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MWSU | Academics/Departments

Welcome to the Department of History, Philosophy & Geography!

HISTORY
Through its examination of the social, economic, political, and military experience of earlier societies and civilizations, the discipline of history provides a framework for understanding events, trends and developments in contemporary life and culture. The study of history is not merely an academic endeavor; rather it is a lifelong pursuit for those who wish to see where we are headed as a nation, as a global community, and as a species.

Western’s history program provides students with a broad understanding of historical events and topics across time, as well as in-depth analysis of specific eras and themes. With smaller class sizes and a focus on reading, writing, and discussion, students are introduced to the tools of the historian’s craft.

Students may major in history receiving a B.A./B.S. or a B.A./B.S. with Teacher Certification. Students majoring in all other disciplines may minor in either United States or European history.

Students who excel in history will be invited to join Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honor society that promotes the study of history through research, teaching, and publishing. The Phi Alpha Theta chapter at Western is an active university organization with monthly meetings and regular academic and social activities.

Careers
History majors are ideally positioned for careers in law, business, education, and government. Career choices include lawyer, elementary or secondary school teacher, museum curator, archivist, marketing manager, or corporate information specialist. Also, many students pursue graduate degrees in their field of interest. For more information, see the American Historical Association (http://www.historians.org/pubs/Free/careers/Index.htm).

Contact Dr. Steven Greiert
816-271-4390 or greiert@missouriwestern.edu

PHILOSOPHY

Courses in philosophy examine fundamentally human ideas such as truth, existence, reality, religion, and freedom. Through an understanding of how intellectuals through the ages have responded to these ideas, as well as by questioning personal approaches to issues of morality, knowledge, power, and justice, students of philosophy learn not only the major debates that impact our society, but also the critical thinking and evaluation skills necessary to make decisions and support arguments.

Western offers opportunities for students to major in philosophy as well as take courses in all areas of the discipline usually available to students at the undergraduate level, including ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, the philosophy of science, logic, epistemology and metaphysics – as well as courses in the history of philosophy and recent philosophical movements. Students who wish to complete course work equivalent to a major may develop their own course of study with an emphasis in philosophy as part of the university's Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree program. A minor in philosophy is available to students majoring in any discipline.

Careers
Philosophy minors apply their skills and experience to positions in law, medicine, business, education, and government. Career choices include lawyers, health care providers, social workers, and school administrators. Also, many students pursue graduate degrees in philosophy, medicine, or theology. For more information, see the American Philosophical Association (http://www.apaonline.org).

Contact Dr. Mark Mikkelsen
816-271-4530 or mikkelsen@missouriwestern.edu

GEOGRAPHY
Geography is the study of how humans spatially interact with the physical environment. Geographers seek to describe, relate and explain the natural and cultural phenomena that distinguish places around the world. Studying geography increases students’ ability to analyze complex situations, events and trends, and draw logical inferences from them. Geography often functions as a bridge between the natural sciences and the social sciences.

Western’s geography program provides students with an introduction to cultural and physical geography, as well as hands-on technical experience with GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Geography is also a critical component of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS), the minor in International Studies, and the Outdoor Semester Program. A minor in geography is available to students majoring in any discipline.

Careers
Geography minors apply their skills and experience to positions in government, environment, education, and business. Career choices include land use planner, elementary or secondary school teacher, meteorologist, GIS  or mapping specialist, and environmental researcher.  Also, many students pursue graduate degrees in geography, political science, or environmental science. For more information, see the Association of American Geographers (http://www.aag.org/).

Contact Dr. Kenneth Dagel
816-271-4161 or dagelke@missouriwestern.edu

HUMANITIES
The Department of History, Philosophy and Geography is also responsible for courses which provide students with opportunities for the study of cultural and intellectual history, comparative religions, the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, the impact of technology on modern societies, and the history and philosophy of the natural sciences. The minor in humanities provides students an opportunity to combine a 12 credit hour "core" of humanities courses with additional courses from other humanistic fields, e.g., history, philosophy, art history, music, literature.

Contact Dr. Mark Mikkelsen
816-271-4530 or mikkelsen@missouriwestern.edu