also see Public Service and Leadership

 
 

In addition to being a record of the past, history is a way of thinking, for in reflecting on the past and exploring historical problems, we deepen our understanding of the human condition. At DWU, we devote ourselves to thinking historically, but also to the practice of history. Our history majors raise historical questions, examine historical documents, and share their ideas and theses with their peers and the larger community. As an intellectual discipline, history teaches us to read critically, think analytically, communicate effectively, and examine issues of learning, leadership, faith, and service.

Our History program prepares students for MA or Ph.D. programs in history, for law school, for the teaching of history at the high school or middle school levels, or for careers in museum science, journalism, or government service. We offer a broad range of introductory and upper-level courses, though our faculty members have special interests in American history, military history, and environmental history. Our department supports the departments of Education, Public Service and Leadership, and Cultural Studies, and we are leaders in the University Scholars Program that offers honors courses for high-achieving students.

Our graduates, many of whom experienced internships at the national and state levels while at DWU, are lawyers, teachers, professors, curators, and public servants. They have gotten where they are because we shared their love for history, enhanced their critical thinking skills, honed their communication skills, and supported their ideas and interests.

Our former students include former U.S. Senator and former DWU history professor George McGovern and a well-known authority on the American West, Dr. Paul H. Carlson. Other DWU history graduates are bankers, athletic trainers, and law enforcement officers.

DWU also offers a minor in Political Science. Political science is the study of human behavior as it relates to government and politics. Dakota Wesleyan University offers a minor in political science as well as a series of basic courses in political science that meets General Education requirements, provides electives in the social sciences, and supports majors in history and social studies. Courses in political science frequently focus on leadership issues. Through our internship program, we immerse students in politics at the national and state levels.

How do I know if History or Political Science are for me?

1. Does the study of the past excite me?
2. Do I follow political news and political campaigns?
3. Am I a dedicated reader with a thirst for history and history problems?
4. Do I take satisfaction in expressing myself and defending my views in both written and spoken language?
5. Does examining the past help me understand the present?
6. Do I enjoy raising interesting research questions and searching for answers to
   those questions?
7. Do I take satisfaction in analyzing public policy issues?
8. Do I take an interest in world politics and policy issues?

If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, history and political science might be the right fit for you.

In addition to providing preparation for careers in history fields and government professions, a history major and political science minor prepares undergraduates for law school. Law school students come from a variety of undergraduate degree programs, but the analytical and critical thinking skills associated with history and political science degrees are valued by law school admissions officers.

If you are interested in studying history and political science at Dakota Wesleyan University, contact us! Call or e-mail Sean Flynn, (605) 995-2713, seflynn@dwu.edu; or John Husmann, (605) 995-2714, johusman@dwu.edu.