Social Science
Description of the Major. The social science major offers students an opportunity to study human beings by applying the methodology of science to the subject of our behavior as individuals and in groups. The social sciences share the search for general characteristics or patterns of human behavior rather than a concern for particular persons or institutions. Each of the four social sciences—history, political science, sociology, and economics—brings its own set of questions to the major and offers a different arena of human activity for observation and experiment. Social science majors will have a clearer understanding of how human beings function in community, how they organize to accomplish common goals, and how they seek to manage the production and exchange of goods and services. Students will also explore the normative questions of how individuals can live together and promote the work of the Kingdom of God.
Distinctive Features. Students may select certain emphases which will best serve them individually. The major provides a broader program than can be found in any single subject major. It may serve as preparation for seminary, as a teaching field, or in some cases, as preparation for graduate study in the field of greatest emphasis.
Career Choices. A degree in social science can lead to many interesting and challenging areas, including social work, law, health sciences, missions, ministry, business, government, and teaching.
Requirements for a Major: 48 units
Must complete one full area A-D (20 units); twelve units each in two other areas A-D (24 units); plus four units in fourth area A-D (4 units). Must complete at least 20 units of the required 48 units at the upper-division level regardless of which area (A-D) is chosen as the principal (20 unit) concentration.
A. Economics and Business: 20 units
EB 11 Principles of Macroeconomics (4)
EB 12 Principles of Microeconomics (4)
Two of the following: 8 units
EB 102 Intermediate Microeconomics (4)
EB 103 History of Economic Thought (4)
EB 135 Money and Banking (4)
EB 137 Intermediate Macroeconomics (4)
Upper-Division EB Elective: 4 units
B. History: 20 units
HIS 1 Introduction to History (4)
HIS 198 Historical Method, Bibliography and Research (4)
One of the following: 4 units
HIS 140 European Politics and Diplomacy Since 1789 (4)
HIS 141 European Society and Culture Since 1789 (4)
HIS 142 European Intellectual History 1650-Present (4)
One of the following: 4 units
HIS 171 Colonial and Revolutionary America (4)
HIS 173 Civil War and Reconstruction America (4)
HIS 175 Recent America (4)
Additional HIS Elective: 4 units
C. Political Science: 20 units
POL 30 Contemporary Political Ideologies (4)
POL 20 International Politics (4)
POL 10 American Government (4)
Upper-Division POL Electives: 8 units
D. Sociology: 20 units
SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology (4)
SOC 171 Sociological Theory (4)
Upper-Division SOC Electives: 12 units