Social Sciences Division

The Division of Social Sciences consists of two departments and offers eight majors: Economics; History; International Relations; Political Science; Political Science Pre-law; Public Policy; Social Studies; and Social Studies Education. In addition to offering minors in Economics, History, Political Science, and Public Policy, the division offers a cross-discipline minor in Latin American and Iberian Studies. An associate degree is offered in Economics.

Majors in the Division of Social Sciences are designed to enable students to develop an integrated perspective and an analytical understanding of the world and its various institutional components. Herein division majors are designed to foster discernment of present realities and trends, and greater understanding of global contemporary patterns from the perspective of biblical presuppositions and a biblical Christian worldview.

Students majoring in Division programs are encouraged to consider double-majoring, completing a second program (outside or within the Division) within a four-year period. Frequently selected combinations are noted under each major. Careful advising and course planning is necessary, in close consultation with academic advisors. In addition to meeting all requirements for both majors, students must be able to show that they meet the university requirement for a double major: a minimum of 30 hours of credit in each of two specific areas with a minimum of 51 unduplicated hours.

General Education Competencies

Please note that students for whom any division major is their second or third major will graduate with the degree designated by their first major (B.S. or A.B.) and will meet their intercultural experience and communication requirements as specified by their first major.

All other students, for whom a major in this division is their first major, are required to complete either COM-110, Speech Communications, or COM-352, Interpersonal Communications, to meet their communication competency. They are also required to fulfill their intercultural experience requirement as follows: economics and international relations majors are required to complete any approved standard course. Political science, Political Science Pre-law, Social Studies Education, and Social Studies majors are required to complete GEO-202, Political and Cultural Geography. History majors are required to complete three hours of modern language study or GEO-202, Political and Cultural Geography.

General Education Degree Requirements

Students who have selected as their first major Economics, International Relations, Political Science, Political Science Pre-law, or Public Policy will graduate with a B.S. To complete their B.S., students will be required to complete seven semester hours in math and science courses, which also count toward their general education requirements, including four hours of any lab science and three hours in math or science approved by their department.

Students majoring in Social Studies Education or Social Studies will graduate with a B.S. They will be required to complete seven semester hours in math and science courses, which also count toward their general education requirements, including four hours of a lab science and three additional hours in math or science. In selecting these courses, students majoring in Social Studies Education need the approval of both the Education Division and the History and Political Science Department.

Students majoring in History (as their first major) will graduate with an A.B. They will need to satisfy the following language requirement: Proficiency in a non-native language at the intermediate level may be met by showing four years of high school foreign language with no grade below a "C," satisfactorily passing a language examination rated for the intermediate level of proficiency, or by taking two years of college foreign language.

Social Sciences Programs

Economics - B.S.

Purpose

The Department of Economics has designed the Economics major to prepare students for graduate study and for careers in business, government, or teaching. The study of economics is presented as one component of a larger biblical Christian worldview. Career opportunities for students majoring in Economics include financial analyst, investment broker, banker, economics researcher, market forecaster, government analyst, and with further study, university teacher. (Economics majors desiring to teach economics in the secondary schools need to take a double major in Economics and Social Studies Education.) Employment opportunities are to be found in financial services, banking, real estate, insurance, business management, government service, research or teaching. The department also offers a 24-hour minor and a two-year Associate of Science degree; see requirements listed below.

General Education Competencies

Please refer to general education requirements and competencies section under the Division of Social Sciences.

Requirements

A major in Economics includes 30 hours of economics and a cognate area of 10 hours which may be additional courses in economics or a grouping directed in any one of the following areas: accounting, business administration, communications, computer information systems, criminal justice, economics, finance, history, management, marketing, mathematics, political science, psychology, social work, or as directed by the department.

Students whose first major is Economics must take the senior capstone courses ECO-498, Economics Seminar/Research, and ECO-499, Economics Seminar/Presentation.

Economics Minor

Economics - A.S.

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science degree is a two-year program that requires a 24 hour concentration identical to the Economics minor listed above.

History - A.B.**

[Note: **Students for whom History is their first major will graduate with an A.B. degree. However, students with History as a second major will graduate with the degree designated by their first major, whether an A.B. or B.S. For a listing of first major History A.B. degree requirements, see the Division of Social Sciences overview. As stated in that paragraph, A.B. degree requirements do not apply to students for whom History is a second major.]

Purpose

The History major is offered by the Department of History and Political Science. The History major is chosen by students who have a variety of interests and objectives. It offers excellent preparation toward teaching, research, journalism, Christian ministries, and graduate study. (History majors desiring to teach in secondary schools need to major in Social Studies Education, and are encouraged to consider History as a second major.) The History major combined with a major in Philosophy/Religion serves as excellent pre-seminary preparation. Also, the History major often serves as a companion double major with Accounting, Art, Biblical Literature, Biology, Business Administration, Christian Ministries, Communication Arts, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Intercultural Studies, International Relations, Mathematics, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Religion/Philosophy, Social Studies, Social Work, Spanish, or Writing. The department also offers a 24-hour minor; see requirements listed below.

