Through coursework in History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology, students in the Department of History and Social Science analyze human and societal behavior and perspectives. Collectively, the department emphasizes narratives of the past, concern for the present, and modeling for the future. Our layered curriculum provides social, cultural, and political context, promotes inquiry, and develops analytical skills. All our courses enhance written and verbal skills in an equitable, open, and pedagogically informed learning environment. Some of our students are prepared to teach in secondary education, advance to graduate studies, or pursue careers in policy analysis and program coordination, and all are prepared to apply their learning and skills to employment opportunities, public life, and personal growth.
1.Explain the similarities and distinctions between Social Science methods and Historical methods
2.Assess evidence-based research.
3.Develop written communication.
4.Develop verbal communication
5.Examine human connections with society, culture, politics, and the environment
ANTH 231 INTRO TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY3 Credits
Comparative study of a variety of human groups modern and premodern, including analysis of technology, family form, religion, other aspects of social organization, and cultural change. Methods of cultural anthropology will be discussed. Field trips may be required.
ANTH 337 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND CULTURES OF NORTH AMERICA3 Credits
Survey of indigenous cultures of North America from prehistory through contemporary societies. Emphasis is placed on the wide range of diversity exhibited by American Indians across the continent. Course content will include prehistoric Native Americans, the contact period, and contemporary American Indian societies.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
ANTH 351 ANCIENT WEST3 Credits
This course investigates the history of the West from the Neolithic through the Middle Ages with attention to Greco-Roman societies, Iron-Age Celtic and Germanic societies, and the European world(s) that emerged as the earlier cultures collided. In addition to historical works, the course analyzes the subject through cognate fields with special emphasis on anthropology.
Cross-Listed: HIST351/ANTH351
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
ANTH 371 ANCIENT EAST ASIA3 Credits
This course investigates the peoples and cultures of East Asia from the emergence of Bronze-Age kingdoms through the failure of Confucian political and social systems in the mid-nineteenth century. In addition to anthropological works, this course analyzes the subject area through cognate disciplines, with special emphasis on history.
Cross-Listed: HIST371/ANTH371
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
ANTH 400 INDEPENDENT STUDY1-6 Credits
Study or Research in an area of special interest.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
Add Consent: Instructor Consent
Notes: The number of credit hours is determined by the topic and the amount of work required.
Requirements: Permission of instructor, Dean and Academic Vice President is required.
ANTH 430 TOPICS IN ANTHROPOLOGY1-3 Credits
Special topical studies that may include: art and religion, Native American culture, impact of technology on culture, agricultural systems, cultures of the Middle East, exploration and cultures, linguistics, and nomadism. Student may repeat the course for a maximum of 9 hours credit. Field research is possible.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
ANTH 435 N PLAINS INDIAN CULTURES3 Credits
Survey of Northern Plains Indian cultures with a focus upon aspects of cultures from both a historical and contemporary perspective, but with emphasis being placed on the contemporary cultures. The impact of modern technology and Euro-American contact on Northern Plains Indians will also be examined as well as the continuing functions of traditional native beliefs in contemporary social, economic, political, and religious contexts.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
GEOG 231 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY3 Credits
Survey of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere including a topical analysis of land forms, weather and climate, soils, and vegetation. Emphasis is on understanding processes of and relationships between the spheres.
GEOG 232 CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY3 Credits
Geographical relationships and interactions of cultural, social, economic, ethnic, and political phenomena. Topical approach to population sub-groups, migration, religions, languages, urban and rural settlements, and other attributes of the cultural landscape.
GEOG 233 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY3 Credits
This integrative course examines interactions and relationships between people, places, and environments. It emphasizes how human practices engage with local and global change. The course takes a place-based approach to the analysis of population and health, migration, socioeconomics, identity, language, religion, foodways, economic development, politics, and urbanization.
HIST 151 US HISTORY TO 18773 Credits
Political, social and economic development of the United States from the earliest explorations through the Civil War: colonial settlements, the formation of the Republic, the growth of nationalism, territorial expansion, the development of sectionalism, Civil War and Reconstruction.
HIST 152 US HISTORY SINCE 18773 Credits
Continuation of HIST 151, from the end of Reconstruction to the present: the emergence of modern America, the rise of the city, the growth of industry, the organization of labor, the growth of democracy and the evolution of foreign policy.
