History and Philosophy
Gregory Dodds, Chair; Terrie Aamodt, Hilary Dickerson, Timothy Golden, Monique Vincent.
The department offers a major and minor in history as well as minors in philosophy and legal studies. The history program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, including teaching, graduate school, law school, civil service, and business, among many others. Students who study history not only acquire historical knowledge, but also develop critical reading, thinking, and writing abilities. The department also places a strong emphasis on teaching research and presentation skills. More broadly, and in support of the university’s mission, the study of history is vital to both understanding the present world and to learning to actively participate in civil society.
The philosophy minor encourages students to evaluate their personal philosophies within a Christian context. Students studying philosophy hone their critical thinking skills, study major figures and schools in the history of philosophy, draw connections between philosophy and other disciplines, and analyze moral, spiritual, metaphysical, epistemological, and logical questions and issues.
The legal studies minor is designed for students with an interest in a career in the legal professions and related fields, such as criminal justice. It is a particularly useful minor for any student planning to attend law school. As part of their preparation, students will study constitutional law, philosophy of law, the American government, and critical thinking, along with other legal, historical, and philosophical topics.