Dr. Elaine Rodriquez, Department Chair
Douglas Hall, Room 249
Phone: 505-454-3435
FAX: 505-454-3389
Email: erodriquez@nmhu.edu
Mission of the Department of History and Political Science
History and Political Science forms an academic unit serving the undergraduate and graduate student body with a wide range of courses and possibilities for study. Historical and political understanding and awareness are perceived as one of the chief attributes of a functional and involved citizen of the United States. It is the mission of this department to provide services that will contribute to this goal as well as train graduates to work in appropriate fields that require historical and political skills and knowledge.
Faculty
Peter S. Linder, Ph.D. (History)
Luke Ritter, Ph.D. (History)
Elaine Rodriquez, Ph.D. (Political Science)
Steven J. Williams, Ph.D. (History)
History
Historians investigate the past in order to understand the present – how we came to be where we are and who we are. The word history comes from the Greek word for inquiry. Historians, broadly speaking, are interested in the social, political, economic, religious, and cultural activities of all people. Their methods include interviewing eyewitnesses of recent events, reading old diaries and letters, and conducting research in public or private repositories. Members of the History faculty at New Mexico Highlands University especially encourage our students to make connections between our own lives and the past.
Students of history can pursue careers in teaching or other professions, and many will continue for an advanced degree in the discipline or enter law school. Professional applications of history include careers in government and business, where the skills of research, communication, and critical thinking are valued. Some history students find positions doing research and preservation work in museums and archives.
Political Science
Aristotle characterized politics as the “queen of the sciences.” Political science is, in one sense, an ancient discipline and, in another sense, one of the most recently developed social sciences. The origins of the study of politics reach back to the beginning so human society, for people have always made observations about the nature of their government. It is also true that Political Science, as it is taught today, is a very new discipline as current scholars have attempted to move from observations about politics to scientific observations about politics. Political science, in the broadest sense, is the study of governments, governing procedures, and political processes. The Political Science faculty encourages students to make connections between the theoretical (or textbook) study of government/politics and how government affects their lives in contemporary times.
Students in Political Science may seek careers in government, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), teaching, or private industry. The political science major is an excellent preparation for law school or other academic pursuits such as graduate study. It provides pre-professional training for governmental or public sector positions involving policy-making or administration. Representative employers include government agencies at the national, state, or local levels, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and research institutions.
History and Political Science
Major in History (BA)
Required courses: 6 credit hours
HIST 3010 Research Methods (3)
HIST 4800 Historiography (3)
Electives: 27 credit hours
Choose at least nine additional credits in 3000- and 4000- level courses from History in consultation with the major adviser. Choose 18 additional credits in courses at any level from History in consultation with the major adviser. Substitutions in allied fields will be considered on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the History faculty.
Major total: 33 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
General Electives to 120 (if needed): 11-17 credit hours
Minor: 20 credit hours minimum
Total for degree: 120 credit hours*
*A minor is required. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Minor in History
Choose at least 21 credits from courses in History, in consultation with the minor adviser. At least nine (9) of the credits must be from courses at the 3000 or 4000 level. Substitutions in allied fields will be considered on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the History faculty.
Minor Total: 21 credit hours
Major in Political Science (BA)
The major in Political Science is offered with two emphases: Liberal arts and Law. The Law emphasis provides a foundation in government and political systems, and addresses legal systems and dimensions of constitutional, public, and criminal law. The Liberal arts emphasis provides extensive study of American national, state, and local government, comparative and international politics, political theory, and political behavior. A special feature of Political Science at New Mexico Highlands University is found in its focus on Southwest and minority political studies.
