Department Philosophy
Social Studies

The department believes that an understanding of the factors that have led to the evolution of states and governments in the western world not only bears directly on our students' appreciation for democracy, but also educates them to the responsibility they have to preserve and protect the principles upon which our American democratic system is based. The department also believes that policies generated by any one nation of the world, especially a first-world nation, impact directly on the well-being of other nations, and that just as people have responsibility to act in justice toward other peoples, so also do nations have this responsibility toward one another. The department also believes that there cannot be peace in the world community without justice. The department affirms the importance of educating students to the values inherent in our country's participation and support of world organizations like the United Nations and the World Court. The department promotes its belief that understanding and diplomacy are the best methods for resolving conflict, and that the use of arms must be carefully controlled and considered only as a last resort. The department believes that students are helped to become good citizens by developing critical thinking skills, by learning to participate in group projects, by entering into debate of issues that are currently facing our nation, and by their involvement with experiences where they learn the give and take of negotiation and problem-solving. Finally, the department affirms that women should have equal access to all positions of government for which they are qualified.