Social Sciences Program Profile
Social Sciences Specializations
Social Sciences Program Courses
Social Sciences Faculty
Social Sciences Career Paths
Social Sciences Program Profile
The Social Sciences program aims to develop a student’s capacity to explore, explain, and interpret both past and present human experience. Through the disciplines of history, international studies, psychology, and sociology, the student will come to better understand and appreciate individuals, society, and the world around us. This interdisciplinary approach creates the framework for understanding the world today by having the student gain insights and knowledge of themselves and other people. More importantly, it enables the student to imagine and empathize with people in a variety of different situations and to grow in knowledge of various peoples and cultures within the global community. Concordia’s program in the Social Sciences is a useful foundation for pursuing various career paths or graduate school opportunities. The program encourages the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and research and writing capabilities, all of which are needed for the pursuit of advanced degrees.
Social Sciences Specializations
History—Søren Kierkegaard stated, “Life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backward.” The History specialization of the social sciences program provides a sense of proportion and perspective on human nature and the human experience. By examining the past, we are better able to engage in the present.
International Studies—This specialization helps one to understand developments within different countries, as well as across national borders. It is becoming increasingly important that we grow in knowledge and in understanding of various peoples and cultures within our global community as advances in technology, communications, and transportation break down old barriers and contribute to a new global order.
Psychology—This specialization has many contributions to offer today’s fast-paced world. From theories of "what makes people tick" to specific practices of stress management, there are many ways psychology can provide perspective and assist in the more effective management of one’s life. Also, psychology has a long history of developing special insights and techniques to help people in our society struggling with many different kinds of mental illness.
Sociology—The study of sociology is a way of viewing events, relationships, and influences that form the fabric of our lives and much of our history. Students of sociology will examine the ways in which people are shaped and influenced by their culture and society and vice versa. The sociological perspective will allow students to critically analyze the world around them and their place within it.
Social Sciences Program Courses
The Civil Rights Movement
Hitler, Nazi Germany, and the World
Soviet Russia
United States and the Cold War
India and China
The Modern Middle East
Political and Economic Systems in Developing Countries
Sociology of Globalization
Race & Ethnicity
Social Problems
Social Psychology
Social Theory
Abnormal Psychology
Counseling Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Theories of Personality
Social Sciences Faculty
Dr. Kathryn Galchutt
Program Chair and Associate Professor of History
Ph.D., M.A., Marquette University; B.A., Concordia University-St. Paul
Elizabeth Geiling
Instructor of Psychology
M.S.Ed., Fordham University; B.A., Concordia College-New York
Dr. Viji George
College President and Professor of Psychology
Ed.D., Northern Illinois University; B.A., M.A., Concordia Teachers College-Chicago; Madras Christian College, Madras, India; Long Island University Behavior Therapy Institute
Dr. Kristen Koenig
Associate Professor of Sociology
Ph.D., University of York; M.Sc., University of Oxford; B.A., Occcidental College
Judy Lass
Instructor of History and Political Science
M.A., B.S., New York University, M.S.Ed., Fordham University Graduate School of Education; M.S.W., Columbia School of Social Work
Dr. Jennifer K. Roth
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Ph.D., M.A., Johns Hopkins; B.A., University of Pittsburgh
Social Sciences Career Paths
History International Studies |
Psychology Sociology |