History of Ideas

Program Coordinator: Dr. Robert Tad Lehe
History of Ideas Faculty

Mission Statement

The History of Ideas program is dedicated to directing students to explore and examine the major trends, ideas and philosophies of the past from antiquity to the present through primary texts, and prepares them to be lifelong learners. Students learn to ask questions, analyze, form and defend arguments from multiple perspectives and disciplines.

North Central College offers an interdisciplinary sequence of five honors courses in the history of ideas dealing with ideas central to religion, art, philosophy, literature and the social sciences. The courses emphasize reading of primary texts and reflection on classics within the liberal arts tradition. The seminar format encourages lively discussion of intellectually engaging issues.

The courses are open to College Scholars and other students seeking a stimulating interdisciplinary experience. Education majors may take one or more courses in the sequence to meet selected general education requirements for state certification. Consult the education department for details.

The history of ideas sequence may form the foundation of a minor. Interested students should consult the coordinator of History of Ideas to plan a course of study.

Programs

• History of Ideas Minor

Courses

• HOI 100 - Authority and Freedom
• HOI 210 - Cultures in Contact
• HOI 220 - Power and Statecraft
• HOI 230 - Revolutions
• HOI 360 - Advanced Seminar
• HOI 395 - Capstone Seminar