Department of Social Sciences
Department Chair:
History Coordinator: T. Vanderburg
Museum Studies Coordinator:
Political Science Coordinator: E. Amato
Social Sciences Coordinator: T. Vanderburg
Social Studies Professional Educator’s License Coordinator:
Sociology Coordinator:
Faculty
Professors: W. Downs, T. Vanderburg, D. Yelton
Associate Professor: E. Amato
Assistant Professors: A. Zhang
Mission Statement
In conjunction with the University’s mission as an institution of Christian, liberal arts-based higher education, the Social Sciences Department at Gardner-Webb strives to facilitate student development of the intellectual skills needed to understand and explain significant issues in the realms of politics, society, and the human past.
Major Fields of Study
The department offers four majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Within the History and Social Sciences majors, students seeking to become Secondary Social Studies teachers should pursue the Professional Educator's License (Grades 9-12) concentrations. These are equivalent to a History or Social Sciences major with specific General Education requirements stipulated plus a Professional Education minor from the College of Education.
History
History Major with Professional Educator’s License (Grades 9-12) Concentration
Political Science and International Affairs
Social Sciences
Social Sciences Major with Professional Educator’s License (Grades 9-12) Concentration
Sociology
Minor Fields of Study
History
Museum and Archival Studies
Political Science and International Affairs
Social Sciences
Sociology
Major Fields of Study Detail
NOTE: A student who elects to take HIST 245, POLS 202, or ECON 203 as part of the University’s General Education curriculum may count that course(s) toward meeting relevant major requirements. However, only three hours of credit will be awarded for each course taken.
NOTE: With prior consent of the Department chair, Honors 400 Honors Research and Honors 401 Senior Honors Thesis may by used to satisfy six of the 30-33 hours required for departmental majors in History, Political Science, Sociology, and Social Science. With proper approval Honors 401 Senior Honors Thesis can be used to satisfy the Professional Readiness Experience graduation requirement.