Department of History & Political Science

Majors & Requirements

The Department of History and Political Science offers majors in history, political science, and social science. These programs lead to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. (For the Bachelor of Arts degree the student must satisfy the following requirement: 6 hours of a required foreign language at the intermediate level.) Minors are offered in history, political science, legal studies, philosophy, and religion & philosophy. In addition, in cooperation with the College of Education, the department offers the academic coursework appropriate for the preparation and certification of secondary teachers in the fields of history and social science.

The history program is designed to serve students who wish to prepare for graduate study in history, for teaching history and social studies in the high schools, for entry into professional schools such as law, library science, journalism, seminary training, and for careers in business, educational institutions, and other areas which require a broad, general education.

Students with majors in history, political science, or social science, and those who choose history or social science as a teaching field for education certification, are required to take exit examinations for graduation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN HISTORY

World Civilization (HI 101,102)
United States History (HI 201, 202)
History & Historical Research (HI 301W)
21 hours in History Electives (300-400 level) with at least nine hours in non-U.S. history
Prescribed supporting course (CS 110 or higher numbered CIS course, CIS 125 or higher numbered CIS course, or ED 481).

Total=39 hours

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

U. S. Government & Politics (PS 241)
Introduction to Public Administration (PS 244)
Political Science Scope & Methods (PS 301W)
Comparative Government (PS 302)
World Politics (PS 303)
Political Theory (PS 304)
18 hours in Political Science Electives
Prescribed Computer course (CIS 125 or higher numbered CIS course)

TOTAL=39 HOURS

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN SOCIAL SCIENCE

HISTORY

World Civilization (HI 101,102)
United States History (HI 201, 202)
History & Historical Research (HI 301W)
History of Alabama (HI 361)
History Electives (300-400 level) with at least six hours in on-United States History

POLITICAL SCIENCE

U. S. Government & Politics (PS 241)
State and Local Government Politics (PS 243)
Constitutional History of the U.S. (PS 477)

GEOGRAPHY

World Regional Geography (GE 102)
Principles of Physical Geography I (GE 111)
Principles of Physical Geography II (GE 112)
6 hours Geography Electives (300-400) level

SOCIOLOGY

Introduction to Sociology (SO 221)
Cultural Anthropology (SO 350) or History of Social Thought (SO 423)

ECONOMICS

Principles of Macroeconomics (EC 251)
United States Economic History (EC 473)
6 hours Social Science Electives (300-400 level)
Prescribed Computer course (CS 110, or CIS 125, or higher) or Educational Technology (ED 481)

TOTAL=74 HOURS

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN HISTORY

World Civilization (HI 101,102)
United States History (HI 201, 202)
History & Historical Research (HI 301W)
9 hours in History Electives (300-400 level)

Total=24 hours

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

U. S. Government & Politics (PS 241)
3 hours Political Science Elective (300-400 level)
12 hours Political Science Electives (any level)

Total=18 hours

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN LEGAL STUDIES

Logic (PHL 202)
Judicial Process and Behavior (PS 344)
Constitutional History of the United States (PS 477)
9 hours Electives from the following list (at least 3 hours at 300-400 level):
- The Legal Environment of Business (BL 240)
- Business Law for Entrepreneurs (BL 381)
- Criminal Law (CJ 295)
- Criminal Evidence (CJ 430)
- Criminal Procedure (CJ 434)
- Communication Law and Regulation (COM 400)
- Technical Writing (EN 200W)
- Entertainment Industry Law (ENT 470W)
- Law and Society (SO 430)
- Internship (PS 495)
- Other courses with the approval of the Chair of the Department of History and Political Science

TOTAL=18 HOURS

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY

Introduction to Philosophy (PHL 201)
Logic (PHL 202)
Ethics (PHL 205)
9 hours Philosophy Electives (300-400 level)