About the History and Political Science Department
The Motto of the department of history and political science is intellegere ("to understand"). We want our students to see history as the study of human communities and how these communities have changed over time. We also want our students to see history as a stream of time in which we all live. Within this stream we see the fallen nature of humans as well as God's continuing acts of reconciliation. Teaching is viewed within a context of relationships. Students are viewed as apprentices who are mentored by professors who are teaching them the craft of history or political science.
Students are also being prepared for employment (or further graduate work) in great professions as varied as teaching, historic preservation, public history, journalism, government service, political science, public policy law, business administration and management, as well as ministries such as North American and foreign missions.
The department offers a wide range of course offerings in American, European, world history, as well as political science and geography. A strong emphasis is placed on the cultivation of specific skills and career-related abilities, such as methods of research, critical thinking, and excellence in written and oral communication. The teaching of history and political science at Grace is rooted in the Christian liberal arts tradition of placing worth in the integration of faith and learning; and therefore, students are encouraged to pursue life-long learning and to reflect historically and critically on today’s society and culture.
A goal of the department is to see students work on research projects in local archives facilitated by professors; engage in internships with archives, libraries, museums, and government agencies; study abroad for at least a semester; and gain teaching experience in local schools.
History and Political Science Homepage
Majors and Programs
Faculty and Staff
History Club
Engaging the World