HIST 171 WORLD HISTORY TO 15003 Credits
Survey of World Civilizations from the prehistoric and ancient periods to the rise of the modern era, circa 1500 with emphasis upon political, religious cultural, economic and social movements.
HIST 172 WORLD HISTORY SINCE 15003 Credits
Survey of World History from 1500 to the present with emphasis upon political, religious cultural, economic and social movements.
HIST 310 POLITICS AND ECONOMICS3 Credits
Analyzes the relationship between politics and economics. The class investigates this relationship by examining an array of institutions, to include the sub-national, the nation-state and the supra-national. Students will acquire knowledge of basic economic concepts and theories and develop methodological literacy needed to understand political and economic research. Further, students will understand the role of political economy in historical explanation.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 351 ANCIENT WEST3 Credits
This course investigates the history of the West from the Neolithic through the Middle Ages with attention to Greco-Roman societies, Iron-Age Celtic and Germanic societies, and the European world(s) that emerged as the earlier cultures collided. In addition to historical works, the course analyzes the subject through cognate fields with special emphasis on anthropology.
Cross-Listed: HIST351/ANTH351
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 352 EUROPE: RENAISSANCE TO WORLD WAR3 Credits
Investigation of the history of Europe from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. In addition to historical works, this course analyzes the subject through other cognate social sciences, with potential disciplines including political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, and psychology.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 353 EUROPE SINCE 19143 Credits
The end of the old order in Europe, the age of conflict and ideology, and the rise of mass movements from World War I to the present.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 354 US COLONIAL AND EARLY REPUBLIC3 Credits
Study of the rich variety of themes in Early America from Indian cultures to the appearance and development of European colonies in America and the evolution of these colonies through the Early Republic.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 355 US IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY3 Credits
Traces the history of the United States in the Nineteenth Century, including the rise of sectionalism, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the early Progressive Era.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 356 US IN THE 20TH CENTURY3 Credits
Growth of the United States during the Twentieth Century with an emphasis on the evolution of political institutions, the United States as a world power, civil rights issues, and the main intellectual and cultural currents in this century of rapid change.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 361 NORTH AMERICAN WEST3 Credits
North American West emphasizing the region as a contested meeting ground for various people. Significant Western themes, including expansion, violence, and the role of the federal government will be examined.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 362 NEBRASKA HISTORY3 Credits
This course investigates the history of Nebraska with emphasis on geographical, social, political, and economic factors. May require field trips.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 363 AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY3 Credits
History of Native American and Indian peoples from tribal origins to the present. Emphasizes cultural survival and cross-cultural exchange.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 364 AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY3 Credits
History of the United States throught it's interactions with nature, from the colonial era to the present. In addition to examining the history of resource use, this course examines how the environment functions as a critical tool in defining cultural, political, and gender relationships among Americans.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 369 SUBJECT AND CITIZEN3 Credits
Students will explore the historic relationship among individuals, peoples and governance. An evaluation of ancient forms of governance across diverse cultures; analysis of the development of the social contract and the connection to the modern state and an examination of both the duties and privileges historically derived from the status of subject and citizen. Stress placed on understanding the power of citizenship as well as its historic boundary creation and exclusion. Significant time spent on the evaluation of the new forms/challenges of citizenship in a globalizing world, especially the concept of global citizenship and non-nation state affiliation. By understanding the diverse and contested historical terrain of subject and citizen, students can conceptualize, problematize and navigate their own relationship to civic participation.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 370 THE POST-COLONIAL CONDITION3 Credits
Students will investigate the post-colonial condition. Emphasis placed on the evaluation of modern colonialism's interaction with a host of differing environs and diverse human communities. The course analyzes the complex self-expressions and identities in this encounter and concentrates on the behaviors and voices arising from the resulting post-colonial condition. Significant time spent on how former colonized peoples claim different forms of belonging amidst the legacy of colonialism, which take on a host of different postures from fatalism to empowerment. The search for belonging and identity will be explored across many forms, to include the economic, cultural, political, and the ideological. Perhaps no form of modern identity has more potential for cooperation and conflict than those sought in former colonial spaces of Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. By understanding these often dislocating behaviors and voices students can critically engage with their own understanding of diversity and identity.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 371 ANCIENT EAST ASIA3 Credits
This course investigates the peoples and cultures of East Asia from the emergence of Bronze-Age kingdoms through the failure of Confucian political and social systems in the mid-nineteenth century. In addition to anthropological works, this course analyzes the subject area through cognate disciplines, with special emphasis on history.
