History of Ideas

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Professors: Peter Barger, Karl Kelley, Robert Lehe, Timothy Morris, Francine Navakas, Wioleta Polinska, Richard Wilders
Associate Professors: Brian Hoffert, Jennifer Jackson, David Janzen, Bruce Janacek
Assistant Professor: Sohinee Roy

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 102 - History of Ideas I: Greek and Hebrew Thought
• HOI 103 - History of Ideas II: Roman and Christian Thought
• HOI 201 - History of Ideas III: Medieval and Renaissance Thought
• HOI 202 - History of Ideas IV: Early Modern Thought
• HOI 203 - History of Ideas V: 19th and 20th Century Thought

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