History and Political Science

The study of history and political science is essential to a well-rounded liberal arts education and key to preparing graduates for educated citizenship. At CSM, history courses stress the value of studying the past in order to better understand human beings and the institutions they have created. Political science courses build practical citizenship skills through the study of political institutions, processes and ideas. Preparation in these disciplines cultivates historical awareness and civic literacy essential to full engagement in the complexities of contemporary society.

Degrees and Certificates

History Minor,
Minor

Courses

HPS 110: American Government

An overview of the structure and functions of American democracy, focusing particularly on the federal system. Emphasis is on enhancing student understanding of the workings of government in order to facilitate civic engagement.

HPS 115: History Through Film (Dual Enrollment)

An introduction to historiography - methods of historical interpretation and publication through the specific viewing/analysis of films based on historical events and people.

HPS 131: History of the United States to 1865

A survey of the major political, cultural and economic developments in the United States from early European settlement to 1865.

HPS 132: History of the United States since 1865

A survey of the major political, cultural and economic developments in the United States from 1865 to the present.

HPS 160: World Geography

An introduction to the study of geography focusing on basic concepts of geography and examining the relationships between people and their environments.

HPS 175: Western Civilization to 1500 (Dual Enrollment)

In completing this course, students will gain understanding and form perspectives upon the roots of various civilization, from ancient cultures through the Renaissance.

HPS 176: Western Civilization since 1500 (Dual Enrollment)

In completing this course, students will gain understanding and form perspectives upon the roots of various civilization, from 1500 to the 21st century.

HPS 210: American Foreign Policy

A study of the origins, practice, and consequences of American foreign policy from the beginning of the Republic to the present.

HPS 236: History of the Sixties

A study of the political, social and cultural developments of the 1960s and the imprint this tumultuous and transitional decade has left on the United States and the rest of the world.

HPS 240: History of Women in Europe

An exploration of the lives of noteworthy women in the Western tradition. These women will be studied both as individuals and as reflections of their cultural context.

HPS 251: US Women's History

This course examines the history of American women from pre-European settlement to present. Special attention is paid to the changing nature of the institutions of family, work, education and politics and the role women have played (and continue to play) in facilitating change in these arenas.

HPS 255: Black History in the United States

Black History in the United States surveys African American History from 1865-present. It provides a general introduction to the major debates, issues and themes in African American history after the Civil War, with a particular focus on the issue of voting rights. The course includes an immersion experience to Washington D.C.

HPS 260: Regional Geography

A special topics course focused on regional physical and cultural geography. The focus region(s) and topic(s) vary from semester to semester.

HPS 265: US Immigration

This course focuses on the history and politics of immigration today, with a special focus on Mexican immigration. Students will explore the economic and political factors that shape the modern immigration system. Students will also examine the incorporation (political, cultural, educational, etc.) of new immigrants into host communities, particularly the Omaha Community. The course includes an immersion experience to Washington, D.C.

HPS 270: The History of Race and Racism in Science and Medicine I

This course explores the creation of race and the use of race in science and medicine to justify racial categories and racial hierarchies. It will trace the historical roots of racism in science and medicine and examines the harmful consequences. The course presents ideas, approaches, and practices to better understand and eradicate the presence of racism in scientific and medical institutions.

HPS 271: The History of Race and Racism in Science and Medicine II

This course is a continuation of Scientific Racism I. This course will continue to trace the historical roots of racism in science and medicine to its modern manifestations. Harmful consequences will be presented, along with ideas, approaches, and practices discussed to better understand and eradicate the presence of racism in institutions. The course will discuss past and current ethical and social issues such as stigmatization of disabilities.

HPS 275: Modern Constitutional Issues

This course explores contemporary constitutional issues in the United States, focusing on the dynamic interplay between federal and state powers, individual rights, and judicial interpretations. Students will examine landmark Supreme Court cases, current debates, and the evolving nature of constitutional law.

HPS 290: Special Project

The subject matter of this course will vary from semester to semester.

HPS 349: Holocaust in Literature and Film

The Holocaust may be the best-documented event in human history. In less than a century, a massive canon has been created, spanning from children's books and poetry to academic manuscripts, and from documentary films to Hollywood dramatizations. This undergraduate history course will encourage students to consider the Holocaust in new ways, by studying various forms of literature and film.