Cross-Listed: HIST371/ANTH371
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 372 MODERN EAST ASIA3 Credits
This course investigates the history of East Asia from the rise of nineteenth-century modernization movements through the present. It focuses primarily on China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This course also consults cognate fields including political science and anthropology.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 373 HISTORY OF THE PACIFIC RIM3 Credits
Comprehensive course covering the history, geography, economics, politics, and culture of the peoples who have inhabited the borders of the Pacific Rim-including the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, Oceania, and Latin America-over the past half-millenium. Topics will include environmental transformation, colonialism, international diplomacy, World War II, and globalization.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 374 HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST3 Credits
This course investigates the history of the Middle East from its earliest river-based societies, Tigris and Euphrates, Nile, and Indus River Valleys, to the founding of monotheistic religions and on into the present day. This course also consults cognate fields including political science and anthropology.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 375 HISTORY OF AFRICA3 Credits
History of Africa from the pre-historic to the present day. In addition to historical works, this course analyzes the subject through other cognate social sciences with potential disciplines including political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, and psychology.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 376 LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY3 Credits
History of Latin American nations covering the periods of conquest, colonization and independence, with emphasis on social, political and educational developments.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
HIST 390 INTERNSHIP IN HISTORY1-12 Credits
Provides practical historical experience while employed with a museum or historical society, government agency, business, or industry. Open to upper division students majoring in one of the social sciences.
Add Consent: Department Consent
Notes: Interested students should contact the Internship and Career Services office to secure application materials; application should be made prior to the semester the internship will be started; the amount of credit will be based on the availability of a suitable work position, the qualifications of the applicant, and the work hours.
HIST 395 SEMINAR IN WORLD HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES3 Credits
Required for all History, History Education, and Social Science majors. Students will understand World History through Social Science methodologies and skills developed over the curriculum. Culminates the interdisciplinary focus of the program and produces a synthetic understanding of a topic/problem that is demonstrated in original scholarly research.
Cross-Listed: HIST 395/SS395
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 400 INDEPENDENT STUDY1-6 Credits
Study or research in an area of special interest.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent
Notes: The number of credit hours is determined by the topic and the amount of work required.
Requirements: Permission of instructor, Dean and Academic Vice President is required.
HIST 401 CUBA LIBRE'1-3 Credits
This course allows students to have a study abroad experience in Cuba. Students are encouraged to attend as many pre-trip class sessions of the concurrent course: ESP Capstone 469. Students must attend two weeks of pre-trip orientation and attend post-trip sessions regarding Self-Reflective essay (required of all participants).
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 402 CUBA LIBRE'3 Credits
This course allows students to have a study abroad experience in Cuba. Students are encouraged to attend as many pre-trip class sessions of the concurrent course: ESP Capstone 469. Students must attend two weeks of pre-trip orientation and attend post-trip sessions regarding self-reflective essay (required of all participants).
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 410 PUBLIC HISTORY METHODS3 Credits
This course covers historical research methods applicable for public history studies. The class investigates local sites, broad themes, and current trends to understand how historians and professionals in the field present history to the public through museums, archives, parks, media, and other settings.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 455 PROCESS IN U.S. HISTORY3 Credits
Applies a process-based theme to U.S. history, with themes subject to professor discretion to bring back together process and context (the general and the particular). Course analyzes and engages with the subject through a minimum of three cognate social science areas, the reading of secondary literature and student-driven analysis of primary documents.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 460 AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY3 Credits
Comprehensive but brief account of American Military from 1763 to the present. This is a study of how societies form their institutions for their collective security and how those institutions operate in peace and war. It includes the entire range of economic, social, legal, political, technological, and cultural issues that arise from the state's need to organize violence to preserve its existence and accomplish its national goals.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 475 PROCESS IN WORLD HISTORY3 Credits
Applies a process-based theme to World history, with themes subject to professor discretion to bring back together process and context (the general and the particular). Course analyzes and engages with the subject through a minimum of three cognate social science areas, the reading of secondary literature and student-driven analysis of primary documents.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
HIST 490 TOPICS IN HISTORY3 Credits
Topics in History as defined by Instructor.
