History, Political Science, Philosophy and American Studies
The Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and American Studies in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science. Minors are offered in African American studies, history, political science, philosophy, pre-law, religion, southern studies, and American studies. Courses are also offered in the areas of logic and military science. In general, assignments for courses numbered U300 or above are more rigorous and the grading standards more demanding than for courses numbered U299 or lower.
Ellis, Allison Pingley, Director of the Center for Justice and Society, Professor
Grady, Paul, Professor
Harris, Carmen, Professor
Lopez, Ramon, Asst Professor
Mccormick, Robert, Professor
Mccraw, Benjamin, Instructor
Myers, Andrew, Professor
Pike, Tammy, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Senior Instructor
Placek, Matthew, Assoc Professor
Richardson, Nicole, Assoc Professor
Rubenzer, Trevor, Department Chair, HPPA, Professor
African American Studies
An introduction to the methods and themes of African American Studies. Topics include the development of the discipline, major frameworks, research and writing in the subject area.
An introduction to the ideas and customs of African Americans including but not limited to artistic, anthropological, psychological, linguistic, and culinary dimensions.
Intensive study of selected topics.
An individualized, contracted program of work planned in conjunction with a faculty member.
American Studies
A survey of the historical, political, social, economic and cultural forces that shaped American life from the early seventeenth to the late nineteenth century.
A survey of the historical, political, social, economic and cultural forces that have shaped American life in the twentieth century.
Interdisciplinary approach to military-social relations in the United States with emphasis on the powers of civilian political leaders to wage war; the rise of the garrison state and military-industrial complex; and past and present uses of the armed services as a social laboratory to test and apply ideas about race, class, and gender.
Experiential and kinesthetic learning experiences that engage with the prevailing military ideas and institutions of the 1860s as well as the everyday lives of Americans who lived and died during that period.
Role of proven and alleged conspiracies in the shaping of American identity from the colonial era of the United States to the present.
Interdisciplinary reading and research on selected aspects of American culture. May be taken more than once if the topic is different.
An individualized, contracted program of study planned in conjunction with a faculty member.
Geography
Uses the landscape approach to study the 10-county area of Northwestern South Carolina. Spatial, economic, social, cultural, demographic and natural traits of the contemporary urban, suburban and rural landscapes are examined after an introduction to the landscape approach.
Principles and methods of geographical inquiry.
Description of the regional method and an analysis of the region forming processes. Emphasis is on the distinctive features of large areas of the world.
The spatial significance of land forms, water bodies, and soils. Emphasis is placed on both the man-land relationship and the concept of location.
The interrelationship of weather elements and controls and the spatial distribution of climate and vegetation.
Factors in location and production of commodities, commerce and manufacturing.
Births, deaths, migration and the distribution of human populations, and the analytical methods used in the study of each of these topics.
Geographic dynamics and characteristics at the local, regional or global level. May be taken twice if the topic is different.
Physical and cultural geography of North America with emphasis on the United States.
History
World history to 1500. Using a global approach, emphasis is placed on major political, social, economic and cultural trends.
1500 to the present. Using a global approach, emphasis is placed on major political, social, economic and cultural trends.
The indigenous peoples, the era of discovery, and the nation from Independence to the end of Reconstruction, emphasizing major political, economic, social, and intellectual developments.
The rise of modern America after the Civil War, emphasizing the political, social, economic, and intellectual trends that contributed to the development of contemporary society.
Major events in the news with emphasis on their historical context and likely long-range significance. May be taken up to three times for credit.
Methods of historical inquiry. Particular attention is given to primary and secondary sources, document analysis, citation methods, research paper skills, and historical writing. This course may not be attempted more than twice. Attempts include receiving a "W," "WF," and "Audit." Appeals to this policy may be made to the Department of HPPA Academic Affairs Committee.
The history of North America from its earliest inhabitants, the exploration and colonization of North America through the end of the Seven Years' War. The subject matter includes Native American societies, background on the Europeans and Africans who would migrate to the colonies, the collision of cultures, family life and labor, colonial administration, and the development of international rivalries in North America.
Era from the end of the Seven Years' War through the ratification of the United States Constitution including the social, political, economic, cultural, and geographic development of the new nation out of the struggle for independence.
The ratification of the United States Constitution through the first three decades of American independence, including the social, political, economic, cultural, and geographic development of the new nation through this period.
