Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1981-2005 (Creation)
Extent
2.42 linear feet (2 records center boxes, 2 small document cases
Name of creator
Administrative history
The first catalog of the college, 1884-1885, listed political economy as a course of instruction. Political economy was a common 19th century composite subject, which included not only political science and economics, but sociology as well. During the 1890's, departmental grouping began to be formed and political science courses were included in a succession of departments. In 1905, the Department of History and Political Science was created. This was the administrative home for these two disciplines until they were split in 1967.
Political science courses are designed to achieve several objectives: 1) convey the values and tradition of our democratic governmental institutions and processes and encourage students to assert their talents in preserving and nurturing those values and traditions through participation in the body politic; 2) promote global awareness and understanding; 3) engender critical thinking and a high proficiency in communication skills; 4) serve the other social sciences as a cognate field; 5) provide the student majoring in political science with foundation and advanced courses in the many sub-disciplines of political science which, in turn, will contribute to the student's intellectual growth and occupational pursuits.
Political Science is now merged into the Department of Political, Sciences, Philosophy, and Religion.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
System of arrangement
Composed of departmental administrative records and records regarding Municipal Institute held by the Political Science Department at South Dakota State University as well as material regarding the International Institute of Municipal Officials, the South Dakota Local Government Institute, and records produced by the Department of Political Science.
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
- English