
HIST 335, Cultural History/Travel Study, 3 Units
This cultural history course combines visits of major cultural and historical sites with academic study of the geography, history, art, literature, politics, and religion of the country, region, or continent. The interdisciplinary course is taught by a team of two to four faculty and developed around a history core, from which each student may choose to develop an intensive focus upon art and architecture, history, literature, politics, or church history.
HIST 338, History of California, 3 Units
Students learn about the exploration, colonization, and development of Hispanic California; the coming of the Americans; and the political, economic, and cultural development of California since its acquisition by the United States.
HIST 342, The American West, 3 Units
This course offers coverage of the exploration and development of the West, mining and stock-raising frontiers, railroads, and agriculture, and the effects of the frontier on American institutions.
HIST 346, History of American Immigration, 3 Units
This course examines immigration and ethnicity in America from the Colonial period to the present. Themes include ethnic formation, assimilation, nativism, and the relationship of ethnicity to American national identity. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
HIST 350, Medieval Europe, 3 Units
This course is a study of Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance.
HIST 352, Renaissance and Reformation, 3 Units
This course is a study of Europe from the 15th century to 1648. It covers intellectual, social, and political changes, and religious revolt and wars.
HIST 357, Enlightenment Europe, 3 Units
This course studies European history from 1648-1789. The course focuses on the intellectual and cultural movement known as the Enlightenment and its effects on politics, diplomacy, economics, society, and religion.
HIST 358, Europe 1789-1914, 3 Units
This course studies European political, intellectual, social, diplomatic, and religious history from the French Revolution to the start of World War I.
HIST 359, Europe 1914-1992, 3 Units
This course studies European political, intellectual, social, diplomatic, and religious history from World War I to the fall of the Soviet Union.
HIST 360, History of the Middle East I: Early and Medieval Islam, 3 Units
This course covers the historical foundations of the premodern Middle East beginning with the pre-Islamic Near East and Arabia and continuing with Muhammad and the origins of the Islamic tradition; the establishment of regional Islamic rule, ideology, and institutions; and the medieval dynasties up to and including the Ottomans. The course primarily focuses on general political narrative, but also considers social and cultural dynamics of the early and medieval Islamic world.
HIST 361, History of the Middle East II: Modern Middle East, 3 Units
This course covers the historical foundations of the early modern and modern Middle East, beginning with later Ottoman history (18th century) and continuing through to the present day. It covers a variety of countries/communities within the region, including Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel/Palestine, and it also includes a variety of topics within this chronological and geographical expanse, such as nationalisms, ideologies, social movements, and cultural identity.
HIST 365, History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, 3 Units
This course covers the historical dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the beginnings of early Zionist thought and settlement in the late 19th century to the present day.
HIST 368, A Year in Time, 3 Units
Taking a global approach, this course examines the political, intellectual, cultural, social, diplomatic, and religious developments of one specific year in history. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of primary resources in historical research and writing. The course may be repeated for credit with a change of topic or year studied
HIST 374, Colonial Era, 3 Units
This course is a study of the English colonies in America during 1609-1776. Themes include institutions, life, and customs, intercolonial relations, imperial control; and the movement for independence.
HIST 376, The Revolution and the Republic, 3 Units
This course examines major topics in the history of the United States between the American Revolution and the early antebellum period, paying special attention to the impact of political development on religion, culture, and economic systems, and gender, ethnic, and racial interactions.
HIST 380, Civil War and Reconstruction, 3 Units
This course is a study of the causes of sectional conflict, the Civil War, and political, social, and economic reconstruction (1850-77).
HIST 382, Emergence of Modern America, 3 Units
This course is a study of the period 1878-1918, including political and intellectual change, the advent of big business, urbanization, reform, and the coming of World War I.
HIST 386, Modern America, 3 Units
This course is a study of the intellectual, political, economic, and social history of America from 1918 to the present.