The Jacksonian Era from 1820 through 1848, including the social, political, economic, cultural, and geographic development of the new nation under this period.
Years 1848 through 1877 focusing on the social, political, economic, cultural, and geographic development of the nation with an emphasis a concentration on the rise of sectionalism, the military and social conflicts during the Civil War, and the tribulations of the Reconstruction era.
Transformation of the United States into an industrial power and the origins of progressive activism and government regulation including the social, political, economic, cultural, and geographical development of the nation between 1877 and 1917.
The era from 1914 to 1945, focusing on the social, political, economic, cultural, and geographic development of the nation during this period including the American involvement in the two World Wars, the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression.
The history of the United States during the period from 1945 to the present. Subjects included will be the social, political, economic, cultural and geographic development of the nation during this period.
The African background, origins of slavery, the rise of the free black community, and African Americans as actors in the political, social and cultural history of the United States to the end of the Civil War.
The African American role in the Civil War. Emancipation, Reconstruction, and the development of the black community since 1860. Major topics include African Americans' struggle for autonomy and equal rights in the political and economic arenas, the impact of race in American society, and the intellectual and cultural traditions of African Americans.
United States involvement in armed conflicts from the colonial period to the present. Subjects covered include the evolution of warfare, the place of the military in society, and the development of professionalism in American forces.
The causes, major events, and impact of the Vietnam War viewed in a cross-cultural context.
Experiential and kinesthetic learning experiences that engage with the prevailing military ideas and institutions of the 1860s as well as the everyday lives of Americans who lived and died during that period.
Pre-Columbian times to the present in North America. Emphasis is placed on economic, political, military and social changes in native cultures over time in response to European and then American encroachment.
The southern United States from the colonial era to the end of the Civil War, emphasizing the development of regionally distinct political, social, economic, and cultural characteristics and institutions.
The southern United States from the era of Reconstruction to the present. Topics include the tension between an increasingly national focus on economics and politics and the desire to maintain local social control. The question of the persistence of a southern identity is central.
The origins and development of South Carolina from colonial times to the present with emphasis on the unique role the state has played in the nation's history.
Local history, focusing on Greenville, Spartanburg, and Cherokee Counties. Public/applied history techniques and projects are included.
"Unruly" women, historically defined as disorderly, and radical. Emphasis is on an intersectional examination of overcoming challenges and obstacles using their voices, artistic expression, activism, and political presence to change the course of American history.
Historical and systematic disadvantaging of women in relation to state and federal policy, work programs, and legislation in the U.S. since 1865. Emphasis includes discrimination among women and the disproportionate impact on marginalized women and LBTQ individuals.
Peoples in trade, politics, culture, and society in the Mediterranean region through the rise of the Byzantine Empire. Significant attention is given to the Egyptian, Persian, and Byzantine Empires with the main emphasis on Greece and Rome.
Economic, political, social and cultural developments in Italy in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries; their spread north and collision with the new ideas released in the Protestant revolt of the sixteenth century. Significant attention is given to the religious wars of the late 1500s and early 1600s.
Social, economic, intellectual, cultural and political transformation of Europe from Louis XIV to the French Revolution. Significant attention is given to Absolutism, Louis XIV, Peter the Great, Frederick the Great, Maria Theresa, Catherine the Great and the new ideas of the Enlightenment.
Causes, events, and legacy of the French Revolution as well as the rise to dominance and decline of Napoleon emphasizing the importance of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era (mid-1700s to 1815) to European and World History.
Europe from 1945 to the present, from a political, social, cultural, economic and military perspective. Significant attention is given to European recovery, the creation of the Soviet Bloc as well as its demise, stagnation in the 1970s, and questions surrounding European unity.
Causes events, and legacy of World War I from the late 1800s through 1919 chiefly from a European perspective. Topics include political failures, colonialism, weaponry, strategy and tactics, diplomacy, home fronts.
Cultural, political, intellectual and social impact of unification, World War I, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, East and West Germany, and reunification.
Political, economic, social and cultural developments from the late-nineteenth century through 1991.
World War II era from the interwar years to 1945 chiefly from a European perspective. Attention is focused on the struggles of the interwar years as well as the causes, events, and legacy of World War II.
Causes, events, and legacies of the Holocaust from the birth of anti-Semitism to the present. Attention is focused on religious and political-based anti-Semitism, the Nazis and race, the onset of the Holocaust, Nazi genocidal policies and procedures, war criminality, postwar trials and escapes, as well as memory, memorials and long-term consequences of the Holocaust.