Liberal Arts Emphasis
Required courses: 12 credit hours
POLS 1120 American National Government (3)
POLS 3120 Political Parties and Behavior (3)
POLS 3160 State and Local Government (3)
POLS 3280 Comparative Political Systems (3)
Electives: 20 credit hours
Choose one course from the following:
POLS 4100 American Constitution (3) OR
POLS 4580 Political Theory and Philosophy (3)
Choose at least 17 additional credits from courses in Political Science (or History courses such as 3150, 4010, 4030, 4130, 4140), in consultation with the major adviser. At least five of the credits must be from courses at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Major total: 32 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
General Electives to 120 (if needed): 12-18 credit hours
Minor: 20 credit hours minimum
Total for degree: 120 credit hours*
*A minor is required. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Law Emphasis
Required courses: 26 credit hours
POLS 1120 American National Government (3)
POLS 3140 Introduction to the Law (3)
POLS 3160 State and Local Government (3)
POLS 3200 Criminal Law (3)
POLS 3280 Comparative Political Systems (3)
POLS 4100 American Constitution (3)
POLS 4170 Legislative Process (3)
POLS 4530 International Relations, Human Rights and Law (3)
POLS 4970 LSAT Preparation and Legal Logic Class (2)
Electives: 6 credit hours
Choose at least 6 additional credits from Political Science courses (or from History courses cross-listed in political science), in consultation with the major adviser.
Major total: 32 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
General Electives to 120 (if needed): 12-18 credit hours
Minor: 20 credit hours minimum
Total for degree: 120 credit hours*
*A minor is required. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Pre-Law Preparation for Students Planning to Attend Law School
Comprehensive advising is available for students planning or considering the study and practice in law. Law or Pre-Law does not constitute a major; in fact, a wide variety of fields of study can be appropriate for the prospective lawyer. Many students select the major in political science, which offers a law emphasis; others select major and minor fields in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, mathematics or physical sciences.
Careful planning in appropriate fields of study, with special attention to a foundation of skills developed in classes with emphasis on written and oral communication, research, calculation, logical reasoning and critical thinking are strongly recommended for Pre-Law preparation. The Pre-Law adviser will help all students with their plans to gain an appropriate preparation for entering law school. This adviser is a source of much information about law schools and their requirements as well as the LSAT examination preparation, which is used to help law schools evaluate students’ qualifications for entrance. The Pre-Law adviser is Dr. Elaine Rodriquez, Douglas Hall 248.
Minor in Political Science
Required courses: 6 credit hours
POLS 1120 American National Government (3)
POLS 3160 State and Local Government (3)
Electives: 14 credit hours
Choose one course from the following:
POLS 4100 American Constitution (3)
POLS 4580 Political Theory and Philosophy (3)
Choose at least 11 additional credits in courses from Political Science and allied subjects, selected in consultation with the minor adviser. At least four of these credits must be from 3000- or 4000-level courses.
Minor Total: 20 credit hours
History (HIST), Courses in
HIST 1110. United States History I (3); Fa, Sp
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the history of the United States from the pre-colonial period to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of the United States within the context of world societies. Previous NMHU HIST 201.
HIST 1120. United States History II (3); Fa, Sp
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the history of the United States from reconstruction to the present. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of the United States within the context of world societies. Previous NMHU HIST 202.
HIST 1165. The Western World (3); Fa, Sp
The Western World is a survey of what is sometimes called “the Western tradition,” that is, the history of European civilization from its beginnings to the present. During the semester we will explore the development of European history and culture while also becoming acquainted with the study of history. This course is intended both to acquaint all students with the basic outlines of Western cultural traditions as well as to introduce students interested in historical study to topics and methods that can be pursued in the department’s upper-division offerings. Previous NMHU HIST 100.
HIST 1600. Chicano History to 1900 (3); Var
Review of the Chicano historical experience in the United States beginning with the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1521 and ending with the eve of the statehood movement for New Mexico. Previous NMHU HIST 160.
HIST 1610. Chicano History Since 1900 (3); Var
History of Chicanos in New Mexico and the United States, beginning with the early 1900s and ending with the Chicano Civil Rights Movement of the late 1960s. Previous NMHU HIST 161.
