The History, Politics, and Global Affairs major prepares students to engage with systems of power both locally and globally in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. The major is a carefully structured course of study rooted in deep disciplinary knowledge in the fields of history, politics, complementary disciplines, deep and comprehensive research methods, and an interdisciplinary approach to important policy, practice, and public service questions. It is designed to meet a wide range of academic interests and professional goals. It combines academic inquiry with practical hands-on learning experiences to give students opportunity to develop leadership and advocacy skills and explore career options. With this major, students will graduate prepared to meet the demands of global citizenship and with the necessary tools for understanding and applying their values to a rapidly changing world. Students majoring in this area acquire knowledge and skills applicable in various professional settings. Many pursue careers in law, government, public policy, international organizations, non-profit organizations, international development, social work, journalism, business, and teaching. The specific content and methods of the major will prepare students for graduate study in law, politics, public policy, international affairs, political thought, education, non-profit organizations, and history.
Student Learning Objectives
Requirements for the Major:
The major requires 40-52 hours of coursework, depending on how many courses a student must take to complete the Cultural Competency requirement. Students must complete at least 12 hours of HIS and 12 hours of POL coursework.
A. Foundations (12 hours from the following)
HIS 120 Early Civilizations 3 hours
HIS 125 The Emergence of the Modern World 3 hours
HIS 130 The American Experience to 1877 3 hours
HIS 135 The American Experience since 1877 3 hours
POL 115 American Politics 3 hours
POL 222 Comparative Politics 3 hours
POL 230 International Relations 3 hours
POL 240 Introduction to Political Thought 3 hours
B. Research and Professional Development (10 hours)
HIS/POL 207 Professional Development Practicum 1 hour
HIS 300 Historical Methods 3 hours
POL 332 Political Science Research Methods 3 hours
HIS/POL 480 Senior Research Seminar 3 hours
C. Cultural Competency (0-12 hours, completion of the 212 level in one language or the 102 level in one language plus two of the following)
AST 250 Introduction to Chinese Culture 3 hours
FRN 300 Seminar in Francophone Studies 3 hours
HIS 210 The West in the Classical Age 3 hours
HIS 215 Reacting to the Past 3 hours
HIS 257 African-American History 3 hours
HIS 267 Women in World History 3 hours
POL 225 Gender and Politics 3 hours
POL/ESC 260 Interpretations of Land and Nature 3 hours
SPA 300 Seminar in Latin American Studies 3 hours
TRA XXX Study Abroad 3-6 hours
D. Concentrations (18 hours; 3 from 2 categories or 2 from 3 categories; no more than 6 hours total at the 200 level)
1. Historical Interpretation
HIS 210 The West in the Classical Age 3 hours (if not taken to fulfill C)
HIS 304 Oral History 3 hours
HIS 306 Archives and HIstory 3 hours
HIS 328 Gendered Foodways of the Atlantic World 3 hours
HIS 342 Modern Europe 3 hours
HIS 344 Modern Latin America 3 hours
HIS 346 Modern East Asia 3 hours
HIS 347 Modern Middle East 3 hours
HIS 350 Seminar in US History 3 hours
HIS 352 20th Century American Wars 3 hours
HIS 357 Seminar in Women's History 3 hours
HIS 358 Public History 3 hours
POL 300 Foundations of Political Thought 3 hours
2. Policy and Law
HIS/POL 320 American Constitutional Development 3 hours
POL 250 Introduction to Public Policy 3 hours
POL 306 Environmental Politics and Policy 3 hours
POL 319 International Law 3 hours
POL 342 International Organizations 3 hours
POL 356 Activisim and Political Organization 3 hours
3. Global Affairs
HIS 305 Empires and Diaspora 3 hours
HIS 323 Genocide 3 hours
HIS 328 Gendered Foodways of the Atlantic World 3 hours (if not taken to fulfill D.1)
HIS/POL 348 Terror and Terrorism in the Modern World 3 hours
POL 245 Model United Nations 1 hour (repeatable up to 3 hours)
POL 305 Democracy and Democratization in the Contemporary World 3 hours
POL 328 United States Foreign Policy 3 hours
POL 335 Politics of the Developing World 3 hours
POL 351 Nuclear Weapons and International Security 3 hours
Students are strongly encouraged to add a minor or second major. Suggestions include:
Professional Development: Throughout her Wesleyan education each student is given opportunities to explore professional and career choices, and to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for professional success. Each student will complete PDE 350 Professional Practice Seminar and PDE 400 Professional Development Experience.
For History, Politics, and Global Affairs majors, these opportunities occur within HIS/POL 207, the Professional Development Practicum. Majors will enroll in this one-hour seminar the fall semester of their sophomore year.
Integrative Experience: Each student will complete the HIS/POL 480 Senior Research Seminar. In this capstone course, majors will undertake a significant research-based project in which they make connections among the various parts of their course of study and employ sound methodology.
First Year, Fall
First Year, Spring*
Second Year, Fall
Second Year, Spring
Third Year, Fall**
Third Year, Spring
Fourth Year, Fall
Fourth Year, Spring
* Students are encouraged to take PDE 100 Career and Major Exploration this semester.
** Students may register for PDE 350 Professional Practice Seminar and PDE 400 Professional Development Experience after completing 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
Important Note
Some courses that fulfill the major's requirements can also be used to fulfill a student's general education requirements.
Please check the Wesleyan College Course Catalogue for additional information about general education requirements, including the number an dtype of major-specific courses you may use to fulfill them. Students interested in majoring in HPGA are encouraged to work with their advisors to develop a plan of study tailored to their individual interests and career goals.
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