General Education Competencies

Please refer to general education requirements and competencies section under the Division of Social Sciences.

Requirements

A major in History includes 30 hours of History and a cognate area of 10 hours which may be additional courses in History or a grouping directed in any one of the following suggested areas: accounting, art, biblical literature, biology, business administration, Christian ministries, communication arts, computer information systems, criminal justice, economics, English, geography, intercultural studies, mathematics, music, political science, psychology, religion/philosophy, social studies, social work, Spanish, writing, or as directed by the department.

In place of HST-180, students majoring in History, Social Studies, and Social Studies Education, or minoring in History, should complete HST-185 and HST-190. Students majoring in History are required to take a minimum of 12 hours upper-division courses (numbered 300 or higher) offered by the department.

The specific social studies requirements for a History/Social Studies teaching major (social studies education) are detailed under the social studies/social studies education major later in this division section.

NOTE: Students majoring in History (as their first major) will graduate with an A.B. They will be required to satisfy the following language proficiency requirement:

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in a non-native language at the intermediate level may be met by showing four years of high school foreign language with no grade below a "C," satisfactorily passing a language examination rated for the intermediate level of proficiency, or by taking two years of college foreign language.

Declaring and Maintaining a History Major

In order to pursue History as a first or second major, students need to consult with the coordinator of the Department of History and Political Science and then declare a History major in the Records Office. Students majoring or minoring in History must maintain no less than a 2.25 GPA in the History major/minor.

History Minor

International Relations - B.S.

The International Relations major offered by the Department of History and Political Science is designed for students interested in gaining an understanding of world politics and global affairs. Students will be introduced to important areas of study within the field of international relations including foreign policy analysis, global politics and governance, international political economy, and contemporary international policy issues.

Purpose

The International Relations major enables students to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of global politics and contemporary international affairs. International Relations majors will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skill for professional careers in government agencies, international organizations, domestic and international non-governmental organizations, and diplomacy. Students completing the major will also be prepared to pursue teaching, research and graduate studies in international relations, and global public policy. Students majoring in International Relations may consider complementing their preparation with another major or minor in Business, Communication Arts, Economics, History, Intercultural Studies, International and Community Development, Political Science, Religion/Philosophy, TESOL, or Writing.

General Education Competencies

Please refer to general education requirements and competencies section under Division of Social Sciences.

Requirements

The 51 credit-hour major in International Relations requires a core program of 42 credit hours, a nine credit hour concentration or cognate, and demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language at the intermediate level. The core of the program consists of required courses focusing on the foundations of international studies as well as elective courses selected by students within designated areas of international study. A concentration or cognate should be chosen according to a student's professional goals in completing the major's requirements. Students should fulfill part of their general education requirements in the social sciences by taking POL-100 and ECO-211. SOC-225 or PSY-150 are suggested courses for completing the remaining social science general education requirement. These required and recommended courses will allow students to meet general university requirements while also serving as prerequisites for a number of upper-level courses in concentration or cognate areas.

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in a non-native modern language at the intermediate level may be met by showing four years of high school foreign language with no grade below a "C," satisfactorily passing a language examination rated for the intermediate level of proficiency, or by taking two years of college foreign language.

Declaring and Maintaining an International Relations Major

In order to pursue International Relations as a first or second major, students need to consult with the coordinator of the Department of History and Political Science and then declare the major in the Records Office. Students majoring in International Relations should strive to maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.

Political Science - B.S.

Purpose

The Political Science major, offered by the Department of History and Political Science, enables students to develop both theoretical and practical analysis, understanding, and evaluation of the changing nature, form, and function of governing arrangements, political processes, and the civil-social order. The major is designed to prepare students for one of the numerous careers in government service and political organizations. Additionally, the Political Science major offers preparation toward teaching, research, and graduate study for advanced degrees in political science, public policy, and law (see Political Science Pre-law below). (Political Science majors desiring to teach in secondary schools need to take a double major in Political Science and Social Studies Education.) The Political Science major often serves as a companion double major with Business, Communication Arts, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, History, Intercultural Studies, International Relations, Mathematics, Psychology, Religion/philosophy, Social Studies, Social Work, or Writing.

General Education Competencies

Please refer to the general education requirements and competencies section under Division of Social Sciences.

Requirements

The Political Science major consists of 38 hours in political science and a cognate area of 10-12 hours. The core of the program consists of required courses focusing on fundamental political science concepts and skill formation. Political science electives are selected by students to enhance their preparation given substantive interests and career goals unique to each individual. A concentration or cognate should be chosen by the student according to his or her professional objectives.

