Department of History and Political Science
A baccalaureate degree in history or political science offers excellent preparation
for careers in government and education, further study in graduate school or law
school, and careers in the private sector of the economy. The baccalaureate
degree in public history prepares students for careers in historic preservation as
well as museum and archive management. Students interested in becoming
teachers may also elect to work toward social studies secondary teaching
licensure. In addition, the department offers minors in geography, history,
philosophy, political science, strategic studies and pre-law.
Dr. Jeff Woods, Head
Witherspoon Hall, Room 255
(479) 968-0265
jwoods@atu.edu
Professors:
Busch, DeBlack, Jenkins,
Mitchell, Tarver
Associate Professors:
Dykema, Link, Moses, Roberts,
Woods
Assistant Professors:
Gleason, Gooch, Housenick,
Mirkovic, Neel, Pearson, Rogers,
Swain
The history degree requires thirty nine semester hours in courses in addition to the
required General Education courses. In the General Education requirements,
history majors are required to take the two-course sequence in World Civilization
(HIST 1503, HIST 1513), and the two-course sequence in American history (HIST
2003, HIST 2013). The thirty nine semester hours required for the history degree
include the introductory courses in political science and economics (POLS 2003,
ECON 2003). Regional Geography of the World (GEOG 2013), three hours of a
foreign language or speech, the introduction to anthropology or sociology (ANTH
2003 or SOC 1003), Historical Methods (HIST 2513), Arkansas History (HIST 4153), and Senior Seminar (HIST 4963).
Fifteen additional semester hours must be 3000-4000 level history courses with at least six hours in U.S. History and six
hours in World/European History.
The political science degree requires thirty nine additional semester hours beyond the General Education requirements. ;
In the General Education requirements, political science majors are required to take the two-course sequence in American
history (HIST 2003,HIST 2013), World Civilization (HIST 1513), and an introductory course in sociology, psychology or
economics (SOC 1003, PSY 2003, ECON 2003) ; The thirty nine semester hours required for the political science degree
include the introductory course (POLS 2003), Western Political Thought (POLS 2253), Research Design (POLS 2513),
either American Political Behavior (POLS 3123) or Congress (POLS 3133), and either Comparative Government (POLS
2403) or International Relations (POLS 2413). Majors also choose one course from each of the four political science
blocks: Research Methods, Political Theory, International Relations, and American Politics; Nine semester hours of
electives, six of which must be 3000-4000 level and Senior Seminar (POLS 4963) complete the major requirements.
The public history degree requires fifty six additional semester hours beyond the General Education requirements. In the
General Education requirements, public history majors are required to take the two-course sequence in World Civilization
(HIST 1503, HIST 1513), and the two-course sequence in American history (HIST 2003, HIST 2013). The fifty nine
semester hours required for the public history degree include introductory courses in political science (POLS 2003),
historical geography or economic geography (GEOG 3803 or GEOG 4203), web publishing (COMS 1333), an introduction
to public history (HIST 2203), local and oral history HIST 3223), grant writing (HIST 3281), archive and manuscript
management (HIST 3243), historical editing (HIST 3283), Arkansas history (HIST 4153), Native American History (HIST
4143), historic preservation (HIST 4293), museum methods (HIST 4403), as well as a practicum and internship (HIST
3291,HIST 4976). Fifteen additional semester hours must be 3000-4000 level history courses with at least nine hours in
U.S. History and six hours in World/European History.
Students must complete 120 hours for graduation with a degree in history, political science or public history.
For the curriculum in Social Studies for teacher licensure, see Curriculum in Secondary Education.
