The History and Government program has three essential purposes. First, it is designed to provide the student with insights into historical time periods of the nation and the world, with special emphasis upon political, social, economic, and technological changes. Secondly, it provides a strong background for graduate study in history and related fields, careers in government, services, and some areas of business, and positions with historical societies and museums. Thirdly, for students interested in attending law school, the program meets and exceeds the criteria for pre-law curricula established by the American Association of Law Schools. Foreign Language Option: Students are encouraged to take 12 hours of foreign language. These hours, with departmental approval, can be taken in lieu of history and literature courses, or the geography elective. Majors and non-majors with 12 hours of history courses may qualify for membership in Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honorary.