History, Political Science, Philosophy, & Geography Department
The Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Geography offers a variety of majors and minors that prepare graduates for careers in fields such as government (federal, state, and local), education, law, non-profits, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, as well as preparing students for graduate or professional study. Across its programs the Department emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and oral and written communications, along with a deeper understanding and ability to operate within and between different cultures. Our programs help students cultivate a life of the mind that will make them better citizens of their communities, countries, and world, able to effectively implement and manage rapid change.
The Department offers a BA and BS in History and a BA and BS in Political Science. Both majors offer a secondary education option that prepares graduates to teach at the middle and high school levels. The Department also offers minors in History and Political Science, alongside interdisciplinary minors in Homeland Security, Legal Studies, and Philosophy and Religious Studies.
Students wishing to connect their degree plans with specific career options should contact the Department.
Academic Programs
History
Undergraduate Programs
Minors
Political Science
Undergraduate Programs
Minors
Philosophy
Minors
Geography
Certificates
Geography (GEOG)
Fall.
Three Earth spheres: the hydrosphere (oceanography, hydrologic cycle); the atmosphere (meteorology and climatology) and the lithosphere (geology, internal/external processes) are emphasized and examined.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Emphasis on cultural regions, cultural diffusion, and cultural landscape. Major themes are culture, population, agriculture, language and religion, ethnicity, urbanization, industry, and political geography.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring.
The interconnectivity and interrelationship of the world regions by stressing physical, economic development, agricultural, cultural and population characteristics. Strengthening of one's mental world map.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS2) (CC)
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
CO geography including landforms, climate, biology, natural/water resources, settlement history, population growth/distribution, agriculture/ranching, power/transportation, manufacturing/service industries, urban landscape.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Devoted to special topics in Geography (human, physical, and regional).
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Junior or Senior standing. Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
History (HIST)
Fall, Spring.
Emergence of agricultural civilizations; political, economic, and social developments; growth of empires, trade, impact of geography, climate, disease; contact between Eurasia, Africa, Australasia, the Americas.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1) (CC)
Fall, Spring.
Columbian Exchange; growth of global empires, commerce, and international rivalries and cooperation; industrialization, spreading revolutions, the information age, and the emergence of the modern world.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1) (CC)
Fall, Spring.
This course traces the culture and historical development of the southwestern United States, including cultural contributions of the American Indian and Hispanic peoples.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1) (CC)
Fall, Spring.
United States history from founding of North American colonies to 1877 Reconstruction era.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1)
Fall, Spring.
United States from 1877 Reconstruction era to contemporary era.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1)
Spring.
An introduction to the methods and concepts behind the study of history that history majors will use in their upper-level courses.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (30).
As Needed.
An individualized program of study designed by ranked, full-time History professor for a promising student.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring, Odd.
From colonies to superpower, Americans’ changing relationships with the world’s other peoples, official and unofficial; war and peace, trade and embargo, policy and politics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
History, government and economic factors important to the settlement and development of Colorado.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
History of Greece from the Bronze Age to the Fourth Century B.C.E., emphasizing political, social, intellectual and cultural developments.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Even.
History of the Roman Republic emphasizing the origin and expansion of Rome and its effect on political, social, intellectual and cultural developments.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Odd.
History of the Roman Empire emphasizing political, social, economic and cultural developments.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
This course surveys the major political, economic, social and cultural developments of Mexico from pre-Columbian times to the present.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
Survey of European history from late antiquity to the present; medieval period, Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, Revolutions; modernity, extreme ideologies, World Wars, decolonization, steps to unification.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Cultural and political development of Russian and Soviet history from 800 to the present; emphasis on impact of the Bolshevik Revolution on history.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Even.
How and why societies go to war, fight wars, and deal with the consequences. Provides a global view of military history emphasizing culture and combat.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Even.
Cultural and political developments in modern China; emphasis on the interplay between Chinese tradition and western challenges.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked full-time Historian for a promising student who has demonstrated ability in a regular History class.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Previous work in History. Permission of Instructor.
Spring, Odd.
Explores writing and ratification of U.S. Constitution.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Role of the individual and the group in the development of the frontier into the 20th century.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
Social, cultural, and political developments that caused the sectional crisis, secession, and war. War coverage includes military strategy, politics, diplomacy, and emancipation.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Survey from Reconstruction to Black Lives Matter; particular focus on judicial, presidential, legislative, and grassroots efforts to promote change.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Examines historical and contemporary issues for women of various economic, social, and ethnic groups, especially in the US; examines gender ideologies about paid, unpaid work.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Junior or senior standing. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Even.
Explores intersection of religion & politics in US history. Emphasis on 1st Amendment, particularly church and state. Will discuss meaning of the 1st Amendment, evolution, school prayer, rise of the religious right, KKK.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Comparative study of empires with in-depth analysis of specific topics and themes. Variable Content.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (9).
Fall, Odd.
Uses case studies to explore developments in Roman legal procedure and consider both why these developments took place and how they helped to create a system of law that could be adapted in successive centuries.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Odd.
History of the Mexican cession to the U.S. from its Indian and Hispanic origins to the present.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring.
Seminar devoted to special topics and issues in history; emphasis on research paper.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked full-time Historian for a History major or minor.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: History major or minor. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
For advanced students. Practical experience through internship with museums, libraries with historical collections, and other community organizations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: History major or minor. Junior or senior standing. Permission of Department. Repeatable (6).
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked Historian.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of Graduate Director. Repeatable (6).
Philosophy (PHIL)
Fall, Spring.
Philosophical literature that focuses on such questions as what is the nature of reality, how do we know what we know, and for what kind of life should we strive.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
Fall, Spring.
An introduction to the study of religion, including theories, methods, and practices that scholars employ as they investigate religion.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3) (CC)
Fall, Spring.
A study of major world religions including Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Shinto, Taoism, Zoroastrianism.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3) (CC)
Fall, Spring.
The logic of objective norms and standards of 'good' vs. 'bad', 'right' vs. 'wrong' from major philosophers and classics of literature. Application to contemporary issues.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
Fall, Spring.
Survey of the general principles of correct reasoning with emphasis on the role of language in the reasoning process. Major concern with induction and fallacy detection.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
Fall, Spring.
Study of the principles and methods used to distinguish valid from invalid patterns of deductive reasoning. Especially useful for students in computer- or mathematics related fields.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
As Needed.
Exploration of the ancient origins of Western philosophy with an emphasis on the Presocratics, the Sophists, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Students who have an area of special interest are encouraged to contact the department. Special topics and authors of philosophical interest.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (12).
As Needed.
Specialized study of select persons, ideas, schools, historical trends or problems in philosophy.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (9).
As Needed.
Special topics and authors of philosophical interest. Students who have an area of special interest are encouraged to contact the department.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (12).
As Needed.
Specialized study of select persons, ideas, schools, historical trends or problems in philosophy.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (9).
As Needed.
Practical experience through internship with libraries, charitable groups, and other community organizations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: For advanced students. Junior or senior status recommended. Departmental permission required.
Political Science (POLS)
Fall, Spring.
An introduction to American government and politics, with attention to party politics, congressional behavior, the Constitution, the Supreme Court, civil liberties, civil rights, political economy, public policy, and more.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1)
Spring.
State and local governments profoundly shape our communities, economies, schools, environments, and more. This course studies state and local politics and policy in the U.S., with special attention to Colorado governments.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS)
Fall.
Understanding the theoretical conceptions of race and ethnicity in the United States and how these concepts inform notions of citizenship, group membership, political behavior, and policy outcomes across racial/ethnic groups.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1)
Fall, Spring.
Introductory study of world affairs. Topics include: international economics, institutions, war, human rights, and the environment. Designed for students with no background in international relations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1) (CC)
Fall.
Studies politics, political systems, and governance in various countries, from the UK and France to Mexico and China. The course emphasizes comparative analysis and understanding.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS) (CC)
Spring, Odd.
Exploration of the relationship between war, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of war through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
Exploration of the relationship between politics, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of politics through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Introduction to methods and tools of research in political science, with a focus on causal inference, statistical inference, and the analysis of quantitative data.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Workshop in political and policy analysis, with a focus on writing skills, critical data analysis, and independent research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
An overview of homeland security, key threats, challenges and potential responses.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
An examination of extremist groups and private violence in the context of monitoring, prevention, and responses.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
The policies and practices of local first responders, inter-agency relationships, political violence and unconventional weapons.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Content on diversity, law, policy, communication, and police procedures.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Course is reserved for Peace Officers completing the Police Academy. Credit is awarded concurrently in Criminology, Political Science, & Social Work.
As Needed.
Study of Political Events.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Examines the organization and function of political parties and the roles of political parties, pressure groups, and public opinion in American elections.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
Understanding the formation of Latinos/Hispanics as a distinct ethnic-political group in American politics and how the political behavior of Latinos/Hispanics differs from other racial-ethnic groups.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Introductory study of arguments related to the outbreak of violent international warfare. Emphasis on coercive bargaining, diplomacy, arms races, and contentious issues.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Even.
Introductory study of arguments related to violent conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution. Emphasis on international law, peacekeeping, peace building, ethics, and non-violent organization.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Covers multidimensional features of CO state government - organization; constitutional foundations; change over time; direct and indirect impacts on daily life - and how structures shape state politics.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Survey of American constitutional law; emphasis on Supreme Court decisions defining the extent and limits and of governmental authority and the rights and liberties of individual citizens.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Content and characteristics of criminal law and procedures. Roles and functions of persons and agencies involved in judicial administration.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring.
Survey of legal issues concerning domestic relations; Supreme Court decisions and legislative enactments.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Role of public bureaucracy in modern society. Principles and processes of public administration, personnel management and administrative responsibility.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Fall.
Introduces the process of formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. Examines program development and execution in the context of political, economic, and institutional environments.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring.
This course studies mass political attitudes, behavior, and psychology, including party identification and opinion formation. It also studies the effects of public opinion on democracy and methods of survey research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Assesses the role U.S. media plays in holding power accountable in the digital age. Topics include agenda setting and issue framing, the impact of media on public opinion, and how political actors shape media narratives.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Systematic survey of political thought from beginnings in Ancient Near East to present. Emphasis on contributions relevant to contemporary political theory.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Examines inter-agency relations as well as practical and political elements of domestic intelligence gathering.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Explores the legal and constitutional aspects of homeland security and homeland defense.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Topics include the development of threat assessment and planning, public-private sector resource partnering and crisis communication.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Explore domestic and international law and policy governing cyber-related issues such as cybercrime, cyberwar, and the balance between civil liberties and national security in an electronic age.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
This course studies psychological theories of political leadership and decision making. It also considers a variety of methodological approaches to assessing political leaders at a distance.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Independent study involving specialized reading and research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (6).
Fall, Even.
Study of the powers, politics, and structure of the U.S. congress and presidency.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring, Odd.
Exploration of the relationship between war, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of war through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring, Even.
Exploration of the relationship between politics, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of politics through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Ethno-nationalist conflict characterizes many of the world's most intractable and violent conflicts. This course studies ethno-nationalist conflict and identity formation in countries around the world.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
What explains economic development and inequality? How does political economics vary between rich and poor countries? The course studies the political economy of development in both developed and developing nations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
How do dictators and one-party regimes stay in power? Why do some democracies fail? This course studies comparative dictatorship, comparative democracy, and regime change.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Odd.
Investigate ongoing contemporary issues, and explore arguments related to strategic policy, political leadership, military development and application, and policy evolution.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Development of American segment of modern political thought from colonial times to present. Interrelationship of individuals, ideas and institutions shaping modern American political responses.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Practical experience as interns in governmental agencies, political parties, or legal offices.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: For advanced students. Departmental permission required.
As Needed.
Special topics in political science.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Lower division courses in Political Science are recommended. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Individual research project under the supervision and direction of a faculty member resulting in a thesis, or research with a faculty member resulting in a similar work product.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (6).
As Needed.
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked faculty member in the political science program and approved by the program coordinator.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Practical experience as interns in governmental agencies, political parties, or legal offices.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: For advanced students. Departmental permission required. Repeatable (12).
Spring.
Theories of leadership and management how they apply to the public and nonprofit sectors. Covers topics such as motivation, fostering teamwork, conflict management, communication, volunteer management, and others.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU Pueblo’s Online MBA program. Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Overview of public organization budgeting processes and issues such as accounting, procurement, cash flow management, and revenue projection. Nonprofit fundraising, as well as grant writing/grants management, also covered.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU-Pueblo’s Online MBA program, or permission of the instructor required.
As Needed.
Historical and political overview of the scope of public and nonprofit sectors, as well as theories of public and nonprofit management/leadership, public organizational behavior, and accountability/ethics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU-Pueblo’s Online MBA program, or permission of the instructor required.
As Needed.
Overview of policymaking processes, including agenda setting, policy formation, and implementation, and evaluation. Special attention will be paid to how these process work in specific policy domains that impact business.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU-Pueblo’s Online MBA program, or permission of the instructor required.
As Needed.
Special topics in political science.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of program coordinator. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked faculty member in the political science program and approved by the program coordinator.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of program coordinator. Repeatable (99).