History
Curriculum in History
Degree Completion Plan Beginning in Fall Semester
Sophomore
Spring
Fall
Freshman
Fall
1,T
ENGL 1013
HIST 1503T
Science with Lab
1,T
Mathematics
1,T
3
ENGL 1023
3
HIST 1513T
1,T
4
Science with Lab
3
POLS 2003
T
TECH 1001
1
Total Hours
14 Total Hours
Elective
1,T
Spring
T
3
HIST 2003
3
ANTH 2003 or SOC 1003
1,T
3
HIST 2013T 3
3
HIST 2513
4
Fine Arts & Humanities
3
ECON 2003
3
3
GEOG 2013
3
16 Total Hours
3
Elective
T
3
9
15 Total Hours 15
Junior
Fall
HIST Elective (3000-4000
level)3
HIST Elective (3000-4000
level)4
3
3
Elective2
6
Fine Arts & Humanities
Total Hours
1,T
3
HIST 4963
3
Foreign Lang or SPH
Elective
Senior
Fall
HIST Elective (3000-4000
3
level)3
HIST Elective (3000-4000
3-4
level)4
3
HIST 4153
3
Elective2
8-9 Elective2
9
Elective2
9
Spring
HIST Elective (3000-4000
level)
3
15 Total Hours
15 Total Hours
Degree Completion Plan Beginning in Spring Semester
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
Freshman
Spring
ENGL 10131,T
3
ENGL 10231,T
HIST 1503T
3
HIST 1513T
Science with Lab
1,T
1,T
Mathematics
Total Hours
Junior
Spring
HIST Elective (3000-4000
level)3
HIST Elective (3000-4000
level)4
Elective2
Fine Arts & Humanities
Total Hours
4
Science with Lab
3
POLS 2003
1,T
T
TECH 1001
1,T
Spring
1 Elective
14 Total Hours
15 Total Hours 15
Fall
3
HIST 2003T
3
ANTH 2003 or SOC 1003
4
Fine Arts & Humanities
3
ECON 2003
3
GEOG 2013
1,T
HIST 2013T 3
3
HIST 2513
3
Elective
T
3
9
3
3
3
HIST Elective (3000-4000
level)
3
Foreign Lang or SPH
Elective
16 Total Hours
Senior
Spring
HIST Elective (3000-4000
3
level)3
HIST Elective (3000-4000
3 -4
level)4
6
Elective2
Fall
3
15 Total Hours 15
Fall
3
HIST 4963
3
3
HIST 4153
3
8-9 Elective2
9
Elective2
9
15 Total Hours
15 Total Hours 15
3
15 Total Hours
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements"
At least 40 of the total hours required for graduation must be 3000 - 4000 level courses.
3
HIST class must be in the sub-field of United States History.
4
HIST class must be in the sub-field of European or World History.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Political Science
Curriculum in Political Science
Degree Completion Plan Beginning in Fall Semester
Sophomore
Spring
Fall
Freshman
Fall
ENGL 10131,T
3
ENGL 10231,T
3
HIST 2013T
3
HIST 1513T
3
HIST 2003
3
POLS 2253
3
SOC 1003, PSY 2003, or
ECON 2003
3
POLS 2003
3
POLS 2513
3
Mathematics1,T
3
Science with Lab1,T
4
Elective2,T
3
Fine Arts & Humanities
TECH 1001
Total Hours
Junior
1,T
Spring
Research Methods
Block3
3-4
POLS ElectiveT
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
3
Elective2,T
5-6
3
3
Elective2
16 Total Hours
1
Science with Lab1,T
16 Total Hours
Senior
3
4
16 Total Hours
15
Fall
Spring
International Relations
3
Block5
POLS 3123 or POLS
3
3133
Fall
American Politics
Block6
POLS Elective (30004000 level)
Spring
Political Theory Block4
3
POLS 2403 or POLS 2413
3
Elective2
Total Hours
9 Elective2
9 Elective2
6
15 Total Hours
15 Total Hours
15 Total Hours
Degree Completion Plan Beginning in Spring Semester
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
Fall
Research
Methods
3 ENGL 10231,T
3 HIST 2013T
3
Block3
Freshman
Spring
ENGL 10131,T
3
POLS 4963
3
6
Elective2
9
HIST 1513T
3
HIST 2003
3
POLS 2253T
3
SOC 1003, PSY 2003, or
ECON 2003
3
POLS 2003
3
POLS 2513
3
Mathematics1,T
3
Science with Lab1,T
4
Elective2,T
3
Fine Arts & Humanities
TECH 1001
Total Hours
Junior
Spring
1,T
3
1,T
3
Elective
1
16 Total Hours
Science with Lab
1,T
3
POLS 2403 or POLS 2413
3
Elective2
Total Hours
Elective2
15 Total Hours
Elective2
15 Total Hours
9
3-4
POLS ElectiveT
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
3
Elective2,T
5-6
3
4
16 Total Hours
Senior
Fall
Spring
International Relations
American Politics
3
Block5
Block6
POLS 3123 or POLS
POLS Elective (30003
3133
4000 level)
Political Theory Block4
12
9
16 Total Hours
15
Fall
3
POLS 4963
3
6
Elective2
9
15 Total Hours
12
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements"
At least 40 of the total hours required for graduation must be 3000 - 4000 level courses.
