R. Steven Jones, Chair; Elizabeth Bowser
Adjunct: Randall Butler, Karen Kaiser, Chloe Northrop, Rob Severance, Willie Kingren, Aaron Baksh
The mission of the History/Social Science Department is to help students acquire critical, analytical, and communicative skills through mastery of Social Science courses, taught in a Christian context.
The department's offerings in history are designed to help the student to understand the present more fully by guiding him in a study of the past and by helping him to reason from cause to effect. The study of history is approached from the biblical viewpoint. “In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping of events seems, to a large degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the Word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counter-play of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsel of His own will.” E. G. White, EDUCATION, p. 173.
In political science, the student traces the development, functions, and operation of national, local, and foreign governments.
An overview of the historical and organizational development of police systems. Emphasis is placed on the function and organizational structure of law enforcement agencies and how these agencies interface with other components of the criminal justice system.
The judiciary in the criminal justice system; structure of the American court system; prosecution; right to counsel; pre-trial release; grand juries; adjudication process; types and rules of evidence; sentencing.
Juvenile delinquency has deep historical roots in social structures. This course focuses on prevention strategies, causes, and responses to juvenile delinquency or deviance. The nature and extent of delinquency is at the core of this course.
This course examines the history of crime in America and police efforts to deal with it. Course will pay special attention to 19th Century policing developments in England and their affect on American policing; progressive-era policing reforms; professionalization; constitutional cases; and contemporary trends.
A study of the nature of criminal law; philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crimes, elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations; criminal responsibility. Also taught as POLS 130.
Community policing is contemporary movement to better engage the police with the community they serve. There is no one single method of engagement, rather, a variety of initiatives that are community specific. The goal to community policing is to build bridges between the police and the people they serve.
An overview of the community corrections movement as an alternative to institutional corrections. There are numerous alternative programs to incarceration and this course will explore these alternatives and consider their value in applying justice.
Police authority; responsibilities; constitutional constraints; laws of arrest, search, and seizure; police liability.
An overview of the collection and documentation of evidence. Criminal investigators and peace officers share a responsibility to secure crime scenes, collect evidence and protect the chain of custody, and report findings in a timely manner. This course focuses on the policies and procedures associated with criminal investigations.
An overview of the major causal theories of criminal behavior and examination of the social, political, economic, and intellectual milieu within which each arose. Beginning with early 18th century theories, the course focuses on the sociological constructs of criminality.
or permission of instructor.
This course examines ethical issues in crime and justice. Students will discuss such issues as discretion, corruption, use of force, racism, deception, professionalism, and the nature and meaning of justice.
The administration and management of law enforcement organizations is complex and involves both organizational structure and personnel behavior. This class focuses on the theory of organizations, management of personnel, occupational stress, motivation theory, principles of leadership, and the process of managing and promoting change in a highly structured environment.
A brief account of the discoveries, colonization, and the struggle for independence; growth of federal government, expansion of territory, and the Civil War.
A survey of U.S. history beginning with Reconstruction and big business, through two major world wars, to the present time of cold and hot wars.
This course examines the history of crime in America and police efforts to deal with it. Course will pay special attention to 19th Century policing developments in England and their affect on American policing; progressive-era policing reforms; professionalization; constitutional cases; and contemporary trends.
An introduction to the skills used in the profession of history. Students will use primary and secondary sources as well as historical journals, indexes, and databases as they produce a major research paper, bibliography, and book review; prepare a presentation based on their work; and engage in other activities relative to critical thinking within the discipline of history. Students will also be exposed to basic trends in historiography. Within this class, history/social science majors begin the process of senior portfolio development.
This course provides a detailed study of American history from Reconstruction to the present, charting the United States' rise from a frontier nation to a world power. This course covers the turbulent days of post-Civil War Reconstruction and the settlement of the west, booming industrialism, Populism and Progressivism, the United States in World Wars I & II, the Cold War, and the distrust of the post-Watergate era. Students will become acquainted with trends in American historiography and practice the skills of historical interpretation and writing. The class satisfies general education requirements for history. It is required for history/social science majors. Students taking this course should not take HIST 112 United States History from 1865.
