Department of History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
The Department of History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures gives students a solid grounding in the academic study of history, politics, law, cultures, languages, and global relations.
We emphasize the development of critical thinking, writing, and communication skills to prepare students for a wide variety of careers, graduate and law school, and lifelong learning.
In teaching language, we work in highly interactive and learning-centered contexts to develop your ability to ask and answer the critical questions that make language, history, culture, and society meaningful. There is the opportunity to immerse in language learning through study abroad, co-curricular international travel, service learning, internship, and undergraduate research.
The department is committed to promoting student understanding of the richness and diversity of human experience across time and across the globe.
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Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“I have always been fascinated by history, but I also profoundly appreciate learning and teaching. Becoming a social studies teacher was almost a no-brainer once I realized I could make a more significant impact on society by teaching instead of pursuing politics.”
Jade Smith ’25
History
As a first-generation student, Jade says she feels supported at Otterbein with the kind of feedback and skills that will help her accomplish her goals.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“My study abroad program, facilitated by the Spanish department, was absolutely life-changing. I’ve always had a strong desire to travel and work with international people and it was very valuable to work in Costa Rica.”
Olivia Culp ’24
Political Science and Spanish & Latin American Studies Double Major
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Paige’s research paper on U.S. government-led forced sterilization in Puerto Rico was selected for presentation at the 2021 Latin American and Latinx Studies Symposium and for publication by The Johns Hopkins Journal of Latin American Studies.
Paige Skaff ’22
Sociology and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies with minors in Political Science and Race & Ethnic Studies
Our students have opportunities for immersive overseas learning, including longer-term study abroad. We also offer short-term travel experiences – you can travel with us to Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Mexico, and more as part of our travel courses or for independent research.
History students who would like to teach middle school and high school may apply to the Education Department’s Integrated Social Studies Program. This program allows you to earn teaching licensure in four years along with your History BA.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
“The faculty really helped me become a better historian and someone who was capable of going to graduate school and pursuing graduate studies. They helped me along every step of the way and prepared me for the next step in my path.”
Raven Manygoats ’19
Raven graduated from Otterbein with a B.A. in History. She is currently a doctoral History student at Rutgers University, Raven says interviewing Winona LaDuke during a campus visit was an academic highlight.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
“Choosing Otterbein was the best decision I ever made. The best part of Otterbein is the community. I met so many people who were endlessly supportive in my four years. The faculty and staff were always there to push me to be the best student and person I could be. It’s because of their care and support that I was able to graduate with a double major and a minor. I will be forever grateful for the experiences I had and the people that I met at Otterbein.”
Casey Rife ’20
Casey graduated from Otterbein with a B.A. in Global Studies and a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Sustainability Studies. After earning a Master of Public Administration from OSU, she is now Deputy Communications Director for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus.
“Students love the global focus at the heart of our department’s academic programs. Our two discipline-specific programs, History and Political Science, along with our interdisciplinary programs in Global Studies, Spanish and Latin American Studies, and Legal Studies, let you follow an academic path that’s just right for you.”
Dr. Deborah Solomon
Associate Professor & Chair, History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
Our expansive curriculum and immersive classes promote full engagement, inside the classroom and beyond. You can conduct historical research; add a teaching licensure to your History BA; strengthen your Spanish proficiency; study abroad; intern with political campaigns, with local non-profit organizations or in the Statehouse; prepare for graduate studies or law school—the choice is yours.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Rather than being separate and isolated from the ‘real world,’ the classroom is a place to problematize and explore solutions that can lead to a more just world.
Dr. Nicholas Robinson
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Department Features & Student Opportunities
Scholarships and Student Awards
Generous alumni contributions fund departmental scholarships and awards that support classroom learning, student research, extracurricular activities, and off-campus learning opportunities.
Internships
Our students complete internships at historical societies, museums, archives, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, the Statehouse, law offices, and more. Pre-license students teach in local schools.
Publishing Opportunities
Students in our department can cultivate intellectual life in the humanities on the editorial staff of our journal, Aegis. Shape rich conversations about art, culture, history, and justice for a 21st-century public.
History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures Department News
Class of 2026: Caiden Hooks
News - May 6, 2026
As Otterbein celebrated the Class of 2026, one outstanding graduate who walked across the stage on May 3 was Caiden Hooks ’26, a Political Science and History major who minored in Spanish, Creative Writing, and Legal Studies and was a student-athlete on the men’s wrestling team. Caiden graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors. While all that might seem impressive on its own, Caiden also happens to be blind. Caiden Hooks ’26 Caiden was born with cancer in his retinas and, since then, he has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy,…
National Media Recognize Otterbein University for Programs and Values
News - September 18, 2023
Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has…
Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape Otterbein’s Growth
News - July 31, 2023
Otterbein University is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by “crowd sourcing” ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by Otterbein faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. “This investment in Otterbein’s future demonstrates our trustees’ commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard…Programs of Study in History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
Minor
Legal Studies/Pre-Law
Minor
History
Minor
Political Science
Minor
Spanish & Latin American Studies Minor
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Contact Us
Department of History, Political Science, Languages & Cultures
Towers Hall 209
1 South Grove St
Westerville, OH 43081
Administrative Assistant
Patti Welch
614-823-1361
pwelch@otterbein.edu