Power in History and Politics

Program Overview

The Power in History and Politics program at Brescia University explores the intricate relationship between history and politics, equipping students with critical thinking, communication, and ethical awareness skills. Through experiential learning, research opportunities, and a diverse curriculum, the program prepares graduates for careers in policy analysis, law, education, and more. It emphasizes responsible social engagement and fosters a deep understanding of the impact of historical events on current affairs.

Program Outline

Program objectives:

• Enhance research and critical thinking skills: Develop a nuanced understanding of political and historical issues through in-depth research and critical analysis.
• Strengthen communication and writing abilities: Learn to effectively communicate complex ideas and arguments through writing and discussion.
• Gain valuable professional skills: Develop essential skills for future careers, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, research, and analysis.

Program description:

The PHP curriculum provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, covering various topics such as environmental leadership, global social justice, the evolution of political power, and the historical impact of social movements. Students choose their courses from a diverse selection, including but not limited to:

• The History and Future of Environmental Politics
• Parks, People and Power: Exploring Public Space in Canada
• European Witchcraze: Crime and Deviance in the Early Modern World
• Understanding Politics: Global and Canadian Perspectives
In addition to coursework, the program offers exceptional learning opportunities beyond the classroom walls, enriching the educational journey and preparing students for success:

• Gain firsthand experience through placements with government officials, local communities, and NGOs, observing and actively participating in the workings of political systems and leadership roles.
• Immerse yourself in historical research by delving into archives, unearthing historical facts and gaining valuable experience with primary source materials.
Students can pursue the program in various formats:
• Honours specialization (four years)
• Specialization (three years)
• Major (two years)
This likely involves a combination of written assignments, research papers, presentations, exams (including midterms and finals), participation in class discussions and potentially other methods depending on specific courses and modules within the program.

Assessment Criteria:

The program emphasizes diverse assessment criteria to measure student success in various areas. This may include:

• Knowledge acquisition and comprehension: Assessing the student's grasp and application of key concepts, theories, and historical facts from the coursework and readings
• Critical analysis and evaluation: Evaluating the ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate evidence, identify assumptions, and formulate arguments effectively.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The PHP employs various teaching methods to create an engaging and effective learning environment. This can include:

• Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge, introducing key concepts and themes.
• Seminars and discussions: Fostering dialogue and critical analysis within the classroom setting, encouraging active participation and exploration of diverse viewpoints.
• Research projects: Engaging in original research, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and fostering independent learning and research skills

Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes experiential learning, offering students unique opportunities for real-world engagement:

• Community internships and placements with government entities, NGOs, or archives provide valuable firsthand exposure to the inner workings of political and historical contexts.
• Research opportunities: Encourage active engagement in research, contributing original work and exploring historical and social issues.
The program may offer dedicated research opportunities, mentorship programs, or independent research initiatives under faculty guidance.

Careers

Career Paths and Opportunities:

A degree in PHP equips graduates with diverse skills transferable across different career paths, particularly those within fields like:

• Policy analyst
• Lawyer
• Human resources specialist
• Historical researcher
• Educator
• Government relations and advocacy roles
• Non-profit organizations and activist groups
• Political and social activism

Further education:

Graduates may also choose further academic pursuits by enrolling in graduate programs, masters, or doctoral studies. They may choose research pathways or professional programs related to law, public administration, or education, among other options, depending on individual career aspirations.

Other:

• The program offers unique learning experiences beyond those mentioned in other program aspects.
Examples mentioned in the context include the "Virgin Queen," showcasing historical perspectives, and the "Parks, People and Power" course offering a deep dive into public space management. This indicates the range and variety offered for student exploration within this curriculum.
• The program's emphasis on ethics and responsible social awareness contributes to students developing into informed and engaged citizens, actively contributing to a just society.