History and Political Science
The department of history and political science engages students with these two disciplines in the context of a Christian worldview. Students will become familiar with the cultural, political, economic, social, and religious development of world civilizations. This familiarity will enhance their ability to understand and evaluate the historical origins of contemporary society and culture as well as the political processes of human social institutions. Serious engagement with a body of literature and schools of thought will deepen students’ appreciation for the past, serve as a gateway to the present, and provide the intellectual tools for further study.
History and Political Science Major
History and political science graduates should be able to describe the cultural, political, economic, social and religious development of world civilizations.
Public Policy Minor
Public Policy is an interdisciplinary social science minor established to equip students with the theoretical perspective, analytic skill and substantive knowledge needed to deal with domestic and global policy problems. Vanguard alumnus Nathan Gonzales (’00), editor and publisher of Inside Elections and top political analyst and consultant to national news networks, encourages all students to take public policy courses so as to actively participate in and shape political debate from a well-informed perspective.
A Sampling of History/Political Science Courses
POLS 323
Christian Political Thought
Christian Political Thought
This class is a study of the complex relationship between church and state, the Kingdom of Heaven as it relates to earthly kingdoms, and what civil law means in light of grace, as understood by major Christian philosophers in church history.Students examine scripture, as well as the writings of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, the American Puritans, and contemporary thinkers.
HIST 373
The Good Old Days: The United States, 1945-1963
HIST 470
The History of Childhood