Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
Coordinator: Dr. Craig Bauer
Program Description
The Social Sciences program is centered on developing each student’s understanding of modern society and the recurring patterns in our nation and the world’s history and culture. Among the common themes of this program is the study of such institutions as government, family structure, religion, economics, legal studies, criminal justice, and geography. The reality of interdependence among men and women and nations on all levels brought about by advances in technology is studied in all of the Social Science disciplines. Students earning a degree in Social Sciences have a foundation in the liberal arts through a variety of content courses and are able to relate lessons and achievements from the past and other cultures to the challenges of the present. Social Sciences students enhance their intellectual maturation through the development of their thinking, speaking, research, and writing. A major emphasis of the Social Sciences program is the sharpening of each student’s ability to analyze critically and make sound judgments concerning the past as a prelude to the future.
The skills and material presented to students of the Social Sciences program are essential to any number of modern careers. Among these job-attracting skills are critical reading skills, analytic and problem-solving skills, writing skills, oral communication and listening skills, research skills, information management, and task organization skills—all talents in demand in the modern world of work. Most notably, these skills come to bear when addressing the needs of our students who plan to attend law school. Social science graduates are also prepared for employment in a wide variety of jobs and professions where these skills are sought after by employees. A partial list includes such occupations as archivist, curator, journalist, librarian, public relations, sports analyst, stock analyst, political and union organizer, tourism manager, grant writer, foreign service staff, insurance agent and adjuster, marketing, the military, and law enforcement officer.
Objectives/Outcomes
The objective of the Social Sciences program is to provide all students with a broad-based study of mankind’s past, ancient and current cultures, and a variety of marketable skills, including critical thinking, research, and writing, which will be vital for success in a student’s future career and role as a contributing member of society.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, students shall demonstrate
- professional competence and the ability to recognize those beliefs that are essential to and necessary for the advancement of human life;
- critical thinking and writing skills;
- knowledge and appreciation of the political, historical, social, economic, and broad cultural experiences of peoples from early times to the modern era;
- the ability to engage successfully in social science research; and
- recall of important historical facts and the ability to read, understand, and critique works in the social sciences.
Admission
Admission to the program in Social Sciences is defined in the admission policies and procedures of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students who seek to enter a degree program in Social Sciences must have
- successfully completed all of the core curriculum courses in their freshman and sophomore years;
- attained a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0;
- successfully completed the requirements of the major;
- attained a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in all general education classes.
Degree Requirements
The degree of Bachelor of Arts is conferred upon students who complete an approved program of study consisting of 120 hours of course work with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a 2.5 grade point average in professional course work. Social Science majors shall complete a course of study that includes a minimum of 36 hours of courses in the Social Sciences, of which 24 must be at the 300 level or higher, and a minimum grade of C must be earned in all courses pertaining to the major course of study. For a minor in Social Sciences, students must complete 18 hours in social science courses, six of which must be at the 300 or higher level. Note: MAT 100A and MAT 100B classes are not acceptable as electives in any of the Social Science curricula.
Core and General Education Requirements
Biology
| BIO 101 | General Biology | 3 |
| BIO 291 | | |
English
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| | And | |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| | | |
| ENG 250 | American Literature I | 3 |
| | Or | |
| ENG 251 | American Literature II | 3 |
| | | |
| | Or | |
| | | |
| ENG 300 | British Literature I | 3 |
| | Or | |
| ENG 301 | British Literature II | 3 |
Fine Arts
History
| HIS 101 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| | And | |
| HIS 102 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
Mathematics
Natural Science
| Elective | BIO/ESC/CHE/MAT/PHY | 4 |
Philosophy
| Elective | Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 207 | Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
Political Science
Political Science or History
| Elective | Political Science or History Elective | 3 |
Theology
| THE 220 | Religious Traditions and Cultures | 3 |
| Elective | Theology Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 54 |
Major Requirements
English
Elective: ENG 250, 251, 300, or 301— American or British Literature I or II
Foreign Language
| 101 | Elementary French Latin Spanish I amp II | 6 |
| | And | |
| 102 | Elementary French Latin Spanish I amp II | 6 |
101 and 102 (Elementary French/Latin/Spanish I & II): must be 6 hours in the same language
Geography
| GEO 201 | World Geography | 3 |
| GEO 202 | Geography of the United States & Canada | 3 |
History
| HIS 201 | History of the United States I | 3 |
| | And | |
| HIS 202 | History of the United States II | 3 |
| | | |
| HIS 301 | Louisiana History | 3 |
| Elective | Above 300 level | 3 |
| HIS 450 | Louisiana Heritage: Research in Louisiana History | 3 |
| | History Electives | 12 |
History Electives: must be 300 level or higher
Political Science
| 380 | Constitutional Law General Psychology | 3 |
| 101 | Law General | 3 |
Psychology
Social Sciences
Any of the following courses may be taken: Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology (6 hours must be above 300 level) (12 Credits)
Free Electives
| | Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 66 |
Total Credit Hours: 120