PS 101 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE3 Credits
Learn how political scientists study and understand the world of politics. Major concepts in the discipline will be learned and applied from a comparative perspective. Different methodological approaches to studying politics will be investigated, as well as the different analytical frameworks political scientists employ. Students will also learn about the various subfields within the discipline, including Comparative Politics, International Politics, American Politics, Political Behavior, and Political Economy.
PS 110 U.S. POLITICS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT3 Credits
Institutional and cultural approaches to American government and politics. Students will engage in inquiry about the nature of government and democracy and study the founding of the United States system of government as they evaluate their personal ideological and political values and seek opportunities to contribute positively to a more democratic society.
PS 237 INTRODUCTION TO LAW3 Credits
A study of the American legal system, legalism in society and the relationship between law and justice. This course examines the structures of our legal system, and considers the economic, social, and political implications as they influence the development of a rule of law. Historical and contemporary legal controversies will be examined.
Cross-Listed: JS237//PS237
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
PS 310 POLITICS AND ECONOMICS3 Credits
Analyzes the relationship between politics and economics. The class investigates this relationship by examining an array of institutions, to include the sub-national, the nation-state and the supra-national. Students will acquire knowledge of basic economic concepts and theories and develop methodological literacy needed to understand political and economic research. Further, students will understand the role of political economy in historical explanation.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
PS 321 U.S. POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT3 Credits
U.S. constitutional system, political process, and governmental institutions from an historical perspective. Emphasis will be placed on American political development. Topics include constitutionalism, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, public opinion, mass political behavior, campaigns and elections, the legislative process, presidential powers, and judicial powers. While the focus is on national politics, special attention will be paid to Nebraska politics and government.
Prerequisites: ENG 135, ENG 136 or 19 on ACT English test and Sophomore or above status
PS 332 GLOBAL POLITICS3 Credits
The structure of the nation-state system and the processes of political activity both within and between states with an emphasis on historical perspectives of global political development. Processes of governance, conflict within and between states and non-state actors, economic development, globalization, and ideologies from a variety of theoretical and empirical perspectives. This course combines traditional political science subfields of comparative politics and international relations.
Prerequisites: PS 101 and Sophomore or above status
PS 333 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW3 Credits
A study of the development of the American governmental system through judicial interpretation of the Constitution. This class is rooted in the conviction that constitutional interpretation is an intricate blend of politics, economics, history, and competing values. This class will emphasize the institutional development of the Court, the evolving role of the judiciary, legislative and executive branches, the dominant theories of constitutional interpretation, the politics of judicial selection, and the ongoing relevance of constitutional interpretation.
Cross-Listed: CJ333/LS333/PS333
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
PS 390 INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE1-12 Credits
Provides practical experience in political science in a state or federal agency or other relevant office.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
Add Consent: Department Consent
Notes: Open to upper division students majoring in one of the social sciences or a minor in political science; interested students should contact the Internship and Career Services Office to secure application materials; application should be made prior to the semester the internship will be started; the amount of credit will be based on availability of a suitable work position, the qualifications of the applicant and the work hours.
PS 400 INDEPENDENT STUDY/RESEARCH1-3 Credits
Study or research in an area of special interest.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
Add Consent: Instructor Consent
Notes: The number of credit hours is determined by the topic and the amount of work required.
Requirements: Permission of the Instructor, Dean and Academic Vice President is required.
PS 401 STUDY ABROAD IN POLITICS1-3 Credits
This course provides students the opportunity to study politics abroad. In additional to the experiential component of the course, students will 1) produce either a reflection essay that places their study abroad experience within some aspect of the political science literature, or 2) compose a research paper that includes field-work and other research methods. The number of units for this course will vary based on the scope of the work additional to the study abroad experience.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
PS 410 POLITICAL INQUIRY3 Credits
Survey of qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry in political science. Students will learn the foundations of research design in political science and when, how, and why to use different research methodologies by developing their own research design.
