Social Studies Courses
GEO 1301
Principles of Geography
A survey of the basic concepts of geography. An introduction to the study of geography as a whole, including physical, cultural, political, economic, and regional geography. Emphasis on man’s relationship to his environment.
GEO 2300
Geography of Bible Lands
An introductory course surveying the geography, topography, climate, and customs of the Biblical lands of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, and Palestine.
GEO 1301: Principles of Geography
A survey of the basic concepts of geography. An introduction to the study of geography as a whole, including physical, cultural, political, economic, and regional geography. Emphasis on man’s relationship to his environment.
GEO 2300: Geography of Bible Lands
An introductory course surveying the geography, topography, climate, and customs of the Biblical lands of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, and Palestine.
HIS 1300: World History 1
The achievements and contributions of humanities’ struggle, from pre-history to the early modern period, in the evolution of global civilization.
HIS 1301: World History 2
Development of modern societies, emphasizing the impact of industrialization and colonization, from the seventeenth-century to the present.
HIS 1305: Survey of World History and Cultures
This course will encompass the major contributions of classical civilizations through twentieth-century. Developments and transformations in world history with attention to cultural comparisons over time, the implications of global interdependence, and the relationship between economics and population, resources, and technology. Elementary education majors only.
HIS 2300: American Nation 1
A survey of the interplay of social, economic, and political forces that have brought about the development of the American nation through 1865.
HIS 2301: American Nation 2
A survey of the interplay of social, economic, and political force that have brought about the development of the American nation from 1865 to the present.
HIS 2305: Survey of United States History
This course will provide a broad survey of United States history from European exploration and colonization through the twentieth-century, concentrating on the causal relationship between major events and developments that have shaped this country, including but not limited to: wars and conflicts, geographic/economic relationship, expansion, industrialization, the Great Depression, and technological and scientific advancements. Elementary education majors only.
HIS 2310: History of Christianity
A study of primitive Christianity and the early church, Medieval European Christianity, the Reformation, Eastern Orthodox movements, modern European and American Christianity, and ecumenicalism.
HIS 3100, 3101, 3102: Readings in World History
Independent reading designed to expose the student to both the literature and interpretations of major issues in world history.
HIS 3103, 3104, 3105: Readings in American History
Independent reading designed to expose the student to both the literature and interpretations of major issues in American history.
HIS 3300: Contemporary America
Intensive study of the development of a modern, technological world power since 1920. Particular attention accorded the cultural and social development of the American people.
HIS 3302: Europe in the Twentieth Century
Political, economic, and social developments of Europe since the end of World War 1. Ideas and philosophies which have affected the course of modern history are examined.
HIS 3303: Victorian England
Explores the primary elements constituting British society from the end of the Napoleonic period through the First World War.A comprehensive look at domestic politics, foreign affairs, art, literature, poverty, education, fashion, child labor, marriage, social rituals, leisure entertainments, and morality (both public and private).
HIS 3304: Modern Germany
Germany’s history from the unification movement through the post-World War 2 era. Emphasis will include but is not limited to: political, cultural, and social developments, Germany’s role in two world wars, the failure of democracy in the 1920s, the National Socialist regime, and the post-WW2 division of Germany.
HIS 3305: Russia Since 1917
Study of the 1917 revolution and the collapse of czarist Russia. The course will focus on cultural, political, and social institutions and formation of its multi-ethnic empire until its collapse in 1991.
HIS 3310: Colonial and Revolutionary America
This course will focus on but is not limited to the political and cultural development of the colonies; institutions of early American life, the family, religion, education, culture, and economy; evolving political thought; and the War for Independence.
HIS 3320: American Women’s History
Examines the history, development, and impact of American women from the colonial period to the present. Emphasizes class, race, and ethnic differences as well as the role of women in society overall.
HIS 3330: Civil War and Reconstruction
This course analyzed the history of America’s greatest crisis, the Civil War, as the defining experience of the United States. Lecture and discussion will focus on the politics of chattel slavery, sectional conflict, Constitutional crises, major military campaigns, and plans for post-war Reconstruction.
