History, Politics and Global Affairs, BA

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.

• The disciplines in this major are among the top five of students who plan to attend law school. Students planning to attend law school should consider combining the major with the Pre-Law minor, working with faculty to design a professional development experience in the legal field during the second and third year, and working with the pre-law advisor to prepare for the LSAT during the junior year.
• Students interested in government or public service careers should consider a double major in Religion, Philosophy, and Social Change; a minor in History, Political Science, Spanish, or Communication.
• Students planning to apply to graduate programs should study a foreign language through at least the 212 level and complete at least one research-focused course and the Graduate Record Exam well before their senior years. Early and frequent discussion with the departmental faculty about your plans for graduate study is strongly advised.
• Those interested in teaching social studies or history in middle or high schools should combine the History, Politics, and Global Affairs major with the Secondary Education minor.
• Those wishing to enter the fields of public history, archival studies, or museum studies should complete the minor in public history and work with the history faculty to tailor professional development experiences in relevant institutions during the second and third years.

Student Learning Objectives

1. The student shall demonstrate knowledge of historical, cultural, social, and geopolitical factors that shape human diversity.
2. The student shall demonstrate awareness of the complexity and interconnectedness of local and international systems, processes, and institutions.
3. The student shall analyze global issues and challenges from multi-disciplinary perspectives.
4. The student shall apply knowledge, skills, and ethical reasoning to engage actively with diverse communities and real-world challenges locally and globally.
5. The student shall acquire the methodological and communication skills commensurate with interdisciplinary scholarly research.
6. The student shall demonstrate preparedness to enter graduate programs and/or to pursue careers in these areas of study and related fields.