Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy & Religion

William Prigge, Department Head
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion
West Hall 109, Box 510
605-688-4311

The Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion complements the vision of South Dakota State University and the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences to be nationally distinctive and locally relevant through faculty teaching, service and scholarship. Departmental faculty efforts support a challenging curriculum which encourages civic participation to perpetuate the values and historic traditions of democracy. Its members encourage and prepare students, through a liberal education, to live in an increasingly interconnected world and to understand and appreciate the human diversity created by cultures, geography and time. The political science faculty engenders an awareness and understanding of global events, while the history faculty identifies the historic background and historical trends that influence these events. The philosophy and religion faculty deal with the fundamental questions of life, the basis of knowledge and morality and practices of the world’s many religious traditions. This curriculum is presented in a manner that develops and enhances critical thinking and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful employment, further scholarship and community engagement. These efforts facilitate the achievement of national distinction by the department’s majors as scholars and engaged citizens.

The Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion offers dual listed, topics, independent study courses on an as needed basis.  Occasional courses are offered for teachers needing in-service or continuing education credit.  Graduate degrees are not available in these disciplines, but students may use these courses in an approved plan of study.

Graduate Faculty

Gregory R. Peterson, Professor
Dale Potts, Associate Professor
Charles Vollan, Associate Professor
Dave Wiltse, Assistant Professor
Evren Wiltse, Associate Professor
Graham Wrightson, Assistant Professor

Coursework Only