3
The Research Methods choices include: POLS 3513; or grade of C or better in any FL 2024 course; or appropriate
methodology course approved by Department Head.
4
The Political Theory choices include POLS 3063; or POLS 3253; or appropriate political theory or philosophy course
approved by Department Head.
5
The International Relations choices include POLS 3013; or POLS 3433; or POLS 3473; or appropriate international
relations or comparative government course approved by Department Head.
6
The American Politics choices include POLS 3023; or POLS 3033; or POLS 3053; or POLS 3083; or POLS 3093; or
POLS 3123; or POLS 3133; or POLS 3143; or POLS 4043; or appropriate American politics course approved by
Department Head.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Public History
Curriculum in Public History
Freshman
Fall
Degree Completion Plan Beginning in Fall Semester
Sophomore
Spring
Fall
Spring
ENGL 10131,T
3
T
3
HIST 1503
Elective
2
3
1,T
3
Mathematics
Fine Arts & Humanities
1,T
3
ENGL 10231,T
3
T
HIST 1513
POLS 2003
Science with Lab
COMS 1333
1,T
HIST 2003
3
Science with Lab
3
2
4
3
Elective
3
1,T
4
8
HIST 2013T
HIST 2203
3
3
Fine Arts & Humanities
2
1,T
3
3
Elective
3
HIST Elective
3
TECH 1001
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
HIST 3223
GEOG 3803 OR GEOG 4203
HIST 4143
1
16 Total Hours
3
3
3
Spring
HIST 4403
HIST 3291
HIST 3283
HIST 4153
3
HIST Elective 3
4
16 Total Hours
Senior
Fall
3 HIST 3243
1 HIST 4293
3 HIST 3281
3
Freshman
Spring
ENGL 10131,T
3
T
3
HIST 1503
ENGL 10231,T
COMS 1333
3
3
2
3
POLS 2003
Mathematics1,T
3
Science with Lab1,T 4
1,T
3 HIST 1513
1
16 Total Hours
HIST 4153
Total Hours
3
T
Fine Arts & Humanities
TECH 1001
Total Hours
Junior
Spring
HIST 3223
GEOG 3803 or GEOG 4203
HIST 4143
HIST Elective
HIST Elective3
Spring
HIST 4976
Electives
6
6
3
3 Electives
5
HIST Electives
Elective
3
15 Total Hours
16 Total Hours
15 Total Hours
Degree Completion Plan Beginning in Spring Semester
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
Fall
Total Hours
4
3
3
1
15
4
3
HIST Electives
Elective
15 Total Hours
HIST 2003
2
Electives
Science with Lab
1,T
3
HIST 2013T
8
HIST 2203
4
3
3
Fine Arts & Humanities
1,T
Electives2
HIST Elective
3
3
3
Fall
HIST 4403
HIST 3291
HIST 3283
16 Total Hours
Senior
Spring
3 HIST 3243
1 HIST 4293
3 HIST 3281
3
HIST Elective3
3
HIST Elective3
3
3
4
3
Electives
5
3
16 Total Hours
15 Total Hours
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
HIST Elective
Elective
15 Total Hours
12
Fall
HIST 4976
Electives
15 Total Hours
3
15
6
6
12
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements"
At least 40 of the total hours required for graduation must be 3000-4000 level courses.
3
HIST class must be in the sub-field of United States History.
4
HIST class must be in the sub-field of European or World History.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Minor Geography
The minor in geography is designed to allow students who have successfully completed eighteen or more hours in
Geography the opportunity to have his/her transcript noted with a statement certifying such accomplishment.