HIST 2110. Survey of New Mexico History (3); Var
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the history of New Mexico from the preColumbian times to the present day. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of New Mexico within the context of the Americas. Previous NMHU HIST 215.
HIST 2350 – 4350. Selected Topic in History (1-4 VC)
Course in a topic or topics in history. May be repeated with change of content. Previous NMHU HIST 235-435.
HIST 2900 – 3900. Independent Study (1-4 VC); Fa, Sp, Su
Individual study arranged with a history faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU HIST 290-390.
HIST 3010. Research Methods in History (3); Sp
Training in historical methods, including location and use of sources, critical analysis, and historical writing. Previous NMHU HIST 301.
HIST 3150. American Foreign Relations (3); Var
Foreign policies and relations of the United States since 1776, with emphasis on 20th century development. Previous NMHU HIST 315.
HIST 3210. The Ancient World (3); Var
Ancient Middle Eastern kingdoms and the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. Previous NMHU HIST 321.
HIST 3220. Medieval Europe (3); Var
Christianity, Carolingian epoch, feudalism, and the foundations of modern Europe. Previous NMHU HIST 322.
HIST 3250. Modern Europe to 1815 (3); Var
From the Renaissance through the fall of Napoleon. Previous NMHU HIST 325.
HIST 3260. Modern Europe Since 1815 (3); Var
From the Congress of Vienna to the post-World War II era. Previous NMHU HIST 326.
HIST 3440. Colonial Latin America (3); Var
Survey of Latin American history from before 1492 to the early 1800s with emphasis on economic, social, and cultural development of the region. Previous NMHU HIST 344.
HIST 3450. Modern Latin America (3); Var
Survey of Latin American history from independence through the present. Topics include independence, political unrest in the 19th century, economic modernization, revolution, and current problems in the region. Previous NMHU HIST 345.
HIST 3460. Contemporary Latin America (3); Var
Current United States-Latin American relations, contemporary philosophies, and intellectual currents. Previous NMHU HIST 346.
HIST 3470. History of Modern Mexico (3); Var
Political, social, and economic development of modern Mexico. Previous NMHU HIST 347.
HIST 3480. Revolutions in Contemporary Latin America (3); Var
Consideration of the patterns of revolution in Latin America in the 20th century. Previous NMHU HIST 348.
HIST 4010. The Chicano Experience (3); Var
Major trends in the historical experience and development of Chicanos in American society. Previous NMHU HIST 401.
HIST 4030. Chicano Leadership (3); Var
A study of significant leaders among the Hispanic population in the Southwest during the Mexican territorial and early statehood periods. Previous NMHU HIST 403.
HIST 4060. North American Frontiers (3); Var
Patterns of settlement in North America, with emphasis on frontier experience in the United States. Previous NMHU HIST 406.
HIST 4110. Women in the United States (3); Var
A survey of the role of women in the history of the United States, including methodological and conceptual developments. Previous NMHU HIST 411.
HIST 4120. The Civil War and Reconstruction (3); Var
The Old South, secession, civil conflict, Radical Reconstruction. Previous NMHU HIST 412.
HIST 4130. The United States Since World War II (3); Var
American society and foreign policy from Pearl Harbor to the present. Previous NMHU HIST 413.
HIST 4140. The American Presidency (3); Var
History, institution, and powers of the chief executive of the United States. Previous NMHU HIST 414.
HIST 4500. Seminar in History (1-4 VC); Var
Seminar course in a topic or topics in history. Previous NMHU HIST 450.
HIST 4520. Seminar: New Mexico History (3); Var
Seminar course in a topic or topics in New Mexico history. Previous NMHU HIST 452.
HIST 4530. History of the Southwest (3); Var
Analysis of historic and contemporary issues confronting peoples of the Southwest. Previous NMHU HIST 453.
HIST 4540. Seminar: History Through Film (3); Var
Movies are a tremendously powerful means of conveying ideas, including those having to do with the past. This seminar examines the relationship between film and history in a particular historical context. Previous NMHU HIST 454.
