Division of Social Sciences and Humanities

Global Studies, History, Modern Languages, Political Science, and Philosophy

Chair: Paulette L. Pepin, Ph.D.

Courses in global studies, history, modern languages, political science, and philosophy offer students an understanding of the social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped the contemporary world. Increasingly, citizens of a global society need to gain expertise in the rich array of courses offered in this division, from an understanding of international relations and the analysis of historical events, to the discussion of the role of women and religion in modern society.

The Division offers the B.A. degree in global studies, in history, and in political science, and minors in global studies, history, political science, philosophy, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish-Latin American area studies. Modern languages include elementary and intermediate-level courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Faculty members also have organized intersession and summer study abroad programs in Europe, Central and South America, China, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Dubai, Jordan, Oman, and Russia. This Division also contributes many of the courses to the major in global studies, reflecting the University's commitment to develop interdisciplinary ties within the social sciences.

Global Studies

Coordinator: Brett McCormick, Ph.D., Cornell University

The B.A. in global studies is an innovative interdisciplinary major designed to serve students who seek to understand global issues that increasingly affect all aspects of our lives. These issues include international terrorism and crime networks, global stresses on the environment, transnational economic issues, and the effectiveness of diplomacy in responding to global crises and opportunities. The program permits students to integrate courses from across the University with real-life learning experiences (internships and study abroad) in order to achieve global competency. Students in this major will be prepared to enter career opportunities in government, nongovernmental organizations, or multinational companies.

Study Abroad

All Global Studies majors are strongly encouraged to complete at least one study abroad experience.

History

Coordinator: Paulette L. Pepin, Ph.D., Fordham University

Associate Professors: Bret McCormick, Ph.D., Cornell University, Paulette L Pepin, Ph.D. Fordham University, Edmund N. Todd, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, Bradley Woodworth, Ph.D. Indiana University

Assistant Professor: April Yoder, Ph.D., Georgetown University

Lecturers: Matthew Wranovix, Ph.D., Yale University

History provides a framework for a liberal education. The study of human experience - failures as well as achievements - is the core of historical study. It gives insight into related disciplines in the humanities and social sciences and broadens the perspective of students in the professional fields of business and engineering by revealing the complexity and interrelatedness of human experience.

History is also excellent preparation for a variety of careers in business, government, law, journalism, foreign service, and many other areas. Because of the great variety of professional programs at the University of New Haven, the student interested in history can combine this interest with highly technical professional training.

The Department strives to meet its objectives by teaching not only content but critical and writing skills through reading, class presentations and discussion, research, and writing. Historical methodology is stressed in all advanced courses, and students take the history seminar in their senior year to sharpen their critical and analytic skills.

All History majors are strongly encouraged to complete at least one study abroad experience.

Phi Alpha Theta

Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours (4 courses) in History, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.1 in History and a GPA of 3.0 or better overall. A maximum of 3 credit hours of online, transfer, or AP credits may be applied to the membership eligibility requirement. Membership is not limited to History majors.

Modern Languages

Coordinator: Alessia Dalsant Ph.D., Yale University

Assistant Professor: Robert Irizarry, Ph.D., University of Kansas

Lecturers: Halima Belemlih, Ph.D., Morocco and Suffield University UK, Alessia Dalsant, Ph.D., Yale University

In an interconnected world, the knowledge of modern languages has become increasingly important and greatly enhances global awareness. The Division offers a variety of courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Courses in other major world languages may also be offered on a less regular basis. These courses fulfill the core curriculum requirements on all worksheets. In addition, students interested in study abroad are encouraged to begin their study of a modern language at UNH. Refer to the course section of this catalog for courses beginning with the prefixes ARBC, CHIN, FREN, GERM, ITAL, RUSS, and SPAN.

The Division also offers five minors in Modern Languages:

Philosophy

Visiting Assistant Professor : Douglas Ficek, Ph.D., Temple University

Philosophy is about the "big" questions. Who are we? Why are we here? What should we do? And, of course, how should we do it? As an intellectual endeavor, philosophy explores these questions - and many others - critically, creatively, and without dogmatic inflexibility. Animated by the "love of wisdom," which is actually its etymological meaning, philosophy is a universal phenomenon that we, as human beings, have been pursuing all over the world for thousands of years - from Africa to Europe, from Asia to the Americas.

Why should you study philosophy?

To begin with, philosophical skills have practical value, not only in your professional life, but also in your personal life. Students of philosophy practice critical thinking, analytical reading and listening, and precise writing and speaking. They also "think outside the box," which fosters creativity, innovation, and even humor. Obviously, these are valuable skills, and they are sought after in education, journalism, law, medicine, and music - to say nothing of business and the arts.

Above and beyond that, philosophy can also help you, as a human being, understand yourself and the complex world you live in. Socrates, the wise teacher of Plato, once said that the "unexamined life is not worth living." Well, philosophy is just that: the critical examination of life - of who you are, of what you should do. And given the various problems facing humanity today, the importance of wisdom and critical examination cannot be overestimated.

Philosophy courses at UNH emphasize ethical inquiry, philosophical diversity, and real-world.

Political Science

Coordinator: Chris Haynes, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside

Professor Emeritus: James W. Dull, Ph.D., Columbia University

Professor: Natalie J. Ferringer, Ph.D., University of Virginia, Joshua Sandman, Ph.D., New York University

Assistant Professor: Chris Haynes, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside, Matthes Schmidt, Ph.D. Georgetown University

A major in political science provides the student with a foundation for a career in government on the local, state, national, and international levels; for a career in law; for graduate school programs in political science, international relations, and public policy; and for careers in the areas of campaign management, communication, public relations, and business. All political science and pre-law majors or minors should discuss career goals and educational objectives with a Department adviser within one month of entrance into the program.

The Political Science Program offers pre-law advising and tracking. The American Bar Association statement on preparation for legal education and for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) serves as a guide for pre-law advising course selection. Courses are selected from the following academic areas in consultation with your Political Science Department advisor: political science, history, English/literature, communication, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.

Further, advice on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation courses, which our pre-law and graduate school-oriented students are urged to take, is available through the Program.

Pre-law majors and minors in the Department of Political Science have been especially successful in gaining entrance to law schools throughout the country.

The political science faculty grants the Rollin G. Osterweis Award for Excellence in Political Science to an outstanding political science student.

General Political Science

Students whose needs are best served by a mixture of political science courses may construct an individualized minor, in consultation with a departmental adviser, or a certification in campaign management.