Welcome to the History & Social Sciences Department
Our department is dedicated to the scholarly exploration of the world through the lenses of six distinct fields of study: economics, geography, government (political science), history, philosophy, and religious studies.
Our Programs
History Concentration - Study through the lens of a historian. Students in this program will develop the ability to interpret historical artifacts and documents, think critically using narrative and causal explanation, analyze historical works in different media, and contribute to preserving living history while considering social power and cultural context in constructing narratives. Graduates of this concentration may qualify to transfer to four-year colleges or universities as juniors. The concentration is excellent preparation for careers in law, teaching, government, museums, or similar public service fields. (A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for entry into many of these fields.) Learn more about the program.
Political Science Concentration – This program allows students to immerse themselves in the four main fields of discipline: American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. Graduates of this concentration qualify for entry-level positions with an associate’s degree, and are encouraged to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree for further career advancement. Degrees in political science prepare students for careers in fields including public policy, government, journalism, activism, polling and research, community advocacy, labor organizing, and international relations. Learn more about the program.
The department also contributes to the World Studies Emphasis Certification.
Our Faculty
Our faculty bring multiple perspectives to the classroom. Professors in the department have lived, worked, and studied in many different countries, including Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Japan and the United Kingdom. Many of our faculty are proud graduates of community colleges, including BHCC.
Most faculty in the department have expertise in more than one academic discipline, and we enjoy exploring interdisciplinary connections among the six main fields of study within the department. For example, we might consider the historical roots of contemporary political issues; we might inquire about how economic phenomena shape and reflect theories in philosophy; and we might look at how geography has influenced the development of most major world religions.