The Department of Social Sciences, a combined program in the liberal arts, offers courses of study which challenge students to develop an understanding of the dynamics of individual and social behavior from a number of perspectives. The department offers programs in economics, environmental earth science, geography, geology, history, international studies, political science, social sciences comprehensive, and sociology. Descriptions of these programs and courses are found below.
While the study of social sciences may also include criminal justice and psychology, these programs are listed under their own department headings.
http://www.uwplatt.edu/economics
The economics program at UW-Platteville is designed to bridge the gap between liberal and vocational education. In fulfilling requirements for the economics major, the student will master the analytical core of economics as well as functional areas of business and behavioral sciences and the analytical approach to problem solving.
Economics is the social science of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. The study of economics, in part, concentrates on the study of factors of production, i.e. natural resources, capital, labor and entrepreneurship. Economic ideas confront us every day, whether we are exchanging our labor for money or our money for goods and services, borrowing or saving or electing officials to represent us. We face many complex problems directly related to the economy, including inflation, unemployment, pollution, energy shortages and government deficits. The study of economics helps us to understand the nature and causes of such problems and enables us to develop policies, programs and strategies for dealing with them. A background in economics has cultural, ethical and political value and enables an individual to be a more effective decision maker as a producer, consumer and citizen.
The department offers a 36-credit major and a 24-credit minor in economics, a 60-credit comprehensive business and economics major (with concentrations available in computer science or in vocational business studies, if desired) and an economics concentration in the social science teaching major. For more information about the teaching major, contact the director of the School of Education.
Students in all economics programs are encouraged to take advantage of foreign study opportunities, including the cooperative programs with the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico; St. Marys College in London, England and the Spanish-American Institute in Seville, Spain.
Students majoring in business can get a double major in business and in comprehensive business and economics by completing three courses in addition to those required for the business major.
Note: The balance of the 60-credit program consists of elective courses chosen from business, economics and selected computer science courses. See the chairperson of the Department of Economics for further information.
Available by taking the following computer science requirements in addition to the above 60-credit program.
For a stronger concentration in computer science, a student should take the required courses above plus one of the following options:
Students from vocational-technical adult education schools and from unaccredited institutions who have done course work in a business program may transfer to UW-Platteville. They can combine their previous work with liberal and professional studies at this university to earn the baccalaureate degree. To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and economics, students must (1) complete all general university requirements, (2) complete the 60-credit program specified above for the comprehensive major and (3) earn in residence a minimum of 34 credits in the major area and 31 credits in liberal arts courses. The student, in consultation with the advisor, may pursue in-depth work in accounting, business administration or economics.
The vocational-technical background of each student will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Waivers and credits will be granted by the appropriate faculty, based upon transcripts, tests or other criteria. As a general policy, credits will not be granted for courses numbered 3000 and above, or for grades below "C." However, up to 24 credits of the business and economics core and up to 15 credits of the general university requirements may be accepted.
The College of Liberal Arts and Education offers a major for certification of social science teachers with an area concentration in economics. Students with a major in comprehensive social sciences with a concentration in economics-economics education will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree.
For more information, see the Social Sciences Comprehensive major.
http://www.uwplatt.edu/geography
The two disciplines of geography and geology are included in the Department of Social Sciences. Major and minor programs in geography are available for those seeking jobs with government agencies or the private sector or wishing to do graduate study in geography. The department also offers a geology minor, designed primarily to provide reclamation and engineering students with a sound basis in geology essential for professional work, and a minor in environmental science for those who are preparing for a career working in nature.
Among the sciences, Geography is distinct in subject and methods. Its subject is the terrestrial and oceanic Earth and the study of interactions of physical processes, plant and animal life, and peoples, societies and cultures that produce the variety of past and present environments.
Geography's distinctive methods of study are spatial, a large scale geometry to investigate how the location, organization, distribution, movement and overall pattern of phenomenon explain origin and process, and disclose principles and laws. Geography is a "big picture" discipline that serves as an important connection among the social, physical and mathematical sciences as well as humanities. It incorporates aspects of many other fields such as geology, history, biology and anthropology. Geographers explore the linkages between key patterns and processes changing the world today and in the past. Given this, geographers are ideally suited to address some of the world's most pressing problems, such as understanding and addressing global climate change; defining and measuring the impacts of social policy; seeking common ground in debates over land use, environmental justice; and sustainable development; engaging in environmental mediation; analyzing and stimulating regional, national and international economic development; and assessing the close interactions between nature, culture, society and human health. These urgent issues are complex and not "fixable" through one-dimensional solutions. Geography's contribution to these varied challenges and their solutions is spatial analysis, the study of where things are, how and why they got there and what may affect that location in the future. Spatial analysis is a powerful tool that can serve as a common denominator in thinking about complex social, political, economic, environmental and cultural controversies.
The Geography and Geology programs at UWP are housed within the Social Sciences Department. We offer a major and minor in Geography as well as a minor in Geology. Because a major in Geography offers broad training in physical, human, regional, natural and societal, and geographic techniques content upon graduation, geographers have diverse knowledge applicable to a wide range of careers including protecting and managing natural resources, planning for workable and enjoyable cities, utilizing computer technologies, working toward clean and healthy environments and helping people in developing countries improve their lives. The largest employers of geographers with bachelor's degrees are federal, state and local agencies as well as educational systems. Geography offers important skills for careers in planning, real-estate, market analysis, economic development, travel-tourism, teaching, criminal justice, agriculture, environmental studies, natural resource management and international affairs. Private sector employment for geographers with spatial data analysis, cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills is one of the most important emerging international fields.
