History Student Resources

Honors

For admission into the program students must apply no later than the second semester of the third year. To graduate with Departmental Honors in history, the student must earn 8 sh of HIST 4000 in addition to the credit required for a major in History. For general Departmental Honors requirements and HIST 4000 course description, see appropriate sections of this catalog.

American Studies Program (ASP)

Founded in 1976, the American Studies Program has served hundreds of students from member institutions as a "Washington, D.C. campus." ASP uses Washington as a stimulating educational laboratory where collegians gain hands-on experience with an internship in their chosen field. Internships are tailored to fit the student's talents and aspirations and are available in a wide range of fields. They also explore pressing national and international issues in public policy seminars, which are issue-oriented, interdisciplinary and led by ASP faculty and Washington professionals. ASP bridges classroom and marketplace, combining biblical reflection, policy analysis and real-world experience. Students are exposed to on-the-job learning that helps them build for their future and gain perspective on the calling of God for their lives. They are challenged in a rigorous course of study to discover for themselves the meaning of Christ's lordship in putting their beliefs into practice. The aim of the program is to help Council schools prepare their students to live faithfully in contemporary society as followers of Christ. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

Russian Studies Program (RSP)

RSP students are exposed to the depth and diversity of the culture during a semester spent in Russia's three largest cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhni Novgorod. In addition to three seminar courses entitled History and Sociology of Religion in Russia; Russian Peoples, Cultures and Literature; and Russia in Transition, students receive instruction in the Russian language, choosing either 4 or 6 semester hours of language coursework. For those choosing 4 hours of Russian, a seminar course, International Relations and Business in Russia, is available. RSP strives to give students as wide an experience as possible in this complex nation, beginning with time in Moscow, the heart of both medieval and modern Russia. Students then spend 12 weeks in Nizhni Novgorod, a strategic city on the Volga River. After six weeks of language instruction, students live with a Russian family for the remainder of their stay in this city. Students also participate in a service opportunity in Nizhni Novgorod. The program concludes with time in the complex and intriguing city of St. Petersburg, the Russian "window to the West." Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

Middle East Studies Program (MESP)

This program, based in Cairo, Egypt, allows Council students to explore and interact with the complex and strategic world of the modern Middle East. The interdisciplinary seminars give students the opportunity to explore the diverse religious, social, cultural and political traditions of Middle Eastern people. In addition to seminars, students study the Arabic language and work as volunteers with various organizations in Cairo. Through travel to Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Turkey, students are exposed to the diversity and dynamism of the region. MESP encourages and equips students to relate to the Muslim world in an informed, constructive and Christ-centered manner at a time of tension and change. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

China Studies Program (CSP)

The China Studies Program enables students to engage this large and intriguing country from the inside. While living in, and experiencing Chinese civilization firsthand, students participate in seminar courses on the historical, cultural, religious, geographical and economic realities of this strategic and populous nation. In addition to the study of standard Chinese, students are given opportunities such as assisting Chinese students learning English or working in an orphanage, allowing for one-on-one interaction. The program introduces students to the diversity of China, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Xiamen. This interdisciplinary, cross-cultural program enables students to deal with this increasingly important part of the world in an informed, Christ-centered way. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.