*or equivalent

Students should complete a 10-12 hour concentration or cognate in a field consistent with their vocational goals. Suggested concentrations include additional hours in political science or courses in history, international relations or economics. The cognate may be 10 hours from any one of the following areas: accounting, addictions counseling, biology, business administration, communication arts, computer information systems, criminal justice, economics, English, finance, geography, history, intercultural studies, management, marketing, mathematics, psychology, religion/philosophy, social studies, social work, writing, or as directed by the department.

Declaring and Maintaining a Political Science Major

In order to pursue political science as a first or second major, students need to consult with the coordinator of the Department of History and Political Science and then declare a political science major in the Records Office. Students majoring in political science need to achieve no less than a 2.5 GPA in the major to graduate with a political science degree.

Political Science Minor

Purpose

The Political Science minor enables students with an interest in politics to enhance their primary major. This companion program is designed to accommodate students who are not able to complete a full double major, but who see the relevance of government and politics to their major course of study. Students interested in graduate study in political science should consider the Political Science major, as the minor is not designed for this purpose. Students may begin in the minor and migrate to the Political Science major, if they choose.

Political Science Pre-Law - B.S.

The Political Science Pre-law major, offered by the Department of History And Political Science, enables students to develop both theoretical and practical analysis, understanding, and evaluation of the American federal system of jurisprudence and the constitutional nature of the civil-social order, in preparation for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

Purpose

Political science Pre-law students are trained in the fundamentals of political science while receiving additional preparation in the foundations of American legal processes and procedures. Elective courses designed to prepare political science pre-law majors for law school studies such as Latin, logic, criminal law, and court procedures are highly encouraged by the department. Additionally, students majoring in Political Science Pre-law are encouraged to take a second major of their choosing. The following second majors are frequently chosen by pre-law students: Business, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, History, International Relations, Psychology, Religion/Philosophy, Social Work and Writing.

General Education Competencies

Please refer to general education requirements and competencies section under the Division of Social Sciences.

Requirements

The Political Science Pre-law major consists of 38 hours in political science and related fields and a concentration or cognate of 10-12 hours. The core of the program consists of required courses focusing on fundamental political and legal concepts and skill formation. Program electives are selected by students to enhance their preparation given substantive interest and career goals unique to each individual. A concentration or cognate should be chosen by the student according to their professional objectives and LSAT preparations.

*or equivalent

Students should complete a 10-12 hour concentration or cognate in a field consistent with their vocational goals. Potential concentration may include additional hours in political science or courses in history, international relations or economics. The cognate may be 10 hours from courses directed in any one of the following suggested areas: accounting, addictions counseling, biology, business administration, communication arts, computer information systems, criminal justice, economics, English, finance, geography, history, intercultural studies, management, marketing, mathematics, psychology, religion/philosophy, social studies, social work, writing, or as directed by the department.

Declaring and Maintaining a Political Science-Pre-Law Major

Pre-law students need to consult with the Department of History and Political Science coordinator/pre-law advisor and then declare a political science pre-law major in the Records Office. Pre-law students are expected to maintain no less than a 3.0 GPA in the political science pre-law major to graduate with the degree.

Public Policy - B.S.

Purpose

The Public Policy major offered by the Department of History and Political Science is designed for students interested in multidisciplinary training organized around understanding the policy process in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors at both the domestic and international levels. Coursework integrates tools of analysis from disciplines in Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education, Health, Sports Studies, Communication, Leadership, Natural Sciences Mathematics/computing, Nursing, International/Community Development, Religion/philosophy, and Social Sciences. This multidisciplinary emphasis is intended to encourage students to be culturally aware and socially sensitive and to consider career opportunities in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in order to strengthen the leadership capacity of public, private, and nonprofit organizations throughout the world. In addition, the capstone course for the Public Policy major provides opportunities for students to work together in teams and apply their skills in the analysis of contemporary policy problems.

General Education Competencies

Please refer to the general education requirements and competencies section under Division of Social Sciences.

Requirements

The Public Policy major consists of 36 hours in public policy and a cognate area of 10-12 hours. The core of the program consists of required courses focusing on foundational public policy concepts, skill formation, and applied knowledge, as well as select public policy electives to enhance student preparation given substantive interests and career goals unique to each individual. A concentration or cognate should be chosen by students, in cooperation with both their advisor and the sponsoring department, based on their professional objectives.

In cooperation with the sponsoring department and the student's advisor, a concentration or cognate should be selected by students based on their vocational goals. Potential concentrations: political science, history, international relations, or economics. Suggested cognate areas include, but are not limited to, the following: addictions counseling, biology, business, chemistry, communications, computer and information sciences programs, criminal justice, earth science, education, intercultural studies, international and community development, journalism, leadership studies, mathematics, nursing, public relations, social studies, social work and programs in health, recreation and sports studies.

