History and Political Science (BA)

This program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences/Social Sciences Department and is only available at the St. Louis main campus.

Program Description

The BA in history and political science combines the study of the past with the examination of contemporary political institutions, issues, and movements.  Students in this flexible, interdisciplinary program will draw connections between historical developments and contemporary political issues.  Along the way, they will choose an emphasis in either history or political science.  Both emphases prepare students for a wide variety of careers by training them to think critically about a variety of theoretical perspectives, analyze evidence, and construct convincing historical arguments and political analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of this program will be able to:

• Discuss the outlines of the history of the modern world (since 1500).
• describe different types of political systems and international institutions.
• History emphasis:
  • Discuss one geographic area or historical epoch in depth.
  • Make historical arguments using concrete illustrations and examples.
• Political Science emphasis:
  • Discuss the political institutions and processes of the United States.
  • Evaluate the international and transnational dimensions of particular problems and policies.

Degree Requirements

For information on the general requirements for a degree, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements under the Academic Policies and Information section of this catalog.

• 36 required credit hours within the History, Politics and International Relations Department
  
  • For the emphasis in history, 27 credit hours must be in history courses and 6 credit hours must be in political science and/or international relations courses. 
  • For the emphasis in political science, 27 credit hours must be in political science and/or international relations courses and 6 credit hours must be in history courses. 
• 3 international language requirement credit hours
• Applicable University Global Citizenship Program hours
• Electives

All courses fulfilling the history major requirements must be completed with a grade of C- or better. 

At least 18 credit hours within the major must be completed at Webster University.

International Language Requirement

• A minimum of 3 credit hours in a foreign language is required. Courses used toward the international language requirement may also be used to fulfill global citizenship requirements or a major/minor in a foreign language.
• Transfer students who have completed their 3 credit hours at an institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled the requirement, as are students who have scored a "3" or higher on an Advanced Placement exam in a non-native language.
• For students whose native language is not English, a passing grade on the TOEFL will count as their foreign language requirement. Students who are from bilingual families but have no evidence of academic study of the second language on a transcript will need to take one course.

History Emphasis

Program Description

Students in the history emphasis explore American, European, and non-western history, with the opportunity to tailor their studies to their interests.  They learn to read perceptively, craft historical arguments, use evidence effectively, and communicate their findings persuasively.  The history emphasis prepares students for a variety of careers, including in teaching, law school and graduate studies, and public service. 

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss one geographic area or historical epoch in depth.
• Make historical arguments using concrete illustrations and examples.

Curriculum

Historical Analysis (12 hours)

• U.S. history (3 hours)
• European history (3 hours)
• History of Asia, Africa or Latin America (3 hours)
• HIST elective (3 hours)

World History and Politics (9 hours)

• HIST 1000 World Systems since 1500 (3 hours)
• POLT 1050 Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)
  OR POLT 1080 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 hours)
• POLT/INTL elective (3 hours)

Skills Development (7 hours)

• HIST 1200 Careers in History, Politics and International Relations (1 hour)
• HIST 2600 The Craft of History (3 hours)
• HIST 2900 Encounters with History (3 hours)

Advanced Course Work and Skills Demonstration (9 hours)

• Upper-level HIST electives (6 hours)
• HIST 4000 Research Requirement (0 hours)
  writing of a substantial research paper in accordance with program guidelines and taken in conjunction with a designated upper-level course
• Upper-level elective in HIST, POLT or INTL (3 hours)

36 credit hours

Political Science Emphasis

Program Description

Students in the political science emphasis study political institutions and how they influence society, culture, and economics.  Students study both American and international politics, placing political structures and issues in historical context in order to build persuasive political arguments.  In doing so, they develop analytical and problem solving abilities and improve their communication skills.  The emphasis in political science prepares students for many career tracks, including in public service, law and graduate school, teaching, and the private sector. 

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the political institutions and processes of the United States.
• Evaluate the international and transnational dimensions of particular problems and policies.

Curriculum

Introductory Coursework (6 hours)

• INTL 1500 The World System since 1500 (3 hours)
• POLT 1060 Introduction to American Politics (3 hours)

U.S. Politics (3 hours chosen from)

• POLT 1250 Contemporary American Politics (3 hours)
• POLT 2060 Politics and Gender (3 hours)
• POLT 2070 Politics of Race and Ethnicity (3 hours)
• POLT 3310 Conduct of Foreign Policy (3 hours)
• POLT 3320 American National Institutions (3 hours)
• POLT 4300 Advanced Studies in American Politics (3-4 hours)

Comparative Politics (3 hours chosen from)

• POLT 1080 Comparative Politics (3 hours)
• POLT 2250 Politics of the Industrialized World (3 hours)
• POLT 2550 Politics of the Developing World (3 hours)
• POLT 3400 Comparative Politics (3 hours)
• POLT 4400 Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics (3 hours)

International Relations (3 hours chosen from)

• POLT 1050 Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)
• POLT 4100 Advanced Studies in International Relations (3 hours)
• INTL 2030 International Law (3 hours)
• INTL 3700 International Political Economy (3 hours)
• INTL 3800 International Security (3 hours)

Skills Development (6 hours)

• POLT 1200 Careers in History, Politics and International Relations (XXXX)
• POLT 1550 Political Argumentation and Debate (3 hours)
• POLT 2600 Methods of Political Inquiry (3 hours)

Electives (6 hours)

• POLT/INTL elective (3 hours)
• HIST elective (3 hours)

Advanced Coursework and Skills Development (9 hours)

• Upper-level POLT/INTL electives (6 hours)
• POLT 4000 Research Requirement (0 hours)
  writing of a substantial research paper in accordance with program guidelines and taken in conjunction with a designated upper-level course
• Upper-level elective in HIST, POLT, or INTL (3 hours)

36 credit hours

Admission

See the Admission section of this catalog for general admission requirements. Students interested in applying must submit their application online at www.webster.edu/apply. Transcripts should be sent from your institution electronically to transcripts@webster.edu. If this service is not available, send transcripts to:

Office of Admission
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119