History & Philosophy Department

Professors: Edward Bever, Sylvie Kandé.
Associate Professors: Kyle Anderson, Juan Pablo Galvis, Chair, Xavier Maréchaux
Assistant Professors: Claudia Diaz-Combs, Chelsea Shields-Más, Ela Tokay, Stephanie Painter

Lecturer: David McCaskey

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 environmental studies 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 three Bachelor of Arts degree programs. All 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.

Environmental Studies - is an interdisciplinary program that applies the tools of history and the social an natural sciences to interpret the key relationship between society and the environment. This program can lead to careers in fields such as environmental education, international cooperation, journalism, consulting and policy design, and analysis in governmental, non-governmental or private organizations. The Environmental Studies program is highly flexible allowing students to focus on their interests will also preparing them for graduate study in a variety of environment-related fields.

Accelerated path to graduate programs

5-year BA/MAT: This selective, accelerated program offers excellent undegraduate students in the History-Social Studies track the possibility of transitioning into the School of Education’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Adolescent Education - Social Studies during their senior year. Visit the MAT website for more information: https://www.oldwestbury.edu/programs-courses/adolescence-education-social-studies-7-12-mat

5-year BA/MALS: This accelerated program combines the BA in History - Liberal Arts with the M.A. in Liberal Studies program, which can reduce their time to graduation with a graduate degere by up to one year. For more information, visit the MALS web page:https://www.oldwestbury.edu/programs-courses/liberal-studies-ma

3+3 BA/JD SUNY Buffalo School of Law program: Philosphy and Religion majors are elgibile for this accelarated pathway to Law School at the University of Buffalo. For more details see: https://www.oldwestbury.edu/programs-courses/3-3-pathways-ba-and-jd

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 department is also home to Old Westbury’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honors society and sponsors a student club.

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

Students are encouraged to apply for 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