To prepare for these varied opportunities, geography students explore the human and natural world through classroom, laboratory and field experiences, individual research, internships with local, state and national agencies, participation in student-organized activities, attendance at professional meetings and the use of modern computer equipment, software and databases. The geography student is creative, enjoys challenges, can learn through observation and research and enjoys the satisfaction of improving global conditions.
The goal of this major is to train students to:
Graduates will:
Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 within the major studies for graduation.
In addition to the bachelor of science requirements, students must complete nine supplemental credits in a foreign language.
Majors who wish certification as a teacher must also take GEOGRPHY 3120 Geography of Wisconsin.
http://www.uwplatt.edu/geography
A minor in Geology demonstrates the relationship between the earth sciences and other fields. It provides students in reclamation, biology, engineering and other allied areas with a sound basis in geology essential for professional work. Practical field experience emphasizes biological evolution, geological history and environmental problems.
http://www.uwplatt.edu/geography/envmnsci/envmnsci.html
The Environmental Science minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to give students in the sciences, engineering, reclamation, agriculture, geography, industry, biology, sociology, political science, education and others a broad background in the many aspects of the environment. The minor is designed to supplement students' careers so that they will be better equipped to function in today's society where the environment is of prime importance.
The Department of Social Sciences offers a major and minor in history. History is the systematic study of the past. History is the foundation discipline within the liberal arts and the source of the social sciences. Understanding the past helps us understand human nature, broadens our perspectives, refines our judgments and provides insight into contemporary issues. The study of history is basic to our personal uniqueness, our professional identity and our civic lives.
Students of history learn important skills. The study of history requires students to read, write, analyze and use logic. Students learn to do research; to assess arguments; to interpret economic, social, political, cultural and technological change in a variety of contexts.
History majors can find work in many fields. Some are directly related to the subject matter of history, such as museums and archive work, teaching, documentary film or historical publishing. Others use the skills that the study of history cultivates. History is a liberal arts degree that provides the basis for work in business, advertising, journalism, public relations, public administration, planning and research and professional fields, such as law.
The History Program enables its majors to become broader in perspective, more literate, intellectually more astute, ethically more sensitive, and to participate wisely in society as competent professionals and knowledgeable citizens. Our students understand the complexity of the factors and forces that can cause historical change, and they are able to analyze and evaluate historical narratives that explain change. Students develop skills in reading, writing, analysis, and logic. History majors learn to do research, to assess arguments, to interpret economic, social, political, cultural and technological change in a variety of contexts.
Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 within the major studies for graduation.
Choose three elective courses from the above lists.
Students may also enroll in:
History majors must demonstrate competence in writing. See the department contact person for procedures.
Honors ProgramHistory majors with at least a 3.75 GPA in history and 3.50 overall may be invited to complete an honors research paper. Students wishing to do honors research should consult with their advisors.
http://www.uwplatt.edu/socialsci/international/international.html
International studies is available as a comprehensive interdisciplinary major and a minor offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Education in the Department of Social Sciences. The international studies major focuses on the global perspective in education. Through a cross-national approach, the major is designed to make visible and explicit the interdependence that has been created by economic, technological and communications development in the contemporary world.
Students in international studies must be self-directed and confident in their ability to plan their course work to match their anticipated professional goals. This major is designed to prepare students to work effectively in the increasingly complex world. The program offers considerable flexibility for students to develop areas of specialization. Students are able to draw upon the offerings of other departments at this university. It is recommended that all majors study a foreign language and, if possible, complete a minor in that language. Also study abroad programs are available and recommended for students in this major.
The International Studies major provides an understanding of transnational and intercultural relations through interdisciplinary work across departments in the social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. It includes curricular, experiential and skills components which enable students to engage in personal development, academic commitment, intercultural development in the form of understanding cultural values of different cultures, and career development.
The International Studies major has a core requirement of 15 credit hours. Students must choose between Track I or Track II. The list of International Education courses is found below:
Choose either track:
A semester abroad is strongly recommended. Most classes taken abroad will count toward the International Studies Major.
Students who major in international studies must complete at least two years of a foreign language, and a foreign language minor is suggested.
The major requirements also include a written competency certification developed by the department. Please check at the department office for details.
A semester or year in a foreign study program, which is strongly recommended, is an ideal way to fulfill Parts Three and Four of the major.
International Studies majors are encouraged to give consideration to a semester or year abroad in one of our foreign study locations. A semester abroad is an ideal way to complete the third part of the major because a student actually lives in the geographical region of specialization and studies aspects of the culture. With the exception of the programs in Avignon and Puebla, the language of instruction is English. In all but these two programs, fluency in a foreign language is not a prerequisite to participation. All participants study the language of the country while they are living there. The combination of classroom work and everyday exposure to and use of the language results in a degree of fluency by the end of the semester or year abroad.
Our primary study abroad locations include London, England; Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, France; Heidelberg, Germany; Dublin and Limerick, Ireland; Lisbon, Portugal; Seville, Spain; and Puebla, Mexico. In addition, programs in China, Ecuador, Jamaica, Japan, Greece and Italy are available through consortial arrangements. Detailed information about each program is available from the Institute for Study Abroad Programs located in Royce Hall, Room 111 (608-342-1726).
In our global society, employers increasingly expect graduates to possess an understanding of other nations and cultures. The International Studies minor provides students with the opportunity to study international topics from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students pursuing the minor in International Studies must be self-directed and able to plan course work to complement their major field of study. Students pursue 12 credits foreign language in one language and complete 12 credits from the list of courses fulfilling the "International Perspective" University Requirement.
http://www.uwplatt.edu/socialsci/polysci/polysci.html
The Department of Social Sciences offers a major and minor in Political Science. Political science is the study of governmental institutions and decision-making in the political arena. Political science focuses on political systems by looking at American institutions, public law, public administration, public policy, political theory, political behavior, comparative politics, and international relations. Political science is a discipline in the social sