History, Political Science, Philosophy, & Geography Department
The programs in history, political science, philosophy, and geography are intended to provide domains of study both for students who desire knowledge for personal enrichment and for students who desire to apply knowledge toward career objectives. Students who major or minor in the fields of the department should expect to develop and refine knowledge of other cultures and the historical and political development of the modern world. Students should also expect to engage in methodical research. Other expectations of students include the ability to prepare rationally cogent papers and the ability to understand political theories, historical movements, and the connections between each.
Departmental programs not only prepare students for occupations in government, business, education, and industry, but also are central to the University’s traditional function of transmitting culture from generation to generation.
Geography
The department extends classes in Geography primarily for students who wish to gain Colorado teacher licensure. There is no major or minor in Geography, but students majoring in a variety of areas would benefit from the Geography classes; e.g., History and Political Science.
Philosophy Program
In addition to exploring the methods, ideas, problems and history of philosophy, the minor in philosophy trains students to think with rigor, clarity and precision. Since these qualities are valuable in virtually any discipline, the minor supports a wide range of majors or career tracks. Philosophy and its sub-discipline of ethics pair particularly well with history, politics, law, literature, the arts, the sciences, business, healthcare, and technology.
Academic Programs
- History, Bachelor of Arts
- History, Bachelor of Science: General Emphasis
- History, Bachelor of Science: Secondary Education Emphasis
- History, Minor
- Legal Studies, Minor
- Philosophy, Minor
- Political Science, Bachelor of Arts
- Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Secondary Education Emphasis
- Political Science, Bachelor of Science: General Emphasis
- Political Science, Bachelor of Science: Secondary Education Emphasis
- Political Science, Minor
Geography (GEOG)
Undergraduate Courses
Three Earth spheres: the hydrosphere (oceanography, hydrologic cycle); the atmosphere (meteorology and climatology) and the lithosphere (geology, internal/external processes) are emphasized and examined. (F, S, SS)
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. (F, S) (Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS2) (CC)
Special Topics. Repeatable.
Devoted to special topics in Geography (human, physical, and regional). Prerequisite: Jr. or Sr. standing with adequate preparation and permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
History (HIST)
Undergraduate Courses
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. (F, S) (Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1) (CC)
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. (F, S) (Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1) (CC)
This course traces the culture and historical development of the southwestern United States, including cultural contributions of the American Indian and Hispanic peoples. (F, S) (Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1) (CC)
United States history from founding of North American colonies to 1877 Reconstruction era. (F, S) (Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1)
United States from 1877 Reconstruction era to contemporary era. (F, S) (Gen Ed: HS, GT-HI1)
Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
An individualized program of study designed by ranked, full-time History professor for a promising student. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN)
From colonies to superpower, Americans?ÇÖ changing relationships with the world?ÇÖs other peoples, official and unofficial; war and peace, trade and embargo, policy and politics. (S, O)
History, government and economic factors important to the settlement and development of Colorado. (S, E)
History of Greece from the Bronze Age to the Fourth Century B.C.E., emphasizing political, social, intellectual and cultural developments. (S, E)
History of the Roman Republic emphasizing the origin and expansion of Rome and its effect on political, social, intellectual and cultural developments. (F, E)
History of the Roman Empire emphasizing political, social, economic and cultural developments. (S, O)
This course surveys the major political, economic, social and cultural developments of Mexico from pre-Columbian times to the present. (S, E)
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. (S, E)
Cultural and political development of Russian and Soviet history from 800 to the present; emphasis on impact of the Bolshevik Revolution on history. (F, O)
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. (F, E)
Cultural and political developments in modern China; emphasis on the interplay between Chinese tradition and western challenges. (F, E)
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: Previous work in History and permission of Instructor. (AN)
Explores writing and ratification of U.S. Constitution. (S, O)
Role of the individual and the group in the development of the frontier into the 20th century. (F, O)
Social, cultural, and political developments that caused the sectional crisis, secession, and war. War coverage includes military strategy, politics, diplomacy, and emancipation. (S, E)
Survey from Reconstruction to Black Lives Matter; particular focus on judicial, presidential, legislative, and grassroots efforts to promote change. (F, O)
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: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. (AN)
Comparative study of empires with in-depth analysis of specific topics and themes. Variable Content. (F, O) Repeatable (9).
History of the Mexican cession to the United States from its Indian and Hispanic origins to the present. (S, O)
Special Topics. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Seminar devoted to special topics and issues in history; emphasis on research paper. (S)
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked full-time Historian for a History major or minor. Prerequisite: History major or minor and permission of instructor. (AN)
For advanced students. Practical experience through internship with museums, libraries with historical collections, and other community organizations. Recommended: history major or minor with junior or senior status. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. (AN) Repeatable (6).
Graduate Courses
Special Topics. (AN)
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked Historian and approved by the Graduate Director. Prerequisite: Permission of Graduate Director. (AN) Repeatable (6).
