394 HIST 6610. History of Africa (3) Africa from earliest times to the twentieth century, with emphasis on the Sub-Sahara from its andent kingdoms through the travails of the slave trade, European colonialism, and the independence movement. HIST 6710. Reading Seminar in American History (3) When offered will focus on a spedfic subject in American History. It is assumed that these topics would generally be non-repetitive or repeated only infrequently based on the demand for the course and the instructor assigned to it. Students would be assigned readings on various aspects of the topic and respond through discussion in a seminar setting and written work. HIST 6720. Reading Seminar in European History (3) When offered will focus on a spedfic subject in European History. It is assumed that these topics would generally be non-repetitive or repeated only infrequently based on the demand for the course and the instructor assigned to it. Students would be assigned readings on various aspects of the topic and respond through discussion in a seminar setting and written work. HIST 6760. Reading Seminar in World History (3) When offered will focus on a spedfic subject in World History. It is assumed that these topics would generally be non-repetitive or repeated only infrequently based on the demand for the course and the instructor assigned to it. Students would be assigned readings on various aspects of the topic and respond through discussion in a seminar setting and written work. HIST 6830. Directed Readings (1-3) Independent readings under the supervision of a department member on special topics in History. For each hour of credit approximately 1500 pages of material will be read. A written assignment on this material will also be completed. No more than three hours will count towards a major or minor. Prerequisite: Instrudor approval. DEPARTMENT Political Science and Philosophy Chain Dr. Nancy Haanstad Location: Social Science Building, Room 280 Telephone Contact: Debra Strait 801-626-6694 Professors: Richard Greene, Thomas Kuehls, T. R. Reddy; Associate Professors: Robert Fudge, Nancy Haanstad, Leah Murray, Gary Johnson Political Science r olitical Science, in the broadest sense, is the study of politics particularly as it relates to governments and people. Political scientists study governments: The origins and preconditions for governments, the growth and evolution of governments, and the decline and conflid among governments. Political scientists also are interested in how governments are structured, how governments make decisions, the polides that result from political decisions and the consequences of these policies, and how governments manage societal and international conflids. Political scientists also study people: Their values and positions on issues, their preferences among candidates, their support for public officials, and their appraisals of their government. True to their oldest academic traditions, political sdentists retain their concern with the fundamental questions of how governments ought to be constituted, and how they can best serve their dtizens. The study of political sdence has value in several different ways. First, it contributes to a solid liberal arts education and preparation for dtizenship. The Greek word "idiot" was used to rder to one who took no interest in the affairs of state. Today, no less than twenty centuries later, it is incumbent upon all useful dtizens to learn something about the political system in which they will spend their lives. Educated people ought to know something of the nature of government even if they have no professional interest in political sdence. Second, a degree in political science furnishes an excellent background for graduate study in political sdence, law, administration, business, and international relations. Political sdence helps students develop reasoning and analytical skills and build competence in oral and written expression. In addition, the department of political science requires students to acquire basic skills in statistical analysis and computer competency. Third, there are some careers for which an extensive training in political science can be most useful. This is true especially for those planning to seek careers in higher education, the legal profession, state and local government, urban planning, the federal bureaucracy, journalism, the military, law enforcement, teaching, the civil service, or in any of the proliferating organizations that seek to monitor the political processes to influence content of public policy. Further, the training students receive in political science will be useful to students no matter what their ultimate career choices. The comprehensive career guide, Careers and the study of Political Science, is available from the department chair. Internships Special projeds and internship programs are offered to provide students practical understanding of political processes in governmental organizations. Many students have received practical training and gained valuable knowledge by working with United States senators, members of Congress, and Utah State senators and representatives. Moreover, some students work as interns in City and County administrations and in the Utah Legal Services office in Ogden. Pre-Law The pre-law advisement program is designed to assist students in scheduling courses, in preparing for the law school admissions test, and in obtaining admission at one of the nationally recognized law schools. Data on the placement of graduates in law schools show the success and the immense value of the program to students. (Dr. Gary Johnson ads as the Pre-Law Advisor.) POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR AND POLITICAL SCIENCE TEACHING MAJOR BACHELORS DEGREE (BS OR BA} » Program Prerequisite: Not required for Political Science major. Political Science Teaching majors must meet the Teacher Education admission and licensure requirements (see Teacher Education Department). Teaching Majors are also required to take HIST 4500, Teaching Social Studies in Grades 5-12, for a total of 42 semester hours including HIST 4500. » Minor: A minor or a double major is required. » Grade Requirements: Political Science majors must have an overall GPA of 2.00 and a "C" or better grade in courses used toward the major (a grade of "C-" is not acceptable). » Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation; 40 upper division credit hours are required (courses numbered 3000 and above). Political Science majors are required to take 39 credit hours within the major; teaching majors must also take HIST 4500, Teaching Social Studies in Grades 5-12, for a total of 42 credit hours. Weber State University 2011 -2012 Catalog