This course explores how Christianity grounded the founding of the American republic and changed the trajectory of history. The course first examines how Christianity and its doctrines changed the world by giving rise to new ideas about human dignity and equality and liberty under law. It then explores the biblical, theological, and historical roots of key ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence, including the existence of a Creator, human equality, the natural moral law, unalienable rights, limited government, and the consent of the governed. The course next examines the American Constitution and how it provides for both representative government and limited government. A particular emphasis is the pivotal role played by religion in the Founders' system. Finally, the course compares and contrasts the American Revolution with the French Revolution- why did one result in liberty and the other in tyranny?

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.

Starting with World War 1, this course examines the responsibilities of Christians in America in an age of globalization. The course covers the impact of scientific materialism and social Darwinism on American politics and culture, including the eugenics crusade. It examines how America responded to the rise of Nazi and communist totalitarianism abroad and the development at home of an increasingly centralized administrative state. The course examines the important role American Christians played in politics post-World War II even as traditional ties of faith, morality, and family were weakening. The final part of the course looks at how Christians today can be wise and active citizens, placing particular emphasis on the need for a discerning approach to mass media, political parties, voting, and public opinion. Throughout the course, students will investigate how biblical doctrines challenge cultural ideologies and guide church and civic engagement. Students will be asked to revisit the principles of the American Founding and think about how they can be applied to our situation today. Through biblical and historical perspectives, the course equips students to engage thoughtfully in public life-locally and globally. (Prereq: HIS 210)

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.