Philosophy (PHIL)
Undergraduate Courses
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. (F, S) (Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
An introduction to the study of religion, including theories, methods, and practices that scholars employ as they investigate religion. (S)
A study of major world religions including Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Shinto, Taoism, Zoroastrianism. (AN) (Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3) (CC)
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. (F, S) (Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
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. (F, S) (Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
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. (AN) (Gen Ed: H, GT-AH3)
Exploration of the ancient origins of Western philosophy with an emphasis on the Presocratics, theSophists, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. (AN)
Students who have an area of special interest are encouraged to contact the department. Special topics and authors of philosophical interest. (AN) Repeatable (12).
Specialized study of select persons, ideas, schools, historical trends or problems in philosophy. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (9).
Special topics and authors of philosophical interest. May be repeated for 12 credits maximum. More advanced than PHIL 291. Students who have an area of special interest are encouraged to contact the department. (AN) Repeatable (12).
Specialized study of select persons, ideas, schools, historical trends or problems in philosophy. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (9).
For advanced students. Practical experience through internship with libraries, charitable groups, and other community organizations. Recommended: junior or senior status. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. (F,S,SS,E,O,AN) Repeatable (0).
Political Science (POLS)
Undergraduate Courses
Basic processes in American politics. Principles and structure of national governments. (F,S) (Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1)
Behavioral aspects, government organization and inter-relationships of state and local politics, relations with federal government and other states. Special attention to Colorado government. (F)
An overview of the historical and contemporary struggles for empowerment by groups traditionally excluded from full societal participation because of racial designation. (AN)
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. (F, S) (Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1) (CC)
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. (S) (Gen Ed: SS) (CC)
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. (S, E)
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. (F, O)
Introduction to methods and tools of research in political science, with a focus on causal inference, statistical inference, and the analysis of quantitative data. (F)
Workshop in political and policy analysis, with a focus on writing skills, critical data analysis, and independent research. Prerequisite: POLSC 250 (S)
An overview of homeland security, key threats, challenges and potential responses. (F)
An examination of extremist groups and private violence in the context of monitoring, prevention, and responses. (S)
The policies and practices of local first responders, inter-agency relationships, political violence and unconventional weapons. (S)
Content on diversity, law, policy, communication, and police procedures. Course is reserved for Peace Officers completing the Police Academy. Credit is awarded concurrently in Criminology, Political Science, & Social Work. (S/U grading). (F,S,SS,E,O,AN)
Study of Political Events. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Examines the organization and function of political parties and the roles of political parties, pressure groups, and public opinion in American elections. (F)
Introductory study of arguments related to the outbreak of violent international warfare. Emphasis on coercive bargaining, diplomacy, arms races, and contentious issues. Prerequisite: POLS 201 or permission of instructor. (S, O)
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: POLS 201 or permission of instructor. (F)
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: POLS 321 or permission of instructor. (S)
Content and characteristics of criminal law and procedures. Roles and functions of persons and agencies involved in judicial administration. Prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor. (F)
Survey of legal issues concerning domestic relations; Supreme Court decisions and legislative enactments. Prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor. (S)
Role of public bureaucracy in modern society. Principles and processes of public administration, personnel management and administrative responsibility. Prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor. (F, E)
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 or permission of instructor. (F, O)
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. (F)
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. (S)
Systematic survey of political thought from beginnings in Ancient Near East to present. Emphasis on contributions relevant to contemporary political theory. Prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor. (S)
Examines inter-agency relations as well as practical and political elements of domestic intelligence gathering. (S)
Explores the legal and constitutional aspects of homeland security and homeland defense. (F, E)
Topics include the development of threat assessment and planning, public-private sector resource partnering and crisis communication. (S)
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. (F, O)
Independent study involving specialized reading and research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (6).
Analysis of the powers and politics of the American presidency and those who have held the office. Presidential decision making, legislative and judicial relationships, elections. Prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor. (F,E)
Study of the U.S. Congress structure, law-making, politics and reforms. Prerequisite: POLS 101 or permission of instructor. (F,O)
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. (S, E)
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. (F, O)
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. (F,O)
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. (S,E)
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. (F,E)
Investigate ongoing contemporary issues, and explore arguments related to strategic policy, political leadership, military development and application, and policy evolution. Prerequisite: POLS 201 or permission of instructor. (F, E)
Development of American segment of modern political thought from colonial times to present. Interrelationship of individuals, ideas and institutions shaping modern American political responses. (AN)
For advanced students. Practical experience as interns in governmental agencies, political parties or legal offices. Prerequisite: Departmental permission. (AN) Repeatable (12).
Special topics in political science. Prerequisite: Lower division courses in political science are recommended. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Original research with a faculty member resulting in a thesis. (AN) Repeatable (6).
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked faculty member in the political science program and approved by the program coordinator. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Graduate Courses
Special topics in political science. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator. Corequisite: None (AN) Repeatable (99).
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked faculty member in the political science program and approved by the program coordinator. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator. Corequisite: None. (AN) Repeatable (99).