Bachelor of Arts in History Education (6-12)

The common focus of the Social Sciences Department is the study of people: their individual and group behavior, their history and culture, and the social and institutional structures in which they live. The department adheres to the researcher-practitioner model, providing an understanding of the theories, research, and skills required for life after college as “world citizens.” Students who major in History, Political Science, Psychology, Human Services, and/or Criminal Justice will not only gain an incredible amount of knowledge, but will also learn to think critically, communicate effectively, understand the diversity of histories and cultures around the world, and engage their communities as responsible citizens.

Social Science Objectives
Student Learning Outcomes: Each program will have seven student learning outcomes.  Six will be common to all and one (Content Knowledge) will differentiate each program according to its specific discipline content. The common outcomes will be:

• Writing in the Major: Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in their major through academic, research-oriented writing.
• Oral Communication Skills: Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in their major through academic, research-oriented
• Research skills: Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of research skills including evaluation and interpretation of data.
• Critical thinking and problem solving: Students will demonstrate competency in critical thinking and problem solving related to issues within their discipline.
• Awareness of diversity and values: Students will be aware of and sensitive to human diversity and the values and beliefs that bind societies together and make them distinct from each other.
• Ethics and Civic Engagement. Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of principles of ethical and civic responsibility.

The differentiated Content Knowledge outcomes are as follows:

• Criminal Justice: Students will demonstrate knowledge of criminological theories and the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections).
• History: Students will demonstrate an integrated knowledge of human, social, political, cultural and intellectual systems.
• Political Science: Students will demonstrate knowledge of political behavior, systems, and theories.
• Psychology: Students will demonstrate understanding of the theories and basic research issues of psychology.
• Human Services: Students will demonstrate integrated knowledge of the history and scope of human services, the skills and competencies of entry level human services practitioners, and the various human systems (individual, group, family, community).
• International Studies Minor: Students will demonstrate multicultural and global awareness and detailed knowledge of international issues of international significance.
• Pre-Law Minor: Students will demonstrate awareness and detailed knowledge of courts, legal issues, and processes through which law is developed within the American system of government.

The Shorter Pre-Law Society (SPLS) works to provide support, resources, and assistance to Shorter students interested in attending law school upon graduation. SPLS activities focus on assisting students in strengthening their ability to gain admission to law school, such as preparing for the Law School Admission Test; preparing for life as a law school student; and gaining a more accurate understanding of the realities of life as a practicing attorney.