HIST 389, Modern American Intellectual History, 3 Units
This course introduces students to some of the most important ideas, thinkers, and intellectual debates that have shaped life in the United States from the late nineteenth century through the present. Through a study of movements including pragmatism, progressivism, liberalism, and conservatism, the course examines the role of science, philosophy, and religion in providing intellectual foundations for liberal democracy. It also examines the relationship between modernity and postmodernity, and traces the growth of the American university system as a primary institutional site for intellectual life
HIST 392, Colonial Latin America, 3 Units
Utilizing primary and secondary sources, music, film, and literature, this course examines the history of Colonial America (c. 1460s-1820s), with particular emphasis on the role of Christianity in the development, success, and failure of the Spanish imperial project in the New World.
Prerequisite: HIST 120
HIST 393, Ritual and Re-enactment in Modern Latin America, 3 Units
Utilizing primary and secondary sources, music, film, and literature, this course examines the history of modern Latin America (c. 1820s-present), from its colonial legacy to its nation-building period, revolutions and coups to modern manifestations, with special emphasis on its relationship to the United States and developments in local Christianity.
Prerequisite: HIST 121
HIST 401, Humanities Seminar, 6 Units
Subject matter for this course varies. The pre-announced topic is addressed from an interdisciplinary perspective and includes some of the following: history, literature, sociology, art, religion, biblical studies, and language. Each time this course is offered it is further defined with a subtitle.
HIST 402, Historical Research Skills, 6 Units
Subject matter for this course varies. The course emphasizes one of the following: historical research skills, archaeological methods, or language study. The course includes access to primary archival resources, field experiences, and/or trips to historical sites. Each time this course is offered it is further defined with a subtitle.
HIST 403, Church History Seminar, 6 Units
Subject matter for this course varies. The course includes an intensive study of a specific era in church history. Each time this course is offered it is further defined with a subtitle.
HIST 404, Archaeology Field Experience, 6 Units
This field experience is only offered at the Wadi Natrun archaeological dig in Egypt. It includes hands-on field experience.
HIST 420, Topics in Cinema and History, 3 Units
This course explores the relationship between film and history regarding a specific historical era, studying films made at that era and about that era. Students are expected to attend weekly film screenings in addition to scheduled classes. This course may be repeated once for credit as the topic varies.
Prerequisite: WRIT 110
HIST 484, Historical Themes, 3 Units
Subject matter for this course varies and may include topics in non-Western, European, and United States history. This course may be repeated for credit.
HIST 496, Senior Seminar in Faith and History, 3 Units
This seminar focuses on what it means to integrate the Christian faith with the study of history. Students explore a variety of Christian historiographies and write a substantial work of original historical scholarship. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning.
Prerequisite: Senior standing, and completion of HIST 300.
HIST 497, Readings, 1-4 Units
This course consists of a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between and designed by a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
HIST 498, Directed Research, 1-4 Units
This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
HIST 499, Thesis/Project, 1-4 Units
This is a senior-level capstone type of independent study/research experience, involving the student in a unique project with a sophisticated level of research, synthesis, analysis, and communication. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying readings, log, instructor discussions, and writing of summary analysis and conclusions. The thesis or project may result in a formal thesis, published article, electronic media, or artistic creation of a material form. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill the preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this course.
Prerequisite: HIST 300 or instructor consent, and senior standing.
HIST 499H, Thesis/Project - Honors, 3 Units
This is a senior-level "capstone" type of independent study/research experience, involving the student in a unique project with a sophisticated level of research, synthesis, analysis and communication. The one-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying readings, log, instructor discussions, and writing of summary analysis and conclusions. The thesis or project may result in formal thesis, published article, electronic media, or artistic creation of a material form. No more than one unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and upper-division writing intensive course completed. Must also be a student admitted to the Honors Collegeand be considered a member in "active" status.
POLI 150, American Government, 3 Units
This course is a study of the institutions and processes of American government on the local, state, and national levels. This course meets the state requirement for U.S. history and government. Meets the General Education Requirement: Civic Knowledge and Engagement.
POLI 160, Introduction to Politics, 3 Units
This course introduces the beginning political science student to the fundamental themes and enduring problems of political life.
