Greetings from the Department of History and Political Science at Perimeter College, where we are committed to enlivening our studies and wholly engaging our students in the learning process. Perimeter College history courses provide in-depth study of issues, as well as the background needed to help students make knowledgeable decisions and rational life choices. Our political science classes examine human behavior through data, political systems, institutions and behaviors. Perimeter’s Africana Studies offers a systematic exploration of people of African descent in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Africa through the lens of ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality and social structure. Students who study here go on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in law, business, journalism and education—among other professions. Our department believes, as did Aristotle, that the study of politics (as well as history and related subjects) is essential to achieving a stable and orderly society—one that develops, advances and improves our lives.
Pathways
Imagine learning about the office of Georgia’s governor—while actually standing in the governor’s office. Or, consider the opportunity—as a student—to communicate face-to-face with civil rights icons such as Andrew Young and John Lewis. What if you had the chance to conduct scholarly presentations alongside your professor? This is the type of hands-on learning experienced by students in the Department of History and Political Science.
Our award-winning faculty are noted experts on a variety of historical and political topics—and they work diligently to bring the curriculum to life so the learning process is personal and real-world for students. Several of our department’s faculty are Georgia Governor’s Teaching Fellows, and the Georgia Political Science Association voted one of our faculty members Best Teacher of the Year. The Pre-Law Advisement program engages select Perimeter College faculty who serve as advisors and liaisons to the Georgia General Assembly.
Faculty members encourage student involvement in community offerings that enhance understanding. Examples include Perimeter students attending Great Decisions, the Georgia Council for International Visitors’ eight-week lecture and discussion series based on a briefing book published annually by the nonpartisan Foreign Policy Association. The series encourages participants to develop an informed opinion on the role the United States should play in world affairs.
Our United States History Survey and American Government courses are an important part of the core curriculum. Africana Studies, African American History, Women in American History and Women’s Studies coursework reflect the department’s expanded offerings for students. Our department offers courses and pathways that provide solid preparation for a number of career fields, and we engage students through multiple community outreach programs.
Testimonials
“I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now—a Georgia State law student and chair of the Latino Caucus for the Democratic Party of Georgia—were it not for the opportunities presented to me while studying at Perimeter College. While at Perimeter, I developed a strong educational foundation and discovered a passion for good governance.”
Antonio Molina
Perimeter College 2011 graduate
Second-year law student at Georgia State’s Atlanta Campus
History and Politics (HaP) Club:
Perimeter College’s award-winning History and Politics (HaP) Club is based on Clarkston Campus and open to students wishing to explore and understand current events and their historical roots. HaP is noted for its myriad learning and outreach activities, including sponsorship of voter registration drives and hosting prominent speakers who visit Perimeter College to share their perspectives on political and historical events. For information, contact Bob King or Marc Zayac.
Pre-Law Advisement: The Pre-Law Advisement program engages select Perimeter College faculty who serve as advisors and liaisons to the Georgia Legislature.
Perimeter College Feminati Club: The Feminati Club is an organization on Dunwoody Campus dedicated to issues related to feminism and women.
Civic and Political Awareness Club (C-PAC): Students involved in the Civic and Political Awareness Club have the opportunity to engage in the political process at the local, state and national levels. Over the years, the club has sponsored events and hosted guest speakers from the world of politics. These have included U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), former Georgia Labor Secretary and former DeKalb County Superintendent Michael Thurmond and DeKalb County Municipal Court Judge Vincent Crawford. The objective of C-PAC is not to advocate a particular political cause. Instead, the goal is to discuss what is going on in the world, while also providing an environment in which members can form their own beliefs. This club is for students who want to know more about politics and what is going on in the world and be exposed to an environment in which they can freely debate their views. For information, contact Ann Robinson, assistant professor of Political Science.
Message from the Department Chair
George Vargis Interim Department Chair of History, and Political Science
As part of the Georgia State University family, the Perimeter College Department of History and Political Science is committed to our mission as an access institution serving a major metropolitan area. We also are dedicated to excellence in teaching and providing our students with a broad range of opportunities to learn and develop.
Our faculty and staff include individuals who have won regional and national recognitions, while also being noted experts in history and politics and published authors. Our curriculum offerings are as rich and diverse as our faculty, staff and students. While the United States History Survey and American Government courses are fundamental parts of the core curriculum, we are proud of the newest course additions that include classes in Africana Studies and history, history of women and history of Africa and the Middle East.
Through our outreach programs to the community, students gain experience and fulfillment. We invite you to explore our website. Please visit us again to check out our growth and new opportunities. We are a diverse community! There is a place here for you. The History, Political Science and Africana Studies pathways are excellent preparations for numerous career fields.
George Vargis, Interim Chair
Department of History and Political Science
FAQs
A: No. Either counts toward the core curriculum requirement in Area E.
Campus Contacts
Alpharetta Campus
Associate Chair for Social Sciences
William Simson
770-274-5714
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
Nancy Hallowell
770-274-5748
[email protected]
Clarkston Campus
George Vargis
Interim Chair & Associate History and Political Science
Clarkston Campus
678-891-2402
[email protected]
Shaiman Hussain
Administrative Assistant
Clarkston
678-891-3368
[email protected]
Decatur Campus
Mark Flowers
Associate Chair of History and Political Science
Decatur campus
678-891-3401
[email protected]
Donna McLean
Administrative Assistant
Decatur Campus
678-891-2613
[email protected]
Dunwoody Campus
Crystal Garrett
Associate Chair of History and Political Science
Dunwoody Campus
770-274-5410
[email protected]
Charlene Bearden
Administrative Assistant
Dunwoody campus
770-274-5405
[email protected]
Newton Campus
Salli Vargis
Associate Chair of History and Political Science
Newton Campus
678-891-3401
[email protected]
Lakita Williams
Administrative Assistant
Newton Campus
770-278-1381
[email protected]
Online
Marc Zayac
Associate Chair of History and Political Science
Clarkston Campus
678-891-3289
[email protected]
Johnetta Hawkins
Administrative Assistant
Online
678-212-7541
[email protected]