Department of History and Political Science

Department Information

Programs

Faculty

DAVID VAN HEEMST (1993)
Professor of Political Science; Chair, Department of History and Political Science
B.A., 1988, Dordt College
M.A., 1990, The American University
Ph.D., 1993, University of Virginia
M.P.C., 1996, Olivet Nazarene University
M.A., 1998, Olivet Nazarene University

STEPHEN LOWE (1993)
Professor of History; Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
B.A., 1988, Olivet Nazarene University
M.A., 1991, Ohio University
Ph.D., 1993, Ohio University

CHARLES EMMERICH (2012)
Professor/Legal Scholar in Residence; Director, Center for Law and Culture
B.A., 1977, Wheaton College
J.D., 1980, University of Idaho
LL.M.,1981, University of Pennsylvania

LORI FULTON (2016)
Assistant Professor of History
B.S., 1990, Olivet Nazarene University
M.A., 1993, Illinois State University

KYLE ROBINSON (2019)
Assistant Professor of History
B.A., 2009, Anderson University
M.A., 2011, Villanova University
Ph.D., 2019, University of Rochester

The mission of the Department of History and Political Science at Olivet Nazarene University is (1) to provide students with a conceptual historical framework for a liberal arts education through the general education curriculum; (2) to pursue the integration of a Biblically based philosophy of history and the best of current scholarship; and (3) to ground students in these disciplines in the requisite content as well as critical-thinking and research skills.

There are three dimensions of the study of history and political science incorporated in this mission statement:

Content: First, we intend to present all Olivet students with the heritage and values of the past that define our civilization, and second, we intend to facilitate the mastery of basic historical and political data and theory, and a Christian conceptual framework in which to integrate this knowledge into a coherent worldview.

Application: Neither history nor political science is the antiquarian pursuit of esoteric facts. We intend to make the study of the past a door of understanding of the present, and a guide to responsibility for the future.

Skills: Critical thinking, accurate communication, research methods, interpretation of facts, and understanding of causation have daily application for many careers outside the narrower boundaries of academic disciplines. We intend to encourage the mastery of these skills by our majors and minors.

The study of history and political science is foundational to a liberal arts education. The curriculum and the classroom interaction have three primary components.

First, history and political science are the story of the human family - the options open to generations past, the choices they made, and the consequences of those decisions. It is our own story when we study Western civilization or American civilization; it is a new and fascinating story different from our own when we study Asia, Africa, or Latin America. We cannot hope to answer the big questions about our role in or our responsibilities in the world without an understanding of the story.

Second, history and political science are also a cluster of skills. These disciplines teach students to think clearly and critically, to ask discerning and probing questions, to identify faulty reasoning and logic in ourselves and in others, to spot bias and self interest, to write clearly and concisely, and to find and evaluate data. These skills are basic to many careers, and to civilization itself.

Third, history and political science are also the story of God at work in the world. Christianity is embedded in and revealed through the story of the human race, and that story is not only the foundation of our culture, but of our faith as well. These disciplines are an ideal context in which to explore the relationship of faith and culture, and to develop a thoughtful and comprehensive Christian worldview with which to challenge the hollow secular philosophies of our age.

Many careers are possible. Because of the skills component of the study of basic liberal arts majors such as history and political science, students find many kinds of opportunities open to them. These disciplines provide an ideal foundation for graduate studies in the humanities, social sciences, law, theology, politics, and business. Olivet has traditionally sent most of its History and Political Science majors who do not go to graduate school into four fields: Christian ministry, business, education, and government. And because of the flexibility built into the departmental curriculum, students can further tailor their course of study to address specific career goals.

In addition to majors and minors in history and political science, students can select a major or minor in the related areas of social sciences, public policy, geography, and legal studies. The legal studies minor is a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to inspire virtuous public leadership and citizenship in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The minor achieves this goal by educating students to appreciate the vital role played by law in shaping culture and the venerable nature of the Anglo-American legal tradition, which spans ten centuries and established a “higher law” approach premised on the rule of law under God. The legal studies minor stems from the partnership between Olivet Nazarene University and the Center for Law and Culture, a self-sustaining non-profit organization located on campus. In addition to supporting the legal studies minor and enhancing the curriculum more broadly, the Center is committed to promoting the common good by attracting talented students, generating an energetic donor base made up of law alumni and concerned citizens, collaborating with other Olivet centers and initiatives in sponsoring events, and providing staffing, internship, and scholarship opportunities.

Programs

Bachelor

Minor