POLI 180, Intro to International Relations, 3 Units
This course introduces students to the academic study of international relations, beginning with classical discussions about the interaction of peoples, continuing to focus on modern nations and their trade, diplomacy, foreign aid and conflicts. Students will consider the challenges faced within particular world regions beyond the West, with units on Latin America, Africa, Asia, Middle East, and their particular regional opportunities. Also covered are particular problems of international relations of our time - nuclear/chemical/biological weapons, terrorism, and cyber conflict, as well as international opportunities including strategies to achieve greater economic development, trade, and communication.
POLI 210, Current Events, 3 Units
Students explore selected current domestic and foreign policy issues.
POLI 220, State and Local Government, 3 Units
This course offers a comparison of the organizations, processes, and functions of local government in the United States, including counties, cities, and special districts.
POLI 250, Introduction to Criminal Law, 3 Units
This course introduces students to the concepts of criminal law, including history and development, constitutional limitations on crimes and punishment, principles of criminal liability, criminal defenses, inchoate crimes, and elements of crimes against persons, property, and habitation.
POLI 260, Introduction to Legal Transactions, 3 Units
This course provides an overview of personal and business legal transactions, introducing students to the importance of the law, concepts of business formation and transactions, corporations, contracts, intellectual property, cyberlaw, employment law, bankruptcy, and estate planning.
POLI 271, Political Topics, 3 Units
Subject matter for this course varies and may include topics in political theory, American government, and international affairs. Possible topics include: nuclear arms, religion and politics, and presidential elections. POLI 271 and POLI 471 may not be taken concurrently, and additional work is required in POLI 471. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies. Up to eight units may be earned for participation in seminars offered by the American Studies Program.
POLI 300, Writing 3: Research and Writing, 3 Units
This writing-intensive course emphasizes the research and writing skills common to the disciplines of history and political science. It is strongly recommended that students take this course before taking any other 300- or 400-level history or political science courses. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines.
Prerequisite: Writing 2
POLI 310, Political Geography, 3 Units
This course considers the impact of geography on political life broadly understood, including population and migration, governments and political institutions, national boundaries and border conflicts, economic development, trade and cultural relations between nations and peoples, and the development and future of the nation.
POLI 320, Comparative Politics, 3 Units
This course offers a comparative study of major political systems. The communist, socialist, and democratic systems are compared as they have been applied in various states.
POLI 325, Seminar in International Relations, 3 Units
This course facilitates focused inquiry into one or more pre-announced subjects relating to current international relations. Possible topics include nuclear weapons, cybersecurity, or humanitarian relief assistance. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies.
Prerequisite: POLI 180 or instructor's consent
POLI 350, Constitutional Law: Fundamental Freedoms, 3 Units
This course analyzes U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to constitutional civil rights and liberties found in the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment, including freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly; the right to bear arms; due process and equal protection; and political rights related to representation, voting, and naturalization.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor consent
POLI 351, Constitutional Law: Criminal Justice, 3 Units
The course analyzes U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to the constitutional protections offered to criminal defendants found in the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment, including the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, the privilege against self-incrimination, the right to counsel, the right to a jury trial, the protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment, and other due process guarantees.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor consent
POLI 352, Constitutional Law: National Powers, 3 Units
This course is an inquiry into the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution concerning the powers of the states, the president, Congress, and the courts.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor consent
POLI 353, Seminar on Legal Studies, 3 Units
This course is a study of forms of law school writing, the profession of the law, and the philosophy of law as it has developed from ancient to contemporary times. The course is primarily for students intending to pursue a career in law and should ideally be taken by students in their junior year.
Prerequisite: POLI 350 or POLI 351 or POLI 352 or instructor consent
POLI 360, Classical Political Thought, 3 Units
This course is a study of ancient Greek political thought with some reference to Roman and medieval political thought. The course focuses on ideas of justice, nature, and human nature.
POLI 363, Modern Political Thought, 3 Units
This course is a study of major political thinkers from the 16th century to the present.
POLI 376, The American Founding, 3 Units
This is a study of the central ideas of American constitutional democracy as they are illuminated in selected writings of the American founders and in modern contemporary scholarship on the American founding.
