Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the Department of Political Science

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University’s Department of Political Science.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Department of Political Science: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s Department of Political Science. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 526 Papers, 1952-1965 Includes correspondence of the Department Chair, examinations, class outlines, and student term papers selected by the Department.
  • UA 267 Records, 1955-1956 Collection includes multiple choice and essay examinations administered to senior students majoring in political science.
  • MSS 581 Papers, 1959-1961 Newspaper clippings, surveys, articles, reports, brochures, and statements that were collected by the Political Science Department of Brigham Young University. The materials relate to the issues involved in “Proposition Nr. 1″ which would repeal the “council-manager” form of government for the city of Provo, Utah.
  • UA 705 Records and correspondence of the Department of Government, 1968-1981 The Department of Political Science existed briefly as the Department of Government, ca. 1971-1981.
• The following item is restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to this collection.
  • UA 1200 Records, 1965-1993 This collection consists of three series. The first is simply correspondence with those in the Political Science Department and also meeting minutes. The second and third consist of student papers and student files. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
• Sample materials related to the Department of Political Science:
  • MSS SC 407 Roger Bryan Madsen papers, 1950-1972 Various letters, documents and notes (some photocopies) collected and created while Madsen was writing a thesis for the Political Science Department titled An Analysis of the 1958 Senatorial Campaign in Utah.
  • MSS 1643 Ray C. Hillam papers, 1955-2008 Collection includes materials created in Hillam’s work as a faculty member at Brigham Young University (BYU) between 1955 and 2008, with the bulk of the material from 1960 to 1993. The collection includes class schedules; lists and syllabi; notes for various classes, lectures, research classes, or on articles and books; correspondence and memos; items collected during or about conferences, trips, sabbaticals, and study abroad trips, including photographs and scrapbooks. Also includes information on the founding of the Kennedy Center for International Studies collected while Hilliam was director, and documentation regarding BYU’s “spy scandal”.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of the Brigham Young University Department of Political Science. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.