Department of Political Science, Law, History, and Anthropology
- School of Social Sciences
The Department of Political Science, Law, History, and Anthropology explores the institutions, ideas, and cultures that shape human societies across time and around the world. Students examine government, law, politics, history, and human societies while developing the analytical, research, and communication skills needed to address today's most pressing social challenges.
Who We Are
The Department of Political Science, Law, History, and Anthropology brings together disciplines dedicated to understanding people, power, culture, and society across time and around the world. Through the curriculum, research and public engagement, the department prepares students to critically examine human experience, political systems, legal institutions, and historical change while developing the analytical, research and communication skills essential for engaged citizenship and meaningful careers.
Faculty and students explore questions that shape our communities and global society — from governance, justice, and public policy to cultural traditions, social organizations, and historical memory. In classrooms, internships, fieldwork, and research opportunities, students gain hands-on experience and learn to analyze complex ideas, interpret evidence, and communicate thoughtfully across diverse perspectives.
The department is home to a vibrant intellectual community with expertise spanning global histories, political and legal systems, cultural anthropology, archaeology and applied social research. Together, these fields encourage students to better understand the past and present while preparing them to thoughtfully address the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Areas of Study
Political Science and Law
Political science is one of the most powerful ways to understand today’s complex and rapidly changing world. By exploring how people, institutions, and ideas shape governments, public policy, and global affairs, you'll gain the knowledge and analytical skills to make sense of the political forces that affect our lives every day. Whether you aspire to a career in law, government, public service, advocacy, business, or international affairs, a degree in Political Science will satisfy your curiosity while preparing you to make a meaningful impact.
History
History is the study of the human experience in the past. It illuminates the evolution of societies and cultures over time and explains how people’s lives have changed. It also helps us understand the world today. History equips us to develop versatile skills—from finding and analyzing information, thinking critically, and solving problems, to communicating effectively and persuasively—that translate into careers in law, journalism, business, government, and education, making history one of the most flexible liberal arts degrees.
Anthropology
Anthropology is the holistic study of human cultures. It deals with our origins; physical and cultural development; biological characteristics; belief systems; social, political, and economic organization; and customs of peoples and cultures.
Meet Our Team
Brigid Harrison
- Chairperson
Richard Conway
- Chairperson
Christopher Matthews
- Chairperson
Ian Drake
- Professor
Karinne Seferian
- Administrative Team Lead
Anita Veal
- Administrative Services Coordinator
Contact Us
Political Science, Law, History, and Anthropology Department
- Administrative Team Lead
- Administrative Services Coordinator