Declaring and Maintaining a Public Policy Major

In order to pursue Public Policy as a first or second major, students need to consult with the coordinator of the Department of History and Political Science and then declare a Public Policy major in the Records Office. Students majoring in Public Policy need to achieve no less than a 2.5 GPA in the major to graduate with a Public Policy degree.

Public Policy Minor

Requirements

The Public Policy minor consists of 21 credit hours in public policy foundation courses and select electives.

Social Studies - B.S. and Social Studies Education - B.S.

Purpose

The Social Studies major is offered by the Department of History and Political Science. The Social Studies major serves primarily as preparation toward teaching social studies in the senior high/junior high/middle schools and also serves as preparation for research and graduate study. Social studies majors desiring certified teaching credentials need to declare a Social Studies Education (SSE) major. (See also the education section of the catalog.) A major in Social Studies Education (SSE) with a minor in Psychology is an excellent combination for those desiring to take a master's degree in counseling and guidance in order to become guidance counselors in the secondary schools. Social Studies Education (SSE) majors often earn a second major in Economics, History, International Relations, or Political Science.

The Social Studies (SOS) major may be taken without teaching requirements by those who desire a broad exposure to the different fields of social science. This major often serves as a companion double major with Economics, History, International Relations, and Political Science.

General Education Competencies

Completed in consultation with the Division of Education (if SSE) and in reference to the general education requirements and competencies section under the Division of Social Sciences.

Major Requirements

The Social Studies Education (SSE) major and the non-teaching Social Studies (SOS) major are 60 hours. The major includes required and elective courses in six social science disciplines: History, Geography, Government, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology. Students majoring in either of these programs must complete one year of American history survey, one year of world history survey (rather than HST-180), and three hours of upper-level history electives; American Government, Comparative Politics, and six hours of political science electives, at least three hours of which must be upper-level; twelve hours in psychology as specified below; nine hours in sociology; Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and three additional upper-level hours in economics; and Political and Cultural Geography. Students majoring in SSE should complete at least three courses, in different disciplines, from the "Scholarship List." These upper-level courses include a significant writing component evaluated by a common rubric.

*These courses duplicate general education or professional education requirements.

Among content course electives listed above, SSE majors are required to complete at least three upper-level courses (300-400 level) from the "Scholarship List" in different content disciplines. Course instructors have agreed to include a writing-intensive, research-based, rubric-assessed assignment, the results of which are vital to program assessment.

Declaring and Maintaining a Social Studies Major

In order to pursue a non-teaching Social Studies (SOS) major, students need to consult with the coordinator of the Department of History and Political Science and then declare a Social Studies (SOS) major in the Records Office. Students majoring in Social Studies must maintain no less than a 2.25 GPA.

Declaring and Maintaining a Social Studies Education Major

Students desiring certification to teach social studies in the senior high/junior high/middle schools (grades 5-12) must take a Social Studies Education (SSE) major. In order to pursue a Social Studies Education (SSE) major, students need to consult with the coordinator of the Department of History and Political Science and with the director of secondary education in the Division of Education and then declare a Social Studies Education (SSE) major in the Records Office. Students majoring in Social Studies Education (SSE) must maintain no less than a 2.75 cumulative GPA and no less than a 3.00 major GPA in social studies education.

Social Sciences Programs - Other

Latin American and Iberian Studies Minor

The Divisions of Modern Languages and Literature; Social Sciences; and Religion and Philosophy have cooperated to create an interdisciplinary minor in Latin American and Iberian Studies. This minor is designed to complement the student's primary major and can be tailored to deepen his or her specific cultural knowledge and language skills as a preparation for graduate study or for a career in an increasingly diverse workplace. Students have the opportunity to integrate traditional coursework with internships and/or study abroad experiences to apply and appreciate the relevance of course material to their career and the world around them. The flexibility of electives makes this minor useful to students from ALL majors.

Minor Requirements

The minor in Latin American and Iberian Studies consists of a total of 24 hours. Eighteen hours are core courses from the three sponsoring divisions: a one year survey of Latin America (HST-230, 231), an introduction to intercultural studies (INT-220), one year of Spanish to fulfill or add to intermediate level fluency, and a social science elective from ECO, HST, INR, or POL.

In addition to the 18-hour core, students must complete six hours of electives from the specified courses listed below or new offerings approved by program director, one of which must be upper level (numbered 300 or above).

Mandatory International/Cross Cultural Experience: Each student, in consultation with his or her advisor, is required to complete an international/cross cultural experience which provides significant opportunity for interaction in Spanish and offers an academic focus appropriate to the student's goals. Requires approval by both the student's primary academic advisor and the chair of the hosting division or his or her designate.