POLI 380, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, 3 Units
This course considers the sources, history, and motivations behind terrorism, the tools and tactics employed by terrorists, and terrorist organizations' political objectives, with emphasis on recent and current terrorism. Students also consider the phenomenon of state terrorism, the theory and practice of counterterrorism, and the variety of Christian responses to terrorism.
POLI 381, Theories of International Relations, 3 Units
This course is a detailed examination of the major classical, modern, and postmodern theoretical schools of thought that inform the study of International Relations. Readings include original classic treatises and monograph length statements of theory, alongside recent publications.
Prerequisite: POLI 180 or Instructor consent
POLI 382, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, 3 Units
This course provides a comprehensive examination of theoretical approaches to the analysis of foreign policy, as well as an examination of the conduct of U.S. diplomacy abroad. Case studies are used to illustrate analytical models, and active learning through team-based simulation emphasizes the practical aspects of negotiation and statecraft.
Prerequisite: POLI 180 or instructor's consent
POLI 383, National Security, 3 Units
This course addresses the definition and pursuit of national security by means of a thorough-going review of essential offices and institutions, assessing the relevant policymaking process, exploring principles of strategic theory, and defining symmetric and asymmetric security threats.
Prerequisite: POLI 180 or instructor's consent
POLI 385, Politics of Developing Countries, 3 Units
This course considers the governmental structures and political orientation of developing countries and the essential theories devised respecting their political past, present, and future.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
POLI 390, History and Politics of the Non-Western World, 3 Units
This course offers an overview of historical and political patterns in one pre-announced selected area of the non-Western developing world. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies.
POLI 399, Political Science Practicum, 1-8 Units
This practicum gives credit for field work in an area of government or law chosen by the student. The CCCU American Studies Program (see APU's Center for Global Learning and Engagement) offers internship opportunities in Washington, DC, or students may find opportunities on their own. Local opportunities include federal, state, and local government agencies and legislative offices, political campaigns, and law offices. Up to 8 units may be earned. Only 6 units are counted toward the political science major (3 required units; 3 units as elective credit), and 3 units toward the political science minor. All other units count as elective credit.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required
POLI 400, Seminar on American Politics, 3 Units
This course facilitates inquiry into one pre-announced aspect of American politics, such as political parties, voting behavior, or interest groups. This course may be repeated for credit as the topic varies.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor consent
POLI 405, The American Presidency, 3 Units
This course presents an overview of the American presidency, including the historical development of the presidency, contributions of individual presidents to the executive office, presidential authority and politics in the modern era, the presidential election process, and the role of the executive branch.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor consent
POLI 410, Congress, 3 Units
This course provides an overview of the functioning of Congress as an institution. Topics include the historical evolution of Congress, changes in internal rules and procedures that guide congressional action, the role of Congress within the federal system, and external influences on the legislative process.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor consent
POLI 415, The Federal Judiciary, 3 Units
This course provides an overview of the federal judicial system, with particular attention given to the power and function of the U.S. Supreme Court, methods of constitutional interpretation, judicial selection, and the role of the judiciary in the constitutional system of government.
Prerequisite: POLI 150 or instructor consent
POLI 420, Women in Politics, 3 Units
This course examines women's participation in public office at the local, regional, national, and international levels and explores potential differences between men and women in the areas of campaigning and political leadership, policy preferences, and governing styles.
Prerequisite: POLI 150
POLI 421, Regional Studies, 3 Units
This course is a comparative political analysis of a specific global region (e.g., Middle East, Eastern Europe, East Asia, Central America, etc.), with empirical emphases on the region's political history, forms of government, security problems, and cultural dynamics. As regions covered will vary, the course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: POLI 180 or instructor's consent
POLI 422, International Organizations, 3 Units
This course examines the variety of modern international organizations, and their respective missions and operations. Organizations with legal, security, economic, health, civil-society, and judicial portfolios are considered.