Political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual development in Britain during the High Middle Ages, from the Norman Conquest to the fall of Richard II.
British social, political, religious, cultural, and economic development in the early modern period. Topics will include Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, Elizabeth, the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.
British social, political, religious, cultural and economic development in the modern period, including the rise of industrialization, imperialism, and the two World Wars.
The development of natural philosophy from the ancient Greeks through the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment to the rise of modern science.
European political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual development from the establishment of Christianity as an officially sanctioned religion to the dawn of the feudal age. Topics will include the Germanic kingdoms, Charlemagne's Empire and the Viking invasions.
European political, social, economic, religious and intellectual development during the High Middle Ages. Topics will include feudalism, the Crusades, and the Black Death.
European women's evolving roles as wives, mothers, immigrants, activists, feminists, politicians, and racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities and their interactions with the structures and systems they lived in have informed their experiences in terms of gender, race, and class in Europe.
Traditional culture, early civilizations, rise of Islam, Sudanic empires, and the slave trade era.
Commercial and religious revolutions of the 19th century, partition, colonial rule, post-independence, and South Africa.
The social, political, cultural, and economic developments in China from prehistoric times to 1800. Topics include Confucianism, Taoism, the Imperial state, the Silk Road, the Medieval Economic Revolution, and the Mongol invasion.
The social, cultural, political, and economic developments in Japan from prehistoric times to 1850. Topics include Shinto, Buddhism, The Tale of Genji, samurai, geisha, shoguns and the rise of urban culture.
The cultural, economic, social, and political development of India with emphasis on Hindu and Islamic influences, the rise of nationalism during the period of British rule, and post-independence India.
Political, cultural, and economic development on China, Japan, and Korea before 1600 with an emphasis on interactions of different regions in East Asia.
The social, political, cultural, and economic developments of Japan from 1868 to the present. Topics include the Meiji Restoration, imperialism, fascism, World War II, post-war occupation, and the Japanese economic miracle.
The social, political, cultural, and economic development of China from 1800 to the present, with an emphasis on the collapse of the late imperial social and political order and the struggle to modernize. Topics include the Opium Wars, the Boxer Rebellion, nationalism, feminism, Mao Zedong, the Cultural Revolution, democracy movements, and the One Child Policy.
The rise, experience, and legacy of revolution and mass movement in twentieth century China, with a focus on Maoism and the Chinese Communist Revolution. Topics include anarchism, Mao Zedong, World War II, grassroots mobilization, the Cultural Revolution, and the legacy of Maoism.
The transformation of the Chinese gender and family system and the changing lives of Chinese women from 1895 to the present. Topics include family reform, foot-binding, nationalism and feminism, women and communism, sexuality, and the One Child policy.
Indigenous cultures, the Spanish and Portuguese presence in the Caribbean, South America and Mesoamerica through independence.
Independence, the national period, the struggles for political stability and democracy and against militarism and authoritarianism, economic development, issues of ethnic identity and culture.
Comparison of eugenic practices in the United States and Germany, 1900-1945. Topics include hospitalization, medical experimentation, sterilization, euthanasia, infanticide, and extermination of disabled people, as well as the disproportionate impact of these practices on women, children, and LGBT people.
Women's roles, the meaning and uses of womanhood during WWII in America and Europe including the disproportionate impact of gendered representations on marginalized and LBTQ individuals.
Development of sports in the United States from the Colonial Era to present. Significant attention is paid to the development of structured sports from games and recreational activities, organized team and individual competition, and sports as modern entertainment industries. College, professional, and amateur athletics are examined in the context of social, political, racial, economic, and gender issues.
Reading and research on selected historical subjects.
Reading and research on selected historical subjects related to the history of the United States.
Reading and research on selected European subjects.
Reading and research on selected Non-western subjects.
Reading and research on selected historical subjects related to the African-American experience.
Reading and research on selected subjects in women's history.
Supervised work experience in a museum, archive, or other history setting. A minimum of three hours work per week is required for each credit hour. Students are required to meet periodically with the supervising faculty member and may be expected to submit written work as well. Students may repeat the course for a total of six credit hours.
Exploration, at an advanced level, of issues, topics and dilemmas in both the subject matter and the profession of history with emphasis on research and oral presentation of research findings. The specific topics covered in the course vary.
