An analysis and comparison of disparate peoples and cultures to give students an appreciation of the diversity of the world in such areas as physical makeup and resources, cultural evolution, economic development and political and cultural ties.

An introductory study of the political structure, process and function of the American national, state and local (including urban) governments.

An introductory course in the tradition of culture designed for students pursuing intercultural vocational work. The course addresses the nature of peoples in their culture, their worldview, cultural change, cultural adaptation, social organization, language, religion and other related topics.

A study of the physical landscape and cultural development of North America using a regional approach involving the study of land use, spatial analysis, resources, economy, urban systems and problems confronting each area.

A study of contemporary political problems within the international community involving the interplay of economics, religion, race, ideology and culture.

This class requires students to devise, research and present an investigation into an historical or civic topic using primary source material. In keeping with the need to access archives students will typically focus on an element of local history or civic studies, although it is also possible to propose a project using national or international archives.

A capstone course which addresses the making of social studies knowledge. This will examine philosophy of history, select historians and schools of interpretation, a Christian worldview of history, and pertinent professional issues. It will focus on the development of professional research methods, skills and practices, as well as the transmission of such knowledge. This will entail a major research project based upon intensive primary and secondary research, and proper writing and presentation. Cross-referenced with HIS-451 Historiography.

This class gives students the opportunity to produce a piece of integrative research that demonstrates the principles, concepts, and skills learned in each of the four core disciplines (history, geography, political science, and economics) of the social studies group major. Students will select a topic that demonstrates the ways in which the social studies disciplines can contribute to civic discourse, inform public policy debates, encourage ethical citizenship, and advance the common good.

The focus of this course is the teaching of social studies in the public or Christian secondary school. Students will explore the various philosophies regarding the purpose and teaching of social studies, the planning of social studies units, the teaching and evaluation strategies appropriate to and exclusive of secondary social studies, and finally the issues surrounding the social studies discipline, including but not exclusively gender, race, and exceptionality.