Prerequisites: PS 101 and Sophomore or above status
PS 420 AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT3 Credits
The main lines of American political thought and ideology will be examined. The Founding era, especially the debates between the Federalists and the Antifederalists, will be emphasized, as will developments in the post-WW II era.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
PS 430 TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE1-3 Credits
Special topics in Political Science.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
Notes: May be repeated with a change of emphasis.
PS 431 HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT3 Credits
Various themes in political philosophy will be covered, such as political obligation, rights, freedom and justice. Major philosophers covered will include Plato, Locke and Rousseau.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
PS 434 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY3 Credits
This course will examine the structures and processes of Congress and the Presidency, and how the two institutions interact with one another. Topics will include constituency and partisan influences, organizational structures, and decision-making processes in both branches of government. The course will highlight the independent and dynamic nature of inter-branch relations, with an emphasis on the evolving constitutional system of the United States.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
PS 436 FIELD STUDY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE3 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for direct observation of governmental officials and other political participants. A typical session is a two-week stay in Washington, D.C. examining the activities of the federal government.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
Add Consent: Instructor Consent
PS 439 DEMOCRACY: U.S. AND THE WORLD3 Credits
The concept of political democracy will be critically analyzed in both historical and contemporary discourses. The emergence and evolution of political democracy will be covered with an emphasis on American political culture and institutions and frequent comparisons to other advanced democracies and developing democracies around the world.
Prerequisites: PS 101 and Sophomore or above status
Dual-listed: PS 539
SOC 230 SOCIETY: GLOBAL COMPARISONS3 Credits
Study and comparison of several societies including that of The United States. Specific areas of comparison include family structure, conflict resolution, economic activity, history and demography, education and religion.
SOC 231 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY3 Credits
An introductory survey of the field of Sociology, including major theories, contemporary methods, examination of research and writing in subfields of Sociology, and participation in a class research project.
SOC 239 CRIMINOLOGY3 Credits
A study of the nature and causes of criminal behavior. This course will analyze the crime causation ranging through biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural theories. This course will also evaluate the historical influences and thoughts which have led to criminology's development as a contemporary science.
Cross-Listed: JS239/SOC239
SOC 332 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY3 Credits
A study of the history and concept of delinquency, the development of the juvenile justice system, nature and extent of delinquency, theoretical explanations of delinquency, and environmental influences of delinquency. Special topics covered include child abuse and neglect, school-based crime, gang control efforts, and the relationship between delinquency and drug abuse.
Cross-Listed: CJ332/SOC332
Prerequisites: CJ 101 and Junior or above status
SOC 369 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: THEORY AND PRACTICE3 Credits
Students will explore theories of civic engagement and patterns of civic participation with a focus on the United States. They will also engage in experiential learning through one of several possible opportunities to contribute to their communities. In doing so, students will further develop their own ideas in collaboration with others as to their roles as citizens.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
SS 223 YOU BE THE JUDGE: UNDERSTANDING AMERICAN LAW3 Credits
A study of the nature and function of the American legal system and its interrelationship with our social, political and economic institutions. This course examines the nature, functions, and limits of law and its impact on economic, political, and social institutions. Emphasis will be placed on debates of current legal issues.
Cross-Listed: LS223/SS223
SS 390 INTERNSHIP IN SOCIAL SCIENCE1-12 Credits
Provides practical experience in social science in a social or governmental agency. Open to upper division students majoring in one of the social sciences.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
Add Consent: Department Consent
Notes: Interested students should contact the Internship and Career Services Office to secure application materials; application should be made prior to the semester the internship will be started; the amount of credit will be based on the availability of a suitable work position, the qualifications of the applicant and the work hours.
SS 395 SEMINAR IN WORLD HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES3 Credits
Required for all History, History Education, and Social Science majors. Students will understand World History through Social Science methodologies and skills developed over the curriculum. Culminates the interdisciplinary focus of the program and produces a synthetic understanding of a topic/problem that is demonstrated in original scholarly research.
Cross-Listed: HIST 395/SS395
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
SS 400 INDEPENDENT STUDY/RESEARCH1-3 Credits
Study or research in an area of special interest.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent
Notes: The number of credit hours is determined by the topic and the amount of work required.
Requirements: Permission of instructor, Dean and Academic Vice President is required.
SS 430 TOPICS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE1-3 Credits
Special topics in Social Science.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
Notes: May be repeated with a change of emphasis.
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