Logic
The identification and evaluation of reasoning as it occurs in natural language uses. The techniques of careful reading and clear writing are demonstrated through the production of critical essays. Two lecture and one laboratory hour per week.
An examination of deductive arguments through the use of Aristotelian logic and propositional logic.
Military Science
Competencies critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn life skills, such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, physical fitness, and stress management related to leadership, officership, and the army profession. Focus is on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of army leadership dimensions while gaining an understanding of the Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC), its purpose for the army, and its advantages for the cadet. Open to all freshmen.
Leadership fundamental such as setting direction, problem solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Open to all freshmen.
Application of skills acquired in assigned military science classes. Leadership labs meet for 3 hours per week at varying off-campus locations to maximize training opportunities. The labs are sequential and progressive in nature, and correspond with every level of the military science classes. Lab participation is mandatory for all contracted cadets regardless of academic classification. Open to all students enrolled in military science courses. Course may be repeated for additional credit.
Dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles. Cadets study team dynamics and historical leadership theories that form the basis of the army leadership framework and learn techniques of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing and assessing team exercises. Cadets are encouraged to participate in leadership labs to demonstrate comprehension of class materials. Focus is on continues development of the knowledge of leadership values and attributes through an understanding of rank, structure, and duties, and basic aspects of tactics and land navigation. Open to all sophomores.
Team-building and leadership theory, personal communications skills, team goal-setting and time-management skills. Cadets will explore the conduct of tactical operations at small unit levels. As potential army officers, cadets will be challenged to study, practice, and execute army leadership and values as they become more familiar with the army. Participation in leadership labs is highly encouraged for all enrolled cadets. Open to all sophomores.
The study, practice, and evaluation of adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with the demands of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios related to small unit tactical operations are used to develop self awareness and critical thinking skills. Cadets analyze and evaluate their own leadership attributes, skills, and actions. Primary attention is given to preparation for LDAC and development of leadership abilities. Open to contracted juniors and seniors only.
Intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet awareness and skills in leading tactical operations. Cadets review aspects of combat, stability, and support operations. Cadets also conduct military briefings and develop proficiency in garrison operation orders. The focus is on exploring, evaluating and developing skills in decision making, persuading, and motivating team members in the contemporary operating environment. Open to contracted junior and graduate students only.
Planning, executing, and assessing complex operations. Cadets function as staff members and provide leadership performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets are given situational opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions, and provide mentorship to subordinate cadets. Participants are responsible for analyzing and evaluating the leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions of military science cadets while simultaneously evaluating their own leadership skills. Attention is given to preparation for future military assignments. Open to contracted seniors and graduate students only.
The dynamics of leading in complex ongoing military operations in the current operating environment. Cadets examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with governmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. Significant emphasis is on preparing cadets for their first units of assignment. Open to contracted senior and graduate students only.
Philosophy
Introduction to the main problems of philosophy and its methods of inquiry, analysis and criticism. Works of important philosophers are read.
The works, figures, and theories in political philosophy. Topics include the nature and justification of political power, authority, justice, equality, rights, and freedom.
Moral issues confronting men and women in contemporary society. Topics vary but may include discussion of problems related to abortion, drugs, euthanasia, war, social engineering, and punishment of criminals.
Philosophy in the ancient world. Topics include theories of reality, knowledge, and ethics by central figures in ancient Greek philosophy such as Plato, Epicurus, and Aristotle.
The development of post-Renaissance philosophy with primary emphasis on the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Topics include theories of reality, knowledge, and ethics by central figures in modern philosophy such as Descartes, Locke, Berkley, and Hume.
A study of traditional problems pertaining to understanding the concept of mind, for example, the mind-body relation, personal identity, and theories of consciousness.
The moral principles of conduct and the basic concepts underlying these principles, such as good, evil, right, wrong, justice, value, duty and obligation. The ethical works of influential philosophers are analyzed in terms of these concepts.
The nature and foundations of knowledge. Topics include skepticism and the nature of justification.
Central issues in metaphysics, a branch of philosophy which tries to answer fundamental questions about reality. Topics include causation, freedom, determinism, time, laws of nature, and the nature of existence.
Philosophical thought on religious topics and concepts. Topics include arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of God, the rationality of belief in God, and life after death.
Selected topics in philosophy, planned around areas of interest.
Political Science
The formation and development of the national government, its organization and powers.
Various approaches to the rigorous study of political phenomena. The emphasis is upon the critical thinking and evaluative skills necessary to the understanding of politics. Among the techniques to be considered are surveys, charts and graphs, case studies, and statistical summaries.
A survey of various concepts in western political philosophy such as political obligation, freedom, equality, justice, rights, authority, and power.
An introduction to the basic factors influencing nation-state behavior in the world: the nation-state system, nationalism and imperialism, national power, and the present world crisis. The role of the United States in the world community is emphasized.
Impact of race and ethnicity on political participation, representation, institutions, and the evolution of public policy.
Interdisciplinary approach to military-social relations in the United States with emphasis on the powers of civilian political leaders to wage war; the rise of the garrison state and military-industrial complex; and past and present uses of the armed services as a social laboratory to test and apply ideas about race, class and gender.
An introduction to the analysis of the major types of political systems utilizing examples drawn from democratic, communist and underdeveloped nation-states. Problems, approaches and methods associated with the comparative field are emphasized.
The function, organization, actors, and consequences of campaigns and elections in American politics. Particular races and campaigns will be featured as examples for research into how campaigns work and why they matter.
Comparative study of political processes within African countries and their relations with other states, particularly former colonial powers.
Comparative study of political processes within Middle Eastern countries and their relations with other states, particularly the United States.
Comparative study of political processes within East Asian countries and their relations with other countries, particularly the United States.
Comparative study of political processes within post-communist Central and East European countries and their relations with other countries.
An introduction to the structure and functions of international political and economic organizations. Particular attention is given to the United Nations and its specialized agencies and to emerging regional communities.
Formulation of American foreign policy, problems of security, trade and diplomacy. Policies related to specific nation-states and regions will be emphasized.
Introduction to key theoretical and practical foundations of security studies. Emphasis is placed on the causes of war and armed conflict, defense and intelligence organization, contemporary and emerging security issues, including cybersecurity.
Travel in selected regions outside the United States, and field study of culture and politics, with an emphasis on governmental institutions. This course may be repeated as long as location/content are different.
The functions, history and future of political parties in the United States. Emphasis is on the development of political parties and the consequences of that development upon the party as an organization, the party as an electorate, and the party in the government.
Political participation in the United States through such activities as interest groups, political protest, contacting officials, voting, running for office. Who participates and why, and the consequences of participation for policy decisions and for society are also examined.
The process of registering to vote and voting, the environment within which elections operate, and the different actors within the system. This designated service-learning course requires volunteering with a non-profit, interest group, political party, campaign, or some other political entity or institution during the semester.
Selected political patterns and trends within the eleven states of the American South including historical developments since 1950.
The institutions, functions, policy making processes, and politics of state and local governments including an examination of the relations between state and local government, and the relations between state and local government and the national government.
Interpretation of the pivotal role of media in contemporary American politics. Familiarizes the student with fundamental concepts regarding the pervasive role of media in how it shapes our life, political ideology, political culture and political behavior.
How social media is utilized by politicians, the media, parties and interest groups, as well as the public. Methods of content analysis applied to social media will be emphasized.
The basic principles and theory of administrative structure, responsibility, and control in relation to policy making in the modern state.
Social, political, and technical forces in policy making including various theories of public policy and inquires into selected policy areas. Current policy issues are included and integrated into the larger theories of decision making.
An investigation of American national and international issues relating to the ecological basis of human living. Special attention is on environmental issue-areas including air, water, forests, soil erosion, and wildlife as well as the impact of population, the economy, and technology on the quality of the environment.
A survey of American political theorists from the colonial period to the present with an examination of the social, cultural, historical and scientific developments that have contributed to the nature of American political thinking.
Exploration of the meaning, purpose, and value of democracy through reading and analyzing texts that both advocate for and critique democratic government, from Ancient Greece through the 21st century.
Urban planning as an area of public policy. Emphasizes identifying urban sprawl and studying its effects on the social, psychological, environmental, physical, and financial well-being of cities and city residents.
Forms, causes, and consequences of political violence with special attention to terrorism.
A survey of political theories propounded by western political philosophers from Plato to Nietzsche.
Essential principles, theories, conceptual tools, and cases relating to the process and problems of democratic transition and consolidation around the world.
Essential principles, theories, conceptual tools, and cases relating to the governance of non-democratic regimes.