Students must have a minimum 2.00 grade point in their Geography courses to be eligible for a Geography minor.
Students wishing to obtain a minor in geography must complete:
GEOG 2013 Regional Geography of the World
GEOG 2023 Human Geography
GEOG Electives (12 hours with no more than 3 hours in GEOG 4993, Special Problems in Geography)
Minor History
The minor in history is designed for those students majoring in other disciplines who wish to increase the breadth and
depth of their knowledge of the human past. This minor is particularly well suited for students who are interested in
criminal justice, international studies, and foreign languages. The discipline of history satisfies our shared desire to know
more about ourselves, and students can tailor the curriculum of the minor to meet their specific interests. Students must
have a minimum of 2.00 grade point in History courses to be eligible for a History minor. The minor in history requires 18
hours of courses:
HIST 1503 World Civilization I or HIST 1513 World Civilization II
HIST 2003 U. S. History I or HIST 2013 U. S. History II
HIST Electives (12 hours of 3000 - 4000 level)
Minor Military Science
The minor in military science is awarded to students who complete the Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) Program
at Arkansas Tech University. The objective of the program is to provide a basic military education and, in conjunction with
the goals of the University, to develop individual attributes essential to an Army officer. Instruction covers military
fundamentals common to all branches of the military service. Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 grade point
average in the required 21 hours to be eligible for a Military Science minor. Students wishing to obtain a minor in Military
Science must complete:
MS 1101 Leadership I
MS 1111 Leadership II
MS 2312 Military Organization/Tactics I
MS 2402 Military Organization/Tactics II
MS 3503 Advanced Leadership and Tactics I
MS 3603 Advanced Leadership and Tactics II
MS 4703 Applied Leadership and Management I
MS 4803 Applied Leadership and Management II
and
MS 4013 United States Military History or HIST 4013 United States Military History
Minor Philosophy
The minor in philosophy is designed for those students who wish to broaden their study of the nature of knowledge. This
minor is particularly well suited for students who wish to prepare for graduate work or law school. In addition to the
academic benefits, the study of philosophy can make an important contribution to the well-lived life. Students can tailor the
curriculum of the minor to meet their specific interests. Students must have a minimum 2.00 grade point in their
Philosophy courses to be eligible for a Philosophy minor. The minor in philosophy requires 18 hours of courses:
PHIL 3103 Logic
and 6 hours selected from the following:
PHIL 2013 Religions of the World
PHIL 3023 Ethics
PHIL 3033 Esthetics
PHIL 3053 Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 3063 Modern Political Thought
PHIL 3253 Classical Political Thought
PHIL 4103 Advanced Logic
and 6 hours selected from the following:
PHIL 3003 Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 3013 Modern Philosophy
PHIL 3113 Contemporary Philosophy
PHIL 3203 Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 4093 American Philosophy
and 3 hours in any additional Philosophy courses
Minor Political Science
The minor in political science is designed for anyone interested in politics, law, and government and is particularly well
suited for students who are interested in criminal justice, international studies, journalism, business, and emergency
management. Students can tailor the curriculum of the minor along either a national or international focus. Students must
have a minimum 2.00 grade point in their Political Science courses to be eligible for a Political Science minor. The minor
in political science requires 18 hours of courses:
POLS 2253 Survey of Western Political Thought
POLS 3123 American Political Behavior or POLS 3133 United States Congress or POLS 3143 The United States
Presidency
POLS 2413 International Relations or POLS 2403 Comparative Government
POLS 2513 Research Design
6 hours in any 3000 or 4000 level Political Science courses
Minor Pre-Law
The Pre-Law minor program's objective is to prepare students for entrance to and advanced study at law school or
alternative careers in the legal profession (e.g. legal aide, court reporter, paralegal, etc.) upon graduation through the
development of writing, analytic, logical reasoning, and research skills key to the study and practice of law. The minor in
pre-law requires 21 hours of courses:
ENGL 2053Technical Writing
SPH 2003 Public Speaking
