Nov 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

History/Political Science - History Concentration, BA


Historic and civic literacy are critical cornerstones to building sustainable communities in the 21st century. The interdisciplinary History- Political Science major provides the foundation for future leaders in education, law, business, the nonprofit sector, public service, journalism, public policy, and government to successfully connect and apply understandings between historical and political forces that shape our world and polity.   Interdisciplinary study across four thematic areas (Ancient History, Medieval-Early Modern History, US History and Politics, Modern History and Politics) is balanced with targeted expertise as students choose either a History or Political Science concentration as best suited for their career goals and interests.   The major also prioritizes internships, along with improving students’ writing, oral communication, and analytical skills. 

Note: Concentration must be declared by junior year for four-year SJC students.  Transfer students must declare concentration upon entrance to SJC.

Completing the History-Political Science program provides student with:

  • Historical Literacy: Fostering an appreciation and broad understanding of the past by examining relevant historical information from primary and secondary sources.
  • Civic Literacy: Fostering informed citizenship through the study of international relations, American politics, comparative politics, and political theory.
  • Analytical Reasoning: Effectively applying methods of analysis, synthesis, and selection to diverse bodies of historical and political information. 
  • Theoretical and Methodological Competency: Constructively employing historiographical models, paradigms, quantitative and qualitative theories, and techniques.
  • Professional Formation and Communication: Developing professional readiness, including effective oral and written communication of knowledge and analyses.

Courses required for the History/Political Science major- History Concentration


Note:


Course marked with an asterisk * cannot be applied to more than one major requirement.

HPS 390 - History / Political Science Special Topics  or  HPS 393 - History / Political Science Independent Study  can be applied to any of the four content areas as applicable.

Core Curriculum


In addition, all students must fulfill the college’s core curriculum  requirements and meet the 120 credit graduation requirement.  The First Year Experience (FYE) Seminar  is a requirement for all first-year students.

Core Curriculum Requirements


Philosophical Inquiry (4 credit)


Quantitative Reasoning (4 credit) *Appendix 1


Choose one:

Written Communication (3 credit)


Historic and Civic Literacy for Effective Citizenship (3 credit) *Appendix 4


Artistic Exploration and Expression (3 credit)


  • Any Fine Arts (AT) course

Literary Exploration and Expression (3 credit)


First-Year Experience (1 credit)


Appendix


One option (Mode #3) to meet core curriculum outcomes is to actively and intentionally engage in experiences that allow for careful reflection and assessment. This is designed to encourage and increase flexibility in the new LSC Core. Mode #3 is optional. It can use to to fulfill a maximum of two Mode #1 Categories.

Three to four credits may be earned by way of an approved experiential equivalency for a maximum of two Mode #1 Categories. Students are required to seek out a faculty sponsor with expertise in the subject matter to assist them in navigating the experiential equivalency process, along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. 

Guidelines for establishing credit weight: Depending on the nature and extent of the experience, students can gain three or four credits. Students who provide supporting documentation (letters from community partners, organizations or agencies where the experience took place), complete the experiential equivalency benchmarks and the portfolio can earn credit. The narrative and reflection within the portfolio will vary along with the nature of other deliverables (art projects, brochures, podcasts, blog postings, video presentations, etc.).

PRIOR EXPERIENCE: For those seeking credit for a prior learning experience, students will need to complete a screening questionnaire. This questionnaire allows a faculty sponsor and the Office of Academic Affairs to properly evaluate the experience, the amount of credits that may be applied and provides insights as to what core outcome(s) may be fulfilled. Once the questionnaire has been reviewed, the faculty sponsor and Associate Dean will meet with the student to discuss the project plan moving forward. Once the project plan is approved and benchmarks are provided, the student will be enrolled in the Brightspace course. The student will then have 15 weeks to complete the portfolio.

PLANNED EXPERIENCE: This process needs to be planned in consultation with a faculty sponsor. The faculty sponsor and student must complete an experiential equivalency project plan which will then be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for review. This project plan will be mapped out for the upcoming semester. The project plan must include benchmarks to assess progress throughout the time frame agreed upon. Once the project plan is approved and benchmarks are provided, the student will be enrolled in the Brightspace course. The student will then have 15 weeks to complete the portfolio.

EE 100 Core Experiential Equivalency (3-4 Credits): This course allows students to use prior or planned experiences to meet Mode #1 core curriculum outcomes. A faculty sponsor is required along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. 

EE 101 Core Experiential Equivalency (3-4 Credits): This course allows students to use prior or planned experiences to meet Mode #1 core curriculum outcomes. A faculty sponsor is required along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs.