History and Political Science

Purposes

• To emphasize rigorous analysis of political structures, historical changes and continuities, and human relationships;
• To train students in the craft of communicating their ideas orally and in writing with precision and formal organization; 
• To help students attain career-enhancing experiences outside the classroom; 
• To equip students for immediate entry into either graduate/law school or a chosen career.

Tradition of Excellence

The Department of History and Political Science has a strong tradition of encouraging scholarship for service. The faculty not only have doctorates from renowned universities and personal scholarly pursuits, they also have abiding commitments to helping students learn about the people, events, and political structures that have created, and are creating, the world in which we live. The classroom goal of understanding is coupled with Wesleyan emphasis on human responsibility and creativity: To whom much is given, much is expected. Each of the four majors offers distinct avenues of study and career options; however, the students and faculty are joined in the belief that intelligent and wise Christians can be a force for good in the world. Small classes, student clubs, student-faculty dinners, shared travel opportunities, internship experiences, visiting lectures, and tight-knit departmental friendships provide the possibility of a fulfilling scholarly life in Colt Hall. Housed also in Colt Hall and overseen by department faculty are the Margaret Stevenson Center for Women's Studies and the Pre-Law Program.

Career Opportunities

Most graduates pursue careers in social service, government, teaching, ministry, and law. The department helps students find internships that fit career targets. Over the last decade a strong track record has been established for placing students, often with excellent scholarships and fellowships, in high-quality graduate schools, including UC Berkeley, Harvard, Yale, UCSD, and UCLA. Our hope is that these who are beginning their post-graduate careers will follow in the footsteps of established alumni who include college professors, librarians, directors of relief agencies, judges, public policy experts, school administrators, diplomats, leaders within religious denominations, and a university president. Students are encouraged and empowered in the department to be creative with their lives in the service of church, community, nation, and world.

Majors
History
International Studies
        Concentrations
        Africa
        Asia
        Europe
        Latin America
        Middle East
        Peace Studies
        Russia and the Former Soviet Union
Political Science
Social Science 

Minor
History

Course Descriptions 

Faculty 

Linda M. Beail, Ph.D.
University of Iowa

Diana Reynolds Cordileone, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego

Rick A. Kennedy, Ph.D.
University of California, Santa Barbara

Jaeyoon Kim, Ph.D.
University of Oregon

Lindsey J. H. Lupo, Ph.D.
University of California, Irvine

Kelli McCoy, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego

Rosco B. Williamson, Ph.D., Chair
University of California, San Diego

William A. Wood, Ph.D.
Indiana University