Social Sciences

The Department of Social Sciences houses six disciplines— history, justice studies, political science, geography, philosophy, and religion. Courses in these disciplines contribute to the university’s General Education Curriculum required of all students and provide electives that students across the university may take to strengthen the liberal arts base of their education. The department offers three academic major programs, history, justice studies, and political science. By combining content mastery, critical thinking skills, and communication skills in their curricula, the disciplines prepare their majors and others for employment in their chosen professions and for advanced studies at the graduate level.

Programs for Majors and Minors in History

Mission

The history cognate of the Department of Social Sciences is committed to contributing an essential link in the liberal arts curriculum of Winston-Salem State University. As a profession, history is the systematic study of the past, the knowledge applied to explaining human nature and contemporary affairs. The undergraduate program in history provides an important knowledge base of history and introduces students to the skills of the professional historian.

Objectives

To provide the means for an understanding of historical development so students may become aware of the certainty of change and be prepared to meet it.
To provide a solid background for those students who plan to teach at the junior and senior high school levels.
To provide a general foundation for students who plan careers in other fields.
To prepare students for graduate training in history.

Programs for Majors and Minors in Political Science

Mission

Political Science is the study of the science and art of government. Students majoring in political science can pursue one of two options toward their degree: a major in political science with a minor or political science with a public administration concentration. The primary mission of the political science/public administration area is as follows:

Objectives

To provide for the students a broad background of knowledge about government and preparation for active life as a citizen in a democracy.
To prepare the student for a professional career whether as public servant, elected official, or enlightened citizen.
To prepare the student for teaching, law and other fields.
To prepare the student for graduate studies in political science or related fields.