HIS 3340: Childhood in America
This is a writing intensive course examining children and childhood in America since the 17th-century. The changing social meaning and role of children in pre-industrial, industrial, urban, and the social welfare societies will be explored.
HIS 3350: Roman World
A history of Rome from the early Republic to the collapse of the empire with specific emphasis devoted to the following topics: political institutions, social structure, economy, urbanism, warfare, paganism and Christianity, the crisis of the Republic, formation of the Principate, and the evolution of the Roman state.
HIS 3360: Ancient Greece
Examines Greece from its beginnings among the Minoans and Mycenaens through the Hellenistic Age. Special emphases will be placed on political theory, the beginnings of serious inquiry, and the contributions of literature and the arts. The religious traditions of Greece – and Christianity’s contact with Greek culture – will also be major focus of the course.
HIS 3361: Modern Asia
Surveys major political, economic, and cultural changes in Asia since the arrival of the Europeans. Major emphasis will include but is not limited to imperialism and colonization, changes in technology and life style based on western influences, nationalistic movements and decolonization, advancing industrialism, and human rights.
HIS 3370: Modern Middle East
An introduction to the history of the Middle East in the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. Discussion of political, diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural developments will be the focus of this course. It will also view the Middle Eastern peoples’ rediscovery of their own traditions as a means to grapple with western political and economic domination. Special attention will be directed to the rise of politicized militant Islam.
HIS 3371: Africa Since 1900
Explores the history of Africa from pre-colonial social institutions prior to the slave trade through European colonialism to the present emergence of modern African civilization. Focus on the interplay between race, class, ethnicity, and gender in the structuring of political relations.
HIS 3380: Renaissance and Reformation
This course will examine the major themes, subjects, and personalities of the European early modern age, focusing primarily on Italy and the northern nations most touched by innovations in art, philosophy, and letters and the non-Catholic religious traditions that were prominent during this era.
HIS 4302: History of the Baptists
Baptist history distinctives and principles from New Testament times to the present.
HIS 4304: Arkansas History
Development of Arkansas as a state with attention given the development of southern institutions and a treatment of Arkansas as a mirror of the greater happenings in the nation itself.
HIS 4310: Senior Seminar
This course introduces the basic tools required by all history majors in researching and analyzing historical materials and understanding historiographical trends. Additionally, professional writing styles and oral communications skills will be developed. Students will research a topic of relevance to their academic emphasis and present the findings in an engaging way to the class. Prerequisite: Senior class standing and department chair approval.
HIS 4320: World Since 1945
A recent history of the world through lectures, discussion, and media presentations of such topics as the reconstruction of Europe following World War 2, the Cold War, the end of colonial empires (decolonization), the creation of Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict, the United Nations and world peace, global ecological issues, and global terrorism.
HIS 4330: Public Internship
This course involves work with a social studies related business or public agency. The student will work under direct supervision at the internship site. Prerequisites: 9 hours in social studies courses, cumulative grade point average of 3.00, and consent of the department chair and participating agency supervisor.
HIS 4340: Teaching Social Studies
This course exposes student to current learning theories, instructional methods, and materials for teaching the knowledge, skills, and values of social studies. Emphasis will focus on developing social studies objectives, frameworks, creating lesson plans, planning interdisciplinary units, organizing curriculum, and assessing learning. Prerequisite: admission to the Teacher Education Program.
POS 1300: Introduction to Political Science
A survey course intended to introduce students to the five related disciplines embodied in the study of political science – political theory, American government, comparative politics, public administration, and international relations.
POS 2300: American National Government
A survey of national, state, and local governments, with emphasis on constitutional principles and significant contemporary trends and problems.
POS 2310: State and Local Government
A survey course on state and local governments, focusing on the interaction and/or competition between state, county, and city governments. Specific attention will focus on Arkansas’ government.