History, Politics, and International Studies

College of Arts and Humanities

Faculty

Dr. Catherine Forslund, Chair

Dr. Edward Mathieu

Dr. Ronald Lee, Program Director for Political Science and International Studies

Prof. Robert Evans

The fields of history, political science, and international studies are crucial for understanding the world today. These disciplines teach us to look at the past for guidance, to use our political system to manage our society, and to learn about and work with other nations to make a better world. 

The students and faculty in the History, Politics, and International Studies department share a common goal of addressing and examining major issues affecting our world. Each major and minor within the department gives students a solid grounding in the academic study of history, political science, or international studies while developing skills of critical thinking, lucid writing, articulate speech, plus research and analysis that are essential to success in college and professional life. By promoting students’ understanding of the richness and diversity of human experience in its historical, political, and global contexts, students will also develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society and an interdependent world. Graduates of the department go on to careers in museums education, politics, government, business, and human services, as well as continue their education at top graduate and law schools. 

The HPI department also supports the work of the newly-formed Institute of World Affairs and Trade at Rockford University (IWAT). Led by Dr. Forslund and Donald Manzullo, former Congressman and department adjunct professor, IWAT sponsors programs in a variety of areas, many of which are directly tied to the interests of HPI.