This course is an introductory survey of world history from prehistory to 1400. Through reading, lectures, discussion, and writing you will gain an elementary understanding of the sub-discipline of world history and the major places, civilizations, events, personalities, and issues of modern world history. This course will also display how history can inform our understanding of contemporary events.
A survey of fine arts and how they have related to the various cultures throughout western civilization. The class will deal with the arts from the Renaissance to the present time. (Also taught as ARTS 221)
This course is an introductory survey of world history from prehistory to 1400. Through reading, lectures, discussion, and writing you will gain an elementary understanding of the sub-discipline of world history and the major places, civilizations, events, personalities, and issues of modern world history. This course will also display how history can inform our understanding of contemporary events. (Also taught as HNRS 208)
This course is an introductory survey of world history from 1400 to present. Through reading, lectures, discussion, and writing you will gain an elementary understanding of the sub-discipline of world history and the major places, civilizations, events, personalities, and issues of modern world history. This course will also display how history can inform our understanding of contemporary events.
This course considers the interaction between world cultures, environments, and geographic regions to explain patterns of human history and political development.
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Approval of department chair
Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper-division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Approval by department chair
The course includes lectures and computer lab time to explore GIS methods used throughout the social sciences. Students will learn the theories and techniques needed to use GIS software to execute detailed analyses of information in disciplines such as crime analysis, historical analysis, and political and global problem solving.
History of Political Thought is a study of political thinking and key political philosophers in history, particularly those that have most profoundly influenced the political culture and institutions of our own continent. It is an introductory survey of political ideas, addressing perennial issues of human society, leadership, power, rights, and government.
Details American foreign policies and diplomatic relations toward Europe, Latin America, and Asia, from the revolutionary era to the present. Will detail major foreign policy decisions and initiatives and the results of each. (Also taught as POLS 320)
A study of the creation of the American nation. The course examines how transplanted Europeans became a new people, emphasizing social, political, and economic changes that led to independence. Includes a discussion of the impact of African slavery upon American democracy.
A study of the rise and impact of Christianity in the Roman world and western culture. Attention is given to theological and social movements, the influence of Islam, the crusades, expansionism, and religious adaptation to modern life. The second semester traces development from the Reformation through the growth of American religion. (Also taught as RELH 331, 332)
A study of the rise and impact of Christianity in the Roman world and western culture. Attention is given to theological and social movements, the influence of Islam, the crusades, expansionism, and religious adaptation to modern life. The second semester traces development from the Reformation through the growth of American religion. (Also taught as RELH 332)
An in-depth study of United States history from the Articles of Confederation through the Constitution, War of 1812, and Jacksonian Democracy.
This course examines the modern history of terrorism in America and responses by local, state, and federal agencies.
American history from the Reform Era through Manifest Destiny, Sectionalism and Civil War.
American history from the close of the Civil War to the US entry into World War I. Among the topics examined in this course are Reconstruction and the New South, industrialization, the "winning of the West," immigration, and America's changing world role.
A study Britain from pre-Roman times through the restoration of the monarchy under William and Mary in 1688. Topics include Anglo-Saxon England, the Norman Conquest, the Wars of the Roses, the Tudor and Stuart dynasties, and the English Civil War.
This is a study of man from his beginning through the empires of Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Persia, Israel, Greece, and Rome to the end of the Roman Republic.
A study of the American rise to global power. Class will focus on WWII, the Cold War, Era of Civil Rights, Vietnam, Watergate, and the post-Cold War era.
A survey of the history of East Asia, primarily China, Korea, and Japan, from its foundations until modern times. Topics will include China's enduring influence over its neighbors, interactions with and isolation from the West, the emergence and growth of Buddhism, the influence of Confucian philosophy, Chinese and Japanese imperialism, Western imperialism in East Asia, and Nationalism and Communism.
A survey of the Renaissance, Reformation, counter-Reformation, Absolutism, competition for empire, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the coming of Revolutions.
A study of the multi-cultural heritage of Texas and the West with special emphasis on the pre-Columbian Native American cultures; Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American colonization; the annexation of the region to the US; and social, political, and industrial developments up to the present.
