History & Social Sciences

The History and Social Sciences Department offers a liberal arts program designed to teach students the knowledge and skills necessary to become independent, informed, and tolerant human beings. To accomplish this objective, the department’s courses consider the clearly defined content of each course, the cognitive development of the students, and the appropriate analytical, research, and communication skills to be mastered. While most of these goals are accomplished within the subject based curriculum, the department actively seeks opportunities for interdisciplinary study so that students understand that knowledge transcends academic departments. Teachers are expected to be masters of their subjects, to be versed in multiple learning styles, to be committed to employing diverse methodologies (including the latest in information technology), and to be effective in transmitting knowledge to students. Students are expected to learn the major processes, concepts, and figures that have shaped human history, to be active, serious learners, and to become increasingly responsible for their own education. With a thorough understanding of past and contemporary events, various cultures, and complex ideas, students can view our society within a historical context, thereby infusing the present with meaning and the past with understanding.