The Department of History and Political Science strongly encourages students to get involved and to participate in a variety of Departmental and College-wide activities.

Among the many opportunities sponsored by the Department are:

• Internships in museums, archives, historic sites, government agencies, political parties, lobbying groups, public interest groups, the media to name just a few.  We encourage students to pursue opportunities both in the York area and in other locations.

• The History and Political Science Organization organizes debates, panels and speakers programs for the Department and the college at large.  Faculty, students and outside guests often participate in these events.

• Past and Present is journal entirely edited and published by our students featuring the best work of our majors. 

• The Phi Psi Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science students.

• The Alpha Theta Tau Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for history students.

• The European Union Simulation, an intercollegiate gathering of students interested in politics and foreign affairs is a regular part of our offerings.  The Department has also sponsored students for the Model U.N. Simulation and the Arab League Simulation as interest and opportunities have presented themselves.

• The Gladfelter Trust provides up to $1,000 to one or two students (usually seniors) annually to support research and special projects.  Students selected work with faculty on a year long research and writing project.

• Speakers are often  brought in both to enrich classes and for extra-curricular discussions and lectures.

• Our Faculty are well-published and professionally engaged and  are very willing to share their expertise with students in their offices and other formal and informal settings.  Students may ask the faculty to work with them on Independent Study Projects to explore new topics or existing course material more deeply.  Faculty may also offer Special Topics Courses to share their research with groups of  interested students.

• Scholars' Day is a college-wide event featuring student research.  Usually our senior seminar students in history and political science present papers but students in other courses may do so also. 

• Students may also qualify for the Kenneth S. Hatch Award, given for academic merit and the James L. Morrison Award for achievement in American history courses.  Departmental Recognition is awarded at graduation to students who have combined academic achievement with a record of service and involvement.

• Students are encouraged to participate in college-wide activities such as Student Government, The International Students Club, The Pre-Law Society, The Spartan (the campus newspaper), Habitat for Humanity, and various political clubs.  Study Abroad opportunities are also available.  The Student Activities Office and the College Catalog provide an extensive listing of other academic, social and sports, and community activities for your involvement. The college also sponsors Alpha Chi, a national Honor Society open to all majors.