Social Science

Faculty

Lori Witt (director), Mark Barloon, Anya Butt, Andrew Green, Keith Jones, Tuan Nguyen, Tim Olin, Randy Renstrom, Dawn Reece, Ashely Scolaro, Elena Vishnevskaya, Shawn Wick, Jon Witt, Keith Yanner

Statement of philosophy

The social science major offers the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in several disciplines. This major appeals to students who desire a broadly based experience in the social sciences. A critical element of the major is the recognition of essential understandings within academic disciplines and the relationships among the disciplines.

 

The social science major provides a solid background for a variety of career options. It is particularly appropriate for prospective social studies teachers at the secondary level.

 

Major Communication Skills

The student and major advisor will develop from one or more upper-level courses in the major a course portfolio that reflects successful demonstration of skills in reading, listening and speaking.

 

Social Science Major Requirements (45-47 credits)

1. Complete all courses from three of the subject areas below:

American History (at least 15 credits)
HIST   130       United States to 1877 (3) or HIST 131 United States since 1877 (3)
HIST   486       History Research Seminar (4)
At least two American HIST Electives at the 200- or 300-level (total of at least 8 credits)

 

World History (at least 15 credits)
HIST    125       World History to 1500 (3) or HIST 126 World History Since 1500 (3)
HIST    485       Historiography Seminar (4)
      At least two World HIST Electives at the 200- or 300-level (total of at least 8 credits)  

                 

      Note: The following courses may count with permission of the director.  Those seeking teacher licensure should get EDUC department approval in advance.
            HIST 100T TE Western Civilization: Ancient to Early Modern (3-4)
            Or HIST 100T TE Western Civilization: Early Modern to Present (3-4)
            Or HIST 100AP AP European History (3)

 

American government (at least 15 credits)
POLS     110       Introduction to American Politics (4)
And at least 11 credits from:
POLS     210       American Political Institutions (4)
POLS     215       The Politics of State and Local Governments (4)
POLS     216       Political Behavior: Political Participation, Elections, and Media (4)
POLS     316       Presidential Elections (4)
POLS     361       American Political Philosophy (4)

 

Economics (16 credits)
ECON   112        Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECON   113        Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON   312        Microeconomic Theory (4) or
ECON   313        Macroeconomic Theory (4)
Two 200-level or above ECON electives (6 credits total), excluding ECON 381

 

Geography (at least 15 credits)
GEOG   210      Human Geography (4)
At least 12 credits from GEOG courses, with 5 credits at the 300- level or above

 

Psychology (15 credits)
PSYC   122       General Psychology (3)
Two 200-level PSYC courses (total of at least 6 credits)
Two 300- or 400-level PSYC courses (total of at least 6 credits)

 

Sociology (15 credits)
SOC     120    Principles of Sociology (3)
Two 200-level courses (6 credits) chosen from:
SOC     225      Social Problems (3)
SOC     235      Schools and Societies (3)
SOC     241      Criminology (3)
SOC     242      Sociology of the Family (3)
Two SOC electives at the 300-level or above (6 credits)