Department of History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
The Department of History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures gives students a solid grounding in the academic study of history, politics, law, cultures, languages, and global relations.
We emphasize the development of critical thinking, writing, and communication skills to prepare students for a wide variety of careers, graduate and law school, and lifelong learning.
In teaching language, we work in highly interactive and learning-centered contexts to develop your ability to ask and answer the critical questions that make language, history, culture, and society meaningful. There is the opportunity to immerse in language learning through study abroad, co-curricular international travel, service learning, internship, and undergraduate research.
The department is committed to promoting student understanding of the richness and diversity of human experience across time and across the globe.
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Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
Our students have opportunities for immersive overseas learning, including longer-term study abroad. We also offer short-term travel experiences – you can travel with us to Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Mexico, and more as part of our travel courses or for independent research.鈥
History students who would like to teach middle school and high school may apply to the Education Department’s Integrated Social Studies Program. This program allows you to earn teaching licensure in four years along with your History BA.鈥
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鈥淪tudents love the global focus at the heart of our department鈥檚鈥 academic programs. Our two discipline-specific programs, History and 鈥婸olitical Science, along with our interdisciplinary programs in Global Studies, Spanish and Latin American Studies, and Legal Studies, let you follow an academic path that鈥檚 just right for you.鈥
Dr. Deborah Solomon
Associate Professor & Chair, History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
Our expansive curriculum and immersive classes promote full engagement, inside the classroom and beyond. You can conduct historical research; add a teaching licensure to your History BA; strengthen your Spanish proficiency; study abroad; intern with political campaigns, with local non-profit organizations or in the Statehouse; prepare for graduate studies or law school鈥攖he choice is yours.鈥
Department Features & Student Opportunities
Scholarships and Student Awards
Generous alumni contributions fund departmental scholarships and awards that support classroom learning, student research, extracurricular activities, and off-campus learning opportunities.
Internships
Our students complete internships at historical societies, museums, archives, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, the Statehouse, law offices, and more. Pre-license students teach in local schools.
Publishing Opportunities
Students in our department can cultivate intellectual life in the humanities on the editorial staff of our journal, Aegis. Shape rich conversations about art, culture, history, and justice for a 21st-century public.
History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures Department News
National Media Recognize 草榴社区 for Programs and Values
News - September 18, 2023
草榴社区 has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report 草榴社区 has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, 草榴社区 has鈥Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape 草榴社区鈥檚 Growth
News - July 31, 2023
草榴社区 is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by 鈥渃rowd sourcing鈥 ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by 草榴社区 faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. 鈥淭his investment in 草榴社区鈥檚 future demonstrates our trustees鈥 commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard鈥Students Become Blacksmiths for Labor and Working-Class History Course
News - March 2, 2023
While students can learn a lot about history by reading about it, they can also learn a great deal by experiencing it. That鈥檚 why Associate Professor of History Anthony DeStefanis is always thinking of creative ways to put his students in the shoes of figures from the past. 聽Recently, DeStefanis took his HIST 4400: Riots, Reds, & Riffraff: The History of the Working Class in America class to The Point at 草榴社区 to learn about what the production of goods鈥Programs of Study in History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
Minor
Legal Studies/Pre-Law
Minor
History
Minor
Political Science
Minor
Spanish & Latin American Studies Minor
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Department of History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
Towers Hall 209
1 South Grove St
Westerville, OH 43081
Administrative Assistant
Patti Welch
614-823-1361
pwelch@otterbein.edu
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