Prerequisite: POLI 180 or instructor's consent
POLI 450, Principles and Practice of Research Design, 3 Units
This course presents a fundamental overview of the principles and practice of political science research design. Topics include introduction to scientific inquiry, research design construction, ethical principles, modes of observation, types of data analysis, and reading and writing social research.
Prerequisite: POLI 300 or upper division writing intensive course
POLI 471, Political Topics, 3 Units
Subject matter for this course varies and may include topics in political theory, American government, and international affairs. Possible topics include: foundations of liberty, nuclear arms, religion and politics, and presidential elections. This course may be repeated for credit, as the topic varies.
POLI 496, Senior Seminar: Religion and Politics, 3 Units
This seminar focuses on the ethical, political, and historical implications of ideas in their historical context and in contemporary society. Students consider significant ideas and concepts, their integration and interaction with other disciplines and the Christian faith, and consider application of those ideas to current political, social or moral problems. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning.
Prerequisite: Senior standing, completion of Writing 3 (HIST 300 or POLI 300).
POLI 497, Readings, 1-4 Units
This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between and designed by a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
POLI 498, Directed Research, 1-4 Units
This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
POLI 499, Thesis/Project, 1-4 Units
This is a senior-level "capstone" type of independent study/research experience, involving the student in a unique project with a sophisticated level of research, synthesis, analysis, and communication. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no fewer than 30 hours of work with accompanying readings, log, instructor discussions, and writing of summary analysis and conclusions. The thesis or project may result in formal thesis, published article, electronic media, or artistic creation of a material form. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
Prerequisite: Upper-division writing intensive course or instructor consent; and junior or senior standing
PRHI 120, World Civilizations to 1648, 3 Units
This survey course deals with the customs, cultures, religions, and forms of government of peoples from ancient times to 1648. Meets the General Education Requirement: Humanities: History.
PRHI 121, World Civilizations Since 1648, 3 Units
This survey course deals with the customs, cultures, religions, and forms of government of peoples from 1648 to the present. Meets the General Education Requirement: Humanities: History.
PRHI 151, United States History to 1877, 3 Units
This course surveys the political and cultural history of the United States up to 1865. Areas of study include concepts of government and analysis of political institutions. This course meets the state requirement in U.S. history and government. Meets the General Education Requirement: Humanities: History.
PRPO 150, American Government, 3 Units
This course is a study of the institutions and processes of American government on the local, state, and national levels. This course meets the state requirement for U.S. history and government. Meets the General Education Requirement: Civic Knowledge and Engagement.
PRPO 250, Introduction to Criminal Law, 3 Units
This course introduces students to the concepts of criminal law, including history and development, constitutional limitations on crimes and punishment, principles of criminal liability, criminal defenses, inchoate crimes, and elements of crimes against persons, property, and habitation.
PRPO 350, Constitutional Law: Fundamental Freedoms, 3 Units
This course analyzes U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to constitutional civil rights and liberties found in the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment, including freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly; the right to bear arms; due process and equal protection; and political rights related to representation, voting, and naturalization.
Prerequisite: PRPO 150 or instructor's consent
PRPO 380, Studies of Terrorism, 3 Units
This course considers the sources, history, and motivations behind terrorism, the tools and tactics employed by terrorists, and terrorist organizations' political objectives, with emphasis on recent and current terrorism. Students also consider the phenomenon of state terrorism, the theory and practice of counterterrorism, and the variety of Christian responses to terrorism.
Faculty
Interim Chair
Nori Henk, PhD, Sociology
Associate Professors
Douglas Hume, JD, Political Science
Ethan Schrum, PhD, History
Abbylin Sellers, PhD, Political Science
Adjunct Faculty
Brian Plummer, PhD, History
Christopher Castile, MA, Political Science
Joseph Lake, PhD, Political Science
Alain Leon, MA, Political Science
Lucas Mather, PhD, Political Science
Lisa Matthews, MA, History
Lacey Romano, MA, History
Jocelyn Sorensen, MA, History
Faculty Emeriti
Bradley Hale, PhD, History
Bryan Lamkin, PhD, History
Daniel C. Palm, PhD, Political Science