Department of History, Politics & International Relations

Majors and Degrees Offered

• American Studies (BA)
• History (BA)
• International Relations (BA)
• International Relations (BA) with an emphasis in Economics (Geneva only)
• International Relations (BA) with an emphasis in Refugee Studies (Geneva only)
• Political Science (BA)
• Political Science (BA) with an Emphasis in Public Law

Students are not permitted to double major in the HPIR majors listed above.

Minors Offered

• History (18 credit hours in history)
• International Relations (18 credit hours in international relations)
• Political Science (18 credit hours in political science)

Certificate Offered

• Refugee Studies (Geneva only)

Pre-Professional Programs

• Pre-Law

Course Listings

• History (HIST)
• International Relations (INTL)
• Political Science (POLT)

Department Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should:

• Be able to express their insights and ideas clearly in writing and produce a research paper (at least 12 pages long) that uses multiple sources and contains proper source citations.
• Be able to read scholarly books and articles, and analyze those works critically in conversations with faculty and their peers.
• Be able to find and utilize relevant sources/resources to answer questions in their discipline.
• Be able to understand different interpretations and theoretical perspectives in their discipline, and, further, understand how differing interpretations arise and evolve in an ongoing dialogue.
• Be able to understand and comment upon the complex relationship between contemporary issues and historical events.

Special Study Opportunities

The History, Politics, and International Relations Department offers a diverse curriculum that combines tradition and innovation. The department is loyal to the concept of a traditional liberal arts education, and at the same time believes that a student's academic program should be preparation for a productive professional career. Within the department, students can pursue their studies through a combination of traditional courses, reading courses, practica, and internships.

The State Government Internship Program allows students to work closely with state legislators, usually in Jefferson City, Missouri. The international relations major can be pursued in Vienna, Austria; Geneva, Switzerland; Leiden, The Netherlands; London, United Kingdom; Hua Hin/Cha-am, Thailand; and on the St. Louis campus. Students who study exclusively at the international campuses are limited to the international relations major.

History, Politics, and International Relations students' internship placements have included the State Legislature of Missouri, KETC-TV Channel 9, United Nations Association, Latin American Solidarity Committee, Anheuser-Busch, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the Missouri Historical Society, and the American Civil Liberties Union.