Department of History & Political Science

Overview

History and political science graduates regularly earn a 100% placement rate into graduate school and law school. Students enjoy participation in two department clubs—the Delta Rho chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, a political science honor society including Model Arab League competition, and Pi Alpha Theta, a history honor society including national convention attendance opportunities.

OC’s chapter of the National History Honor Society has been named the nation’s “Best Chapter” in its category for 17 straight years. The chapter’s Journal of Historical Studies has placed third in the Nash Journal Award competition for the last two years.

Courses Being Offered Fall 2012

Exploring America
Introduction to Historical Research
US since 1877
Oklahoma History
English History since 1603
Western Civilization
Colonial America 1492-1763
American Intellectual History
Theory of Historical Preservation
Introduction to American Politics
Comparative Politics
Data Analysis
Constitutional Law
International Conflict
All Courses

Department Video

History and Political Science from Oklahoma Christian on Vimeo.

Values of History and Political Science

The History and Political Science Department is composed of disciplines which study human behavior in all of its complexity. If you are intrigued by politics, the history of civilizations, or law, then you will find a home here in the History and Political Science department.

One goal of our department is to help you to use your knowledge and skills in a spirit of service to others. We approach our studies as Christian scholars who recognize that humans have been created in God's image as creative, rational, and spiritual beings. We seek to encourage this by developing your analytic and interpretive skills necessary for careers as historians, social studies educators, or in law and public service. We also strive to assist in the acquisition of vibrant, Christian faith, self-confidence and tolerance of other cultures, races, and ideas. With our support and encouragement, we are confident that you will be equipped to make important contributions to churches, communities, and professions.

We encourage you to contact us and seek out more information. We enjoy working with students and look forward to speaking with you or answering further questions. Please check out the links at the top of the page for more information about specific programs or contact Dr. John Maple, History and Political Science Department Chair.

Thanks for visiting the History and Political Science Department!

Majors & Minors

Majors

Minors

John Thompson Scholarship

John Thompson attended OC in the 1970s, during which he served as the school’s first African-American student body president and won the Outstanding History Student award. He went on to complete his M.A. at the University of Oklahoma and his Ph.D. at Purdue University. Following the completion of his doctorate, John returned to the campus he loved so much, OC. Dr. Thompson was a longtime Professor of History at the University, serving as a faculty member from 1980 through 2008. During his tenure at OC, Dr. Thompson came to be one of the most loved and admired faculty members on campus. He displayed a passion and commitment to his students and to this university that was unsurpassed. He earned the University’s Gaylord Chair of Distinguished Teaching in 1998 and was awarded the “2^nd Mile Award,” which recognizes faculty and staff who have committed to going “above and beyond expectations in service to students,” in the spring of 2008. Late in his career he persevered to overcome chronic illnesses, often teaching classes from his hospital bed via telephone. Nearly as passionate about his field as his students, Dr. Thompson was an expert in African-American history, African civilization, the Civil War and many other related topics. President Mike O’Neal said that John Thompson epitomized servant leadership and was a model for all OC faculty and staff. “He was truly dedicated to the students and was deeply concerned about their spiritual wellbeing, as well as academics.” Dr. John Thompson passed away on December 12, 2008.

The John Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund

The fund is intended to provide scholarships for students majoring in the Department of History and Political Science who display academic excellence and a commitment to personal growth. Special consideration will be given to student applicants from an ethnic minority background. Although the department hopes eventually to offer 4 scholarships renewable for up to 4 years, funding currently allows for 1 scholarship. POSTMARK DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MARCH 8

Downloadable Application