A study of the Intellectual and Industrial Revolution, the New Imperialism, the intensification of Nationalism, World War I, the Depression, the development and spread of Fascism and Communism, World War II, the Cold War, Decolonization and the emergence of a multipolar world.
A study of leadership styles and their impact on politics and history. Examines the elements of leadership by focusing on different figures from the political, military, and corporate arenas, such as Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Carnegie, Alexander the Great, and Winston Churchill. Students will be able to take information gained from this class and apply it to a variety of life situations. (Also taught as POLS 425)
A study of European history during the middle ages, approximately 500-1500 A.D. Course topics include feudalism, monasticism, the growth of monarchies, the Crusades, heresy and inquisition, the commercial revolution, the Hundred Years' War, the Bubonic Plague, and the advent of the university.
In this class, departmental majors will meet at arranged times with departmental faculty to finalize the contents of their portfolio before graduation. Students will also complete their senior thesis in this course. This class is required of majors in History, Social Science, Social Science (emphasis International Relations), and Social Studies, Secondary Education. Students should take the class in their last semester before graduation; however, they may take it both semesters of their senior year upon advisor recommendation.
Students in the History, International Relations, and Public Policy major will take three hours of internship work. This may be three hours at one internship agency, or divided among different agencies in one-hour increments. Students will meet with departmental faculty and agency representatives to agree on an internship contract before beginning the course. The internship(s) will enable students to work directly in an area of their interest, give them experience vital in job searches, and give them an advantage when seeking graduate education. Eligible for IP grading.
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study or research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Approval of department chair
Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin. Student may be allowed to repeat the course for credit.
Approval by department chair
The judiciary in the criminal justice system; structure of the American court system; prosecution; right to counsel; pre-trial release; grand juries; adjudication process; types and rules of evidence; sentencing.
This course examines the history of crime in America and police efforts to deal with it. Course will pay special attention to 19th Century policing developments in England and their affect on American policing; progressive-era policing reforms; professionalization; constitutional cases; and contemporary trends. Also taught as CRIJ 120 and HIST 120.
A study of the nature of criminal law; philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crimes, elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations; criminal responsibility. Also taught as CRIJ 130.
This is a comprehensive treatment of U.S. and Texas Constitutions. The course deals with the formation of these constitutions and the governments which were established as a result. This course fulfills the government requirements as established by the Texas Education Agency.
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Approval of department chair
Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Approval by department chair
History of Political Thought is a study of political thinking and key political philosophers in history, particularly those that have most profoundly influenced the political culture and institutions of our own continent. It is an introductory survey of political ideas, addressing perennial issues of human society, leadership, power, rights, and government.
Details American foreign policies and diplomatic relations toward Europe, Latin America, and Asia, from the revolutionary era to the present. Will detail major foreign policy decisions and initiatives and the results of each. (Also taught as HIST 320)
The organization, functions, and processes of America's national government, with particular attention to constitutional framework, the judiciary, Congress, the presidency, political parties, interest groups, and the individuals as citizen.
An historical and institutional study of the origin, growth, and interpretation of the United States Constitution, with emphasis on the leading decisions of the Supreme Court.
A study of leadership styles and their impact on politics and history. Examines the elements of leadership by focusing on different figures from the political, military, and corporate arenas, such as Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Carnegie, Alexander the Great, and Winston Churchill. Students will be able to take information gained from this class and apply it to a variety of life situations. (Also taught as HIST 425)
Students in the History, International Relations, and Public Policy major will take three hours of internship work. This may be three hours at one internship agency, or divided among different agencies in one-hour increments. Students will meet with departmental faculty and agency representatives to agree on an internship contract before beginning the course. The internship(s) will enable students to work directly in an area of their interest, give them experience vital in job searches, and give them an advantage when seeking graduate education. Eligible for IP grading.
Designed for the student who wishes to do independent study research. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin. Student may be allowed to repeat the course for credit.
Approval by department chair
A general survey of sociology and many of the areas of investigation in sociology; these areas will include the family, race and ethnic relations, social class, formal organizations, collective behavior, population problems and dynamics, culture, etc. Additionally, a brief introduction to the scientific methods and theories utilized in the study of society will be presented.
