History & Philosophy Department

Professors: Jingyi Song, Judith Walsh
Associate Professors: Juan Pablo Galvis, Chair, Sylvie Kandé, Xavier Maréchaux
Assistant Professors: Kyle Anderson, Robert Mevissen, Chelsea Shields-Más

The History and Philosophy Department prepares students for a lifetime of critical thinking and cooperative living in today’s interconnected world. Courses that emphasize multicultural and international perspectives in disciplines such as history, philosophy, geography, and religious studies prepare students for a wide range of professional fields. At the same time, the degrees offered by the department encourage students to engage with the breadth of human experience while instilling a commitment to build a more just and sustainable future.

The Curriculum

The History and Philosophy Department is responsible for two Bachelor of Arts degree programs. Both provide students with a range of options, allowing them to design a course of study suited to their interests. At the same time, these degrees offer excellent preparation for a variety of career paths and graduate degrees. The degree programs are:

History - provides an embracing perspective from which to study human lives and affairs. The B.A. in History includes two tracks: a. the History Liberal Arts Track and b. the History Social Studies Track. The History Liberal Arts Track is designed for majors with a general interest in the discipline of history and requires courses in Western, non-Western, global, and trans-regional history as well as a course in geography, a course in historiography and a Senior Seminar. The History Social Studies Track is for majors who wish to teach Social Studies at the secondary level and requires substantial course work in history as well as in geography, political science, and economics.

Philosophy and Religion - emphasizes the analysis of values, belief systems, and contemporary ethical issues with courses in diverse cultural traditions and major areas of philosophical and religious thought. Students explore the common aspects of these topics as well as their differences. Courses from the Western tradition and from Islamic, Asian, and African perspectives are included. All courses emphasize critical thinking and analytical skills and help students form a coherent set of ethical judgments and beliefs.

Minors

Minors providing complements for the major include Computer Information Science, Congregational Leadership, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Hispanic Cultural Studies, Islamic Studies, Philosophy and Religion, Pre-Law, and Women & Gender Studies.

Special Activities

The History and Philosophy Department organizes the Summer Study Abroad Program in China which is a credit-bearing course. The four-week program of study and travel, currently based at Wuyi University in Guangdong, provides an excellent experience for all majors in the department as well as for candidates in other areas of Arts and Sciences, Education, and Business. The department sponsors a student club. The department is also home to Old Westbury’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honors society.

Career Opportunities

With an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, language, communicative skills, and an appreciation of the diversity of modern American society, degrees in the department provide excellent preparation for professional careers and for graduate study in the liberal arts. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in education, public relations, social services, and government. In an increasingly international world, the multicultural outlook and communications skills fostered by the department’s programs are essential for every career path.

Study Abroad

In addition to the Summer Study Abroad Program in China, students are encouraged to apply for other study abroad programs offered by Old Westbury and SUNY.

Evening Students

Course selections in the evening are limited, but the History and Philosophy Department will try to accommodate evening students. A number of courses are offered online, and courses are generally offered in the summer sessions and January mini-semester.

Transfer Students

Students may be able to substitute up to five courses taken at other institutions to fulfill requirements in the major. Consult the department chair for specific course equivalents.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor