Department of 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 three 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 Institute of Politics and Public Service.

Career Opportunities

Most graduates pursue careers in law, social service, government, teaching, public policy, non-profit organizations, international relations, business, public affairs, urban planning, public administration, and ministry. 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, Cornell, 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.

Faculty

Linda Beail, Ph.D.
University of Iowa

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

Jaeyoon Kim, Ph.D.
University of Oregon

Lindsey Lupo, Ph.D., Co-Chair
University of California, Irvine

Kelli McCoy, Ph.D., Co-Chair
University of California, San Diego

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

William Wood, Ph.D.
Indiana University

Programs

Major

Point Loma Nazarene University offers four baccalaureate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Many of the 50+ major programs also offer in-depth concentrations.

If a second major area of study is desired, all requirements for both majors must be met with a minimum of 24 units distinguishing the two areas of study. While working on a single baccalaureate degree, the maximum number of pursuits is two majors and two minors.

Students should review the majors and minors list in the catalog.

Minor

Optional minors are offered in several schools and departments. The requirements governing minors are as follows:

Only minors that appear in the student’s catalog of record may be earned at the point of graduation;
A minor is at least 16 units and is under the direct auspices of the respective school/department;
Students must earn a 2.000 cumulative GPA in the minor for it to be granted;
The minor must show a minimum of nine (9) units in residence;
Of the 16+ units in the minor, nine (9) must be distinct from and not counted in the major;
Of the 16+ units in the minor, 12 must be at the upper-division level;
The pass/no credit option is not available for courses within the minor; and
A second minor, when feasible, requires a minimum of nine (9) units distinct from and not counted either in the major or in the first minor.

Courses

History

Political Science