The evolution of governmental powers focusing on the judiciary, the presidency, congress, the states, and intergovernmental relations.
Freedom of religion, freedom of speech and association, due process, equal protection, and criminal procedure.
The growth of law, the lawmaking of the courts, the structure and organization of federal and state courts, the procedures involved in civil and criminal cases, and the problems and proposals for reform in the administration of justice.
Introduction to the political system of the European Union (EU). Topics include the workings of EU institutions and law, the effect of the EU on national politics and economy, economic politics and policymaking in the EU, the EU as an actor in the world economy.
History and basic principles of law among nation-states. Emphasis is upon the scope of international law and the extent to which law shapes the behavior of international actors.
Theories, practices, and patterns of mass political behavior and opinion formation across countries, social and psychological influences on opinion and behavior in comparative context.
Structure, organization, powers, functions and problems of legislative bodies.
The constitutional powers and political roles of the president with lesser emphasis upon state governors. Emphasis is placed on the chief executive and administration, executive relationships with legislatures, and party and popular leadership by the executive.
May be repeated once as topics change.
Supervised work experience in a political or governmental environment. A minimum of three hours work per week is required for each credit hour. Students are required to meet periodically with the supervising faculty member. Students are limited to a maximum of six hours combined from POLI U495 and POLI U496.
Supervised work experience in a public administration environment. A minimum of three hours work per week is required for each credit hour. Students are required to meet periodically with the supervising faculty member. Students are limited to a maximum of six hours combined from POLI U495 and POLI U496.
Exploration, at an advanced level, of issues, topics and dilemmas in both the subject matter and the profession of political science with emphasis on research and oral presentation of research findings. The specific topics covered in the course vary.
Pre-Law
The basics of law, preparing for the LSAT, the realities of law school, and life as a lawyer. Pass/Fail credit.
A practice-driven, collaborative approach to learning the rules, methods, and strategies of mock trial. A fictional fact pattern is analyzed, evaluated, and transformed into a working court case, with team members assuming the roles of witnesses and attorneys. Membership on the nationally-sanctioned USC Upstate Mock Trial team and participation in one weekend scrimmage outside of normal class hours are required.
Transforming the case problem introduced in the course Mock Trial Practicum I (PLAW U301) into a finalized case that is presented in a nationally-sanctioned competition against other colleges and universities. Team members must travel to and compete at a regional tournament, sanctioned by the American Mock Trial Association. Membership on the USC Upstate Mock Trial team and commitment to travel to the designated regional competition site on one weekend outside of normal class hours are required.
Travel and field study in selected regions outside the United States with emphasis on legal and judicial institutions. The course may be repeated as long as location/content are different.
Supervised work experience in a legal environment. A minimum of nine hours per week of work. Students are required to meet periodically with the supervising faculty member. Pass/Fail credit.
Religious Studies
Introduction to the practices, beliefs, institutions and values of major religions and spiritual movements in the contemporary United States. Subjects include American expressions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Native American Religions and Sikhism, along with other religious communities.
Beliefs and principles of the major faiths of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, viewed from historical, cultural, and theological perspectives.
History, beliefs and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto and "popular" religion in Asia through modern times. Emphasis on the roles of religion in the history and culture of South Asian and East Asian societies.
History, beliefs, values and practices of Judaism, Christianity and Islam through modern times, with a comparative perspective on law, institutions, scripture, gender and religious thought.
The role of spirituality and religious ideas, values, beliefs and practices in shaping cultural and social attitudes towards health, illness and curing.
Exploration of gender in relation to religious beliefs, practices and institutions in contemporary and historical contexts. Emphasis is on social roles, construction of identity, and women's and men's religious experiences.
Philosophical thought on religious topics and concepts. Topics include arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of God, the rationality of belief in God, and life after death.
Modern history, beliefs, values and practices of Muslim communities worldwide, with focus on contemporary Islamic approaches to law, institutions, politics, scripture, and gender.
Specific themes, regions, or traditions in religion. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Southern Studies
A survey of the historical, political, social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped Southern life from the early seventeenth century to the present.
Reading and research on selected topics in Southern studies. May be repeated if the topic changes.
Supervised work experience in a museum, archive, political office, or other relevant setting. A minimum of three hours work per week is required for each credit hour. Students are required to meet periodically with the supervising faculty member and may be expected to submit written work as well. Students may repeat the course for a total of six credits.