2005-2006 Academic Catalog

190 Social Sciences and History School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies Mission Statement The goal of the Department of Social Sciences and History is to develop ethical and capable professionals who can refine and integrate a Christian world and life view with their respective fields as they serve in a multicultural society and the global community. Department Objectives 1. Social Sciences and History students will evidence knowledge of the basic components of their respective academic disciplines. 2. Social Sciences and History students will participate in graduate study and/or practice as professionals in public and private professions. 3. Social Sciences and History students will demonstrate competence in the methods and tools of original quantita- tive and qualitative research and the ability to formulate and express the results. 4. Social Sciences and History students will exhibit critical analysis in evaluating historical and/or contemporary issues. 5. Social Sciences and History students will display the ability to integrate biblical truth with their academic disciplines through the investigation and study of society. Personal Requirements A solid high school college-preparatory program provides an excellent background for students entering the various majors in the department. Department Requirements To graduate with a degree from the Department of Social Sciences & History, students must earn a cumulative average of 2.0 or above and a “C-” or above in all courses required by their selected major. In addition, all majors must complete the following:* 1. Attend an integration seminar during the fall of their senior year, offered in conjunction with the senior capstone experience. 2. A complete senior research project under the direction of a faculty advisor. This research project will also be directed by a three-member committee that shall be selected with the advice of their research director and will include at least one professional member outside the department of Social Sciences & History. 3. A presentation of selective senior research projects presented to invited faculty, students, and guests. 4. Complete the Major Fields Test in their area during the scheduled time spring semester of their senior year (as appropriate). *Admissions and graduation requirements for social work are listed on page 203. Programs of Study Majors Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with majors in: • American Studies • Criminal Justice • History • History and Political Science • Social Studies Education - Integrated Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in: • Social Work Minors • Criminal Justice • History • International Studies • Political Science • Public Administration • Sociology Co-Curricular Opportunities Each major has several professional organizations in which students may participate. Students can also broaden their understanding and knowledge through a variety of travel opportunities, internships, and student organizations. Epsilon Omega is a local chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society, the National Social Work Honor Society, committed to promoting a high standard of education for social workers. Omega Mu is the Cedarville University chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha–the National Political Science Honor Society. The goal of this honor society is to promote the scholarly investigation of politics and to assist its members in developing their leadership potential in their sphere of influence. CU Republican Club is an organization dedicated to the development of Christian leaders in the political arena. Epsilon Alpha Pi is a professional organization for social work major, that seeks to promote professional development, political and social awareness, and community outreach. Model United Nations Team is a simulation of the United Nations system. Students assume the roles of ambassadors to the United Nations and negotiate current global issues. The Cedarville University Model UN team participates in an intercol- legiate competition in which participants seek to deal with complex global concerns such as the environment, economic development, refugees, AIDS, disarmament, and human rights. As representatives of UN member nations, team members must master a great deal of detailed information about national policies while remaining in character – responding to debates and negotiations in the same manner as a UN delegate from that nation. Renaissance Guild increases learning and awareness of the medieval and renaissance eras and provides fellowship with like-minded individuals. 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). • International Studies • Political Science • Prelaw • Public Administration • Sociology