2002-2003 Academic Catalog

180 Social Sciences and History School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies Purpose Statement The curriculum of the Department of Social Sciences and History is composed of criminal justice, geography, history, political science, public administration, social work, and sociology. This department seeks to: 1. Present to the student the origin and development of ideas and institutions. 2. Aid the student in gaining a better understanding of the world which includes historical perspective, spatial aware- ness, comprehension of political systems, knowledge of man in a sociocultural context, and study of the nature of an increasingly urban society. 3. Provide the student with the prerequisites for responsible civic participation. 4. Expose the student to the complexities of the public sector in modern life and the possibilities of careers in local, state, and national government. 5. Acquaint the student with a practical appreciation of the methods and tools of original research. 6. Provide the student with an opportunity to formulate and express the results of investigation and study. 7. Aid the student in developing a Christian world and life view through the integration of biblical principles with the subject matter of the academic disciplines. 8. Prepare the student to practice as a caring believer in a human service profession, such as social work, criminal justice, and public administration with a focus upon diverse sociocultural settings. Personal Requirements A solid high school college-preparatory program provides an excellent background for students entering the various majors in the department. Department Requirements Most majors in the department do not stipulate entrance requirements that differ from the admission requirements. The exception is the Social Work program. Admissions requirements and procedure for that program are listed on page 193 in the catalog. Programs of Study Majors Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with majors in: • American Studies • Political Science • Criminal Justice • Prelaw • History • Public Administration • History and Political Science • Social Science • Integrated Social Studies • Sociology • International Studies Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in: • Social Work Minors • Criminal Justice • History • Political Science • Public Administration • Sociology Co-Curricular Opportunities Each major has several professional organizations the student may select. Students can broaden their understanding and knowledge through a variety of travel opportunities and intern- ships. Technical Resources A large number of computer software programs are available to students, including: • Word processing programs • Database programs • Statistical analysis programs • Spreadsheet programs • Web and HTML programs • A variety of presentation programs • Various search engines Several of the department programs prepare students for careers directly following graduation (e.g. criminal justice, public administration and social work). Through a variety of modalities (including field work and class presentation by practitioners) students are able to network with actual career representatives and on occasion be exposed to the technologies being utilized by a career area (e.g. law enforcement and cybercrime; social work and specialized fieldwork). Career Opportunities Graduates of the department have attended some of the nation’s outstanding graduate and professional schools. Careers pursued by graduates include: • Administrator • Archaeologist • Archivist • Attorney • Child protection service worker • College professor • Community developer • Federal law enforcer • Government worker • Historical researcher • Medical social worker • Minister • Parole agent • Politician • Police officer • Prison caseworker • Prison manager (warden) • Probation officer • Public administrator • Senior citizen center outreach worker • Social worker • Teacher Department Chairman Dr. Murray Murdoch, also an author and pastor, teaches United States history at Cedarville University.