HIST 4800. Historiography (3); Sp
HIST Development of historical thought and writing. Previous NMHU HIST 480.
HIST 4900. Senior Readings (1-4 VC)
Individually assigned readings and supervised investigations of selected topics, arranged with an individual instructor. Prerequisite: Advanced standing toward a major or minor, with a B average, and permission of instructor. Previous NMHU HIST 490.
HIST 4980. Senior Seminar in History (3)
A senior seminar course in a topic or topics in history. Previous NMHU HIST 498.
HIST 4990. Supervised Research (1-4 VC)
Individual research arranged with an individual instructor. Prerequisite: Advanced standing toward a major or minor, with a B average, and permission of instructor. Previous NMHU HIST 499.
Political Science (POLS), Courses in
POLS 1120. American National Government (3); Fa, Sp
This course explains the role of American national government, its formation and principles of the Constitution; relation of state to the national government; political parties and their relationship to interest groups. This course also explains the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Previous NMHU POLS 151.
POLS 2180. Ethnic Politics (3); Var
This course is designed to investigate the problems and political activities of various minority groups in the United States. The course first addresses the historical and political ways in which racial and ethnic minorities have been discriminated against. The course then addresses strategies used by minorities for change, including voter registration drives, running for public office, litigation, and protest. A very important component of this exploration is the role of class in minority group empowerment strategies and in official responses to minority demands. With Hispanos/Latinos as the primary group being analyzed, this investigation addresses minority issues such as the history and ongoing legacy of civil rights empowerment efforts. Next is an in-depth examination of issues related to Hispanos/Latinos, African Americans and Native Americans. The course concludes with an exploration of intergroup relations, the role of gay and lesbian issues in minority politics, as well as of the future of ethnicity in the U.S. While this course makes reference to several minority groups in the U.S., the focus is on the experiences of Hispanos/Latinos, African Americans, Native Americans and Asian and Pacific Island Americans. Previous NMHU POLS 217.
POLS 2190. Introduction to Political and Economic Systems (3); Var
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of some of the major issues and problems associated with different political and economic systems. It is to introduce the basic political and economic concepts to students and familiarize them with key definitions and problems of theoretical formulations as applied to the real world. However, the goal of this course is three fold: the first is to instill in students a mode of critical thinking and reasoning. The second is to teach students the values of a democratic political system. Indeed, the achievement of Democratic objectives, in an interdependent globalizing world without integration, shared responsibilities, benefits and values will be impossible. The third is to acquaint students with compatibility or incompatibility of globalization with democratization. Hence, this course, by adopting a critical frame of analysis, tends to promote quality thinking and reasoned judgment geared toward the realization of progressive change in a complex transitional world. However, the emphasis of this course will be on the prevailing contradictions between autocracy, democracy and globalization. Previous NMHU POLS 251.
POLS 2350 – 4350. Selected Topic in Political Science (1-4 VC)
Course in a topic or topics in political science. May be repeated with change in content. Previous NMHU POLS 235-435.
POLS 3120. Political Parties and Behavior (3); Var
Organization, function, and methods of American political parties combined with analysis of political opinion formation and political participation including voting behavior and styles of leadership. Previous NMHU POLS 312.
POLS 3140. Introduction to the Law (3); Fa
Introduction to civil procedure, criminal procedure, and the substantive concepts and principles of civil and criminal law. Previous NMHU POLS 314.
POLS 3160. State and Local Government (3); Var
Position of the states in the federal system; organization, functions and administrations of state, county, and city government. Previous NMHU POLS 316.
POLS 3200. Criminal Law (3); Var
Criminal Law provides the student with knowledge of the actual and potential use of criminal laws in the American legal process and how those uses might be evaluated. Previous NMHU POLS 320.
POLS 3280. Comparative Political Systems (3); Var
Introduction to the comparative analysis of political institutions, ideologies, and political cultures in the world community. Previous NMHU POLS 328.
