History and Political Science

Program Overview
The History program at University of St. Francis encourages students to visualize, feel, and experience history. This is not only because it is fun , but also because by putting themselves into history students have the opportunity to understand more fully the events of the past, and helps them see their relevance to the present and significance for the future. While incorporating time-honored traditional methods, History courses also use many active-learning techniques as well as state-of-the-art technology. Students may find themselves portraying the life of an ancient Mayan or Aztec, or putting on a trial of accused witches in Salem in 1692, or negotiating the terms of the Versailles Treaty after WWI. Most courses use computers in the classroom or have assignments using image-rich CD-Roms or Internet resources. USF offers students software that will allow them to animate a map so changes can be charted over a period of time. Technology also allows students to explore a medieval castle in 3-D or step into the WW II Battle of the Bulge. The program emphasizes "doing history." Students take a History and Social Sciences seminar where they are taught the methods and skills of historians so that they can discover how to piece together historical puzzles. Then there’s no limit to the sense of accomplishment as they sift through original documents and historical evidence to decide issues such as why conflicts developed between fur traders and Native Americans, or how conspirators managed to evade authorities as they plot a coup in England in the early 18th century. Students become real historians as they present their findings regarding a historical question in a significant paper. The department also creates opportunities for local and global experiences. Students take courses in Illinois or Chicago history, where the classroom moves to historically relevant sites nearby. Students also are encouraged to participate in vibrant local history organizations, like the Joliet Area Historical Museum, the I & M Canal Heritage Corridor, or Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. There are global opportunities, too. Students in non-western courses are encouraged to develop e-mail correspondence with people in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. Trips-for-credit are occasionally offered to places such as England, Ireland, or Italy, and whole semesters abroad also can be arranged.

Faculty
The History faculty at USF is second to none. Along with having significant commitments outside of the classroom (such as service to the university and community, as well as impressive publishing activity), the History faculty is dedicated to their students. They are constantly working to improve their teaching methods, doing everything they can to make sure that they create a friendly, nurturing learning environment. The History Department prides itself on the strong community that develops among its students.

Career Outlook
The History major is a great one for students who would like to attend law school or graduate school, but there also are many other things that History majors can do. A USF degree prepares students for a number of options, including careers in government, museums, or in the writing and publishing industries. In addition to teaching the facts of history, USF’s program, and its creative approaches to learning, arms graduates with problem-solving skills valued by employers. More than 90 percent of USF History graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation.