HIS 321: Political Development, Government, and Law in History

Goal: This course offers students an in-depth exploration of political systems throughout different societies and historical periods. The course challenges students to achieve four primary goals: First, students will develop an in-depth understanding of one or more topics such as constitutional development, legal frameworks, concepts of citizenship, and state formation across diverse cultural contexts. Second, students will learn to critically analyze complex political dynamics by applying advanced theoretical frameworks to the changing relationships between states and individuals. Third, students will synthesize diverse political perspectives by integrating viewpoints from various governance traditions and approaches to state-building. Finally, students will communicate sophisticated political interpretations with scholarly language, supporting their claims through appropriate primary and secondary source evidence. Through these objectives, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how political institutions emerge, evolve, and influence human communities over time.
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory completion of the College’s writing proficiency requirement or permission of the instructor.
Credit: 3
Degree Level: Undergraduate