POLS 3340 – 4340. Practicum (1-4 VC)
Experiential study directed by an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU POLS 334-434.
POLS 3530. International Relations (3); Var
The national state system; international conflicts, development of international cooperation; the United Nations and its problems. Previous NMHU POLS 353.
POLS 4020. Interest Groups (3); Var
Forms, tactics, and influence of interest groups; their role in a pluralistic society and their importance in a democracy. Previous NMHU POLS 402
POLS 4100. The American Constitution (3); Var
Origin and establishment of leading constitutional doctrines. Previous NMHU POLS 410.
POLS 4150. Government and Business (3); Var
Case study of United States government regulations of economic activity with emphasis on the administrative process. Previous NMHU POLS 415.
POLS 4170. The Legislative Process (3); Var
Process of national and state lawmaking in the United States; legislation drafting and legislative procedure. Previous NMHU POLS 417.
POLS 4180. Administrative Law and Procedure (3); Var
This course helps students become aware of administrative law and its relationship to public administrative programs. Administrative law concerns the powers and procedures of administrative agencies, including especially the law governing judicial review of administrative action. Political science majors who endeavor to enter the public administration arena oftentimes will be involved in the administrative process, which is a complex of methods by which agencies carry out their tasks of adjudication, rule-making, and related functions. Previous NMHU POLS 418.
POLS 4190. Public Administration (3); Var
Organization of the administrative structure, problems of internal management, personnel, fiscal management, forms of administrative action, and procedure. Previous NMHU POLS 419.
POLS 4250. History of Economic Thought (3); Var
Development of economic thought from the Middle Ages to the present. Previous NMHU POLS 425.
POLS 4330. Chinese Communist Government (3); Var
Analysis of the Chinese government with emphasis on the role of the Communist Party; relationship of policies to tradition and world affairs. Previous NMHU POLS 433.
POLS 4460. Government and Politics of Latin America (3); Var
Analysis of political systems, contemporary mass movements, and inter-American relations. Previous NMHU POLS 446.
POLS 4500. Seminar in Political Science (1-4 VC) Var
Seminar course in a topic or topics in political science. Previous NMHU POLS 450.
POLS 4510. Seminar: New Mexico Government and Politics (3); Var
Structure, organization, function, and operation of New Mexico state and local government. Previous NMHU POLS 451.
POLS 4530. International Relations, Human Rights and International Law (3); Var
A theoretical and critical analysis of the meaning and relevancy of the IR politics and its collision with international law and human rights in the age of globalization. Prerequisite: POLS 353, or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU POLS 453.
POLS 4580. Political Theory and Philosophy (3); Var
Leading political ideas of the western world. Previous NMHU POLS 458.
POLS 4600. The American and Russian Systems (3); Var
Comparison of political and economic institutions, including the underlying political theory of the two nations. Previous NMHU POLS 460.
POLS 4620. International Monetary Systems (3); Var
This course is an examination of the national and international procedural rules which channel the behavior of governments and monetary institutions. Previous NMHU POLS 462.
POLS 4630. Political Economy (3); Var
Comparative study and analysis of the political economies of the major countries of the world, stressing the interdependence of the study of economics and politics. Previous NMHU POLS 463.
POLS 4900. Senior Readings (1-4 VC)
Individually assigned readings and supervised investigations arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Advanced standing toward a major or minor, with a B average, and permission of instructor. Previous NMHU POLS 490.
POLS 4970. LSAT Prep and Legal Logic Class (3); Var
Legal Logic and LSAT Preparation will provide students the fundamental skills sets to understand the fundamentals of logical reasoning and how it is used in law school and how to optimize their LSAT scores. Previous NMHU POLS 497.
POLS 4990. Supervised Research (1-4 VC)
Individual research arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Advanced standing toward a major or minor, with a B average, and permission of instructor. Previous NMHU POLS 499.