PHIL 3103 Logic
POLS 4043 American Constitutional Law
POLS 3023/CJ 3023 Judicial Process or POLS 3024 Judicial Politics
and 3 hours selected from the following:
HIST 4183 American Legal History
HIST 3023 American Revolution and Founding Era
and 3 hours selected from the following:
BLAW 2033 Legal Environments of Business
PHIL 3023 Ethics
MGMT 3123 Business Ethics
CJ 4023 Law and the Legal System
Minor Religious Studies
The minor in religious studies is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about religion in cross-cultural
and historical perspectives. The required courses are designed to provide a comparative perspective on world religions
and to develop an appreciation of both the origins and contemporary expressions of different religions. This minor is
particularly well suited for students in the humanities and social sciences as well as students in other disciplines who want
to deepen their understanding of the role of religion in contemporary life. Students must have a minimum of 2.00 grade
point in the required 18 hours to be eligible for a Religious Studies minor:
HIST 1503 World Civilization I
ANTH 2003 Cultural Anthropology
PHIL 2013 Religions of the World
PHIL 3053 Philosophy of Religion
SOC 4073 Sociology of Religion
HIST 4503 History of Christianity
Minor Strategic Studies
The minor in strategic studies is designed for those students who wish to increase the breadth and depth of their
knowledge of the principles that have played a major role in shaping our understanding of foreign and security policy. This
minor is particularly well suited for students who are interested in international studies, emergency management, political
science, diplomatic history, military science, and international law. Students wishing to obtain a minor in Strategic Studies
must complete:
POLS 2153: Introduction to Strategic Studies
POLS 2413: International Relations
POLS 3013: Recent American Foreign and Military Policy
POLS 3473: National Security Policy
and any two of the following courses:
EAM 3243: Introduction to Terrorism
EAM 3013: Public Policy Issues in Emergency Management
ECON 4093: International Economics and Finance
GEOG 4803: Seminar in Global Studies
HIST 4013: American Military History
HIST 4023: Vietnam War
HIST 4083: American Diplomatic History, 1912 to the Present
HIST 4813: World War II
Students must have a minimum 2.00 grade point in the required 18 hours to be eligible for a Strategic Studies minor.
Pre-Law Pre-Professional Program
Accredited law schools have not, in general, adopted specific requirements for prePre-Law Advisors
law courses. However, in most cases, courses of value to those planning the study
Witherspoon Room 255
of law include: history, economics, political science, philosophy, psychology,
sociology, English composition, and literature, as well as courses in the natural
sciences, mathematics, and accounting. A broad cultural background is of prime importance. Rather than attempt to
prescribe the specific contents of courses to be taken by pre-law students, Arkansas Tech University considers the
individual intellectual interests of students of prime importance, encouraging development of the ability to read and
comprehend accurately, rapidly, and thoroughly; to think logically; to analyze and weigh situations and materials; to speak
and write clearly; and to develop a critical approach and mature study habits.
The pre-professional curriculum is not a major in itself. Pre-law students must declare a major for graduation selected
from any degree currently offered at Arkansas Tech University. Among general electives in the chosen major, or in excess
of the 120 hours required for graduation, pre-law majors are urged to take the courses listed below to prepare them for the
LSAT and law school. Many pre-law students choose to major in History and Political Science, and pre-law advisors are
located in that department. Students should consult these listed pre-law advisors regardless of their chosen major, as
these advisors specifically help students design a good pre-law curriculum. A pre-law library has been set up in
Witherspoon 242 for student use.
Suggested Curriculum in Pre-Law
POLS 2003 American Government
POLS 3023/CJ 3023 Judicial Process
CJ 4053 Criminal Law and the Constitution
BLAW 2033 Legal Environment of Business
PSY 2003 General Psychology
ENGL 3043 Advanced Composition
SPH 2003 Public Speaking
SPH 2111-2121 Debate Practicum
POLS 4043 American Constitutional Law
CJ 2043/SOC 2043 Crime and Delinquency
CJ 4023 Law and the Legal System
PHIL 3063/POLS 3063 Modern Political Thought
JOUR 4123 Laws of Communication
PHIL 3103 Logic
PHIL 3023 Ethics
SPH 4153 Persuasive Theory and Audience Analysis