Social Science

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Janet Bennion, Associate Professor (Sociology and Anthropology) 
David Plazek, Assistant Professor (Political Science) 
Paul Searls, Assistant Professor (History)
Alexandre Strokanov, Professor (History)

B.A. Social Science
B.A. Global Studies

Liberal Studies Concentrations (See Liberal Studies)
Licensure in Secondary Social Studies Education (See Secondary Education)
Minors: History, Political Science, Anthropology/Sociology, Global Studies, International Studies, and Gender Studies

Program Mission Statement

The Social Science program is designed to give students an interdisciplinary understanding of human nature. It seeks to educate students to be knowledgeable about their society and the world and to be able to think critically about the human condition. The department offers courses in anthropology, geography, history, political science and sociology. It supports the college’s mission of equipping students to respond to the challenges of an evolving society and to advance the quality of life in a diverse global community. The department contributes to both the social science and humanities divisions of the college’s general education program and focuses on experiential learning.

The department offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Social Science and Global Studies. Students may also elect anthropology/sociology, history, political science, gender studies, international studies, or interdisciplinary social sciences within the Liberal Studies major. The department prepares students enrolled in the elementary and secondary education programs with knowledge, skills, and values they will need to teach social studies. It also prepares students to pursue further study and to continue their interest in the field.

Program Goals/Learning Outcomes

The Social Science department develops and enhances each student’s ability to:

• analyze a social phenomena from the perspective of a particular group or culture within the local, national, or international context that documents familiarity with the diversity of human cultures and world views;
• use the disciplinary concepts, knowledge, and tools of social science, to analyze a social phenomena, issue or problem of the past or present that reflects an understanding of the contemporary social forces that influenced behavior in the social environment under study in order to gain a greater understanding of human behavior and institutions in a social setting.;
• conduct research using critical thinking, social science methodologies, develop a thesis and, using appropriate computer skills, interpret the results of one’s research into a written monograph that conforms to the standards of the discipline(s);
• make an oral public presentation that clearly communicates to the audience the subject of the talk;
• work collaboratively as a constructive member of a team.

Programs Assessment

The Social Science department assesses its program goals in a variety of ways, including evaluation of student work in all courses, a senior thesis or capstone, an oral presentation of the senior thesis in front of peers, and a senior survey. The department evaluates course syllabi to ensure that learning outcomes are clearly reflected in the department’s courses and that students are exposed to experiences that advance the program’s goals as they progress through the program.

Graduation Requirements for all Social Science/Global Studies Majors:

1. In your junior year, sign up for SSC 3020 and SSC 4740.
2. In your senior year, select a thesis/capstone mentor in the department and sign up for SSC 4720.  Submit your request for graduation to the Registrar’s Office at least two semesters before commencement.  Complete your cultural diversity and collaborative service projects.
3. Present your thesis/capstone two weeks prior to the date of your graduation in front of your peers and department faculty.
4. Prior to graduation, provide the Social Science chair with a portfolio containing your thesis/capstone, your cultural diversity paper, and your collaborative service sheet.

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