Department of History and Political Science

Programs and Activities in the
History and Political Science Department

The Joe Patterson Smith Lectureship
This annual lectureship was established to honor Prof. Joe Patterson Smith, professor of History and Government at Illinois College for many years. Students have the opportunity to meet with the lecturers in and out of the classroom.

Model United Nations (MUN)
MUN is offered through the International Studies Program. Any student who has competed Political Science 150 (World Politics) may participate in the college's MUN program. During the fall, Illinois College participates in the American Model United Nations held in Chicago; in the spring, students travel to St. Louis to be a part of the Midwest Model United Nations. In the summer of 2000, Illinois College participated in the first Model United Nations to be held at the U.N. itself in New York City. INS 216 (Model United Nations) is offered each spring for 2 hours of credit. Questions should be directed to Prof. Winston Wells.

The Illinois College BreakAway Program
Illinois College juniors and seniors have the opportunity to learn outside the classroom in the I.C. BreakAway program. Faculty members in the History and Political Science Department have led trips to Berlin, Washington, D.C., the Middle East, and to civil rights sites throughout the South (for more information about the civil rights trip which will be offered again in Spring, 2001, visit the web site, On Freedom's Trail). Interested students may apply for college support for one-half the cost of the trip up to $750. Applications should be directed to Richard Pfau, President of the College.

Washington Semester
Illinois College students have benefited from the college's affiliation with The Washington Center which coordinates seminars and internships in our nation's capitol. Internships are available in a wide range of governmental agencies, private institutes, corporations, and other Washington-based organizations. Semester internships usually last 15 weeks and students can earn up to 15 credit hours for their work and study. Summer internships generally last 10 weeks for 10 credit hours. Juniors and first-semester seniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 are eligible to participate. For more information, visit The Washington Center or the Illinois College Career Center.

Chicago Semester
The Urban Life Center in Chicago offers students a living and learning opportunity to make the connections between textbook concepts and real life. The semester long 16 credit program consists of two components: Classes (Chicago Communities and Culture and Directed Study) and an Internship. Participants live cooperatively with other students in ethnically diverse Chicago neighborhoods. They spend 3 days a week in professional internships available through over 300 agencies and 2 days a week in class. Several recent History and Political Science majors completed their student teaching experience through this program. Juniors and first-semester seniors with a GPA of 3.0 are eligible to participate. For more information, visit the Urban Life Center or the Illinois College Career Center.

Study Abroad
Majors in History and Political Science are encouraged to study abroad during the course of their studies at Illinois College. While studying abroad, students retain their full-time enrollment at Illinois College. Recent graduates from the department have studied in such varied places as England, Argentina, Ghana, and Vietnam. Interested students should contact Prof. Winston Wells for more information.

Phi Alpha Theta
The Illinois College chapter of the national history honorary, Phi Alpha Theta, recognizes outstanding performance in the study of history. Eligible students are invited to join.

Pi Sigma Alpha
Likewise, the Illinois College chapter of the national political science honorary, Pi Sigma Alpha, recognizes outstanding performance in the study of political science. Eligible students are invited to join.

History Association
This student organization sponsors such activities as film series, field trips, and speakers.

College Democrats and College Republicans
Students interested in the political process find a partisan home in either the College Democrats or College Republicans. Members volunteer during the election season, sponsor speakers, and hold campus debates. For a national view of college students' political activity, visit the College Democrats or the College Republicans.

Phi Alpha Delta
Pre-law students enjoy membership in this international fraternity. Members visit law schools, participate in mock trials, and meet with lawyers. For more information, visit Phi Alpha Delta.


Home | Faculty | Department News | Majors & Minors | Courses | Scholarships |
Programs & Activities | Life After I.C. | Professional Connections | Contact Us