Social Sciences Department

It is the mission of the Department of Social Sciences to develop capable citizens who are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed and responsible decisions in a diverse and interdependent world. We endeavor to serve the college and the community as a source of social science information in addressing matters of mutual concern. We strive to promote understanding, respect, sensitivity and acceptance of differences and are committed to peace, social justice, equity and human rights.

Through courses in anthropology, environmental studies, political Science, psychology and sociology we strive to give students the social science knowledge and skills that promote an interdisciplinary understanding of human society and the natural world.

As academic advisors we support and guide students through the process of identifying and reaching their educational goals and direct students to the institutional resources that will support their success.

As social scientists and educators we value and actively promote scholarship that fosters academic excellence, collaboration, innovative active inquiry methods, and excellence in teaching that engage, motivate and inspire students to think critically, feel deeply, communicate effectively and act responsibly to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex, technological, diverse and threatened world.

(Adopted Fall 2017)

• Demonstrate and communicate understanding of social science concepts, theories and perspectives through written, verbal and other relevant forms
• Assert and advocate for the centrality of diversity, equity and inclusion for a just society
• Identify and discuss the implications of the dynamic connections between self and society
• Use social science concepts and theories to address contemporary social issues
• Demonstrate cultural competency skills to interact appropriately and effectively in a variety of cultural contexts
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to improve the civic life of one’s community

Diversity Statement

As members of the Social Science Department we believe that one of our primary responsibilities within our community is to explore and promote diversity in the classroom and in our professional and personal relationships.

As members of the Social Sciences Department we affirm:

• That we must encourage that every voice is heard and each person is respected and has an equal opportunity to succeed unhampered by prejudice.
• That there is rich diversity within our community beyond the surface of what we see.
• That we instruct, mentor, challenge, encourage, model, and guide our students to explore the constructs that make up their worldview.
• That we promote examination of personal perspectives in order to understand our differences and recognize our common humanity.
• That diversity is essential for a vibrant, healthy and resilient institution capable of responding to the challenges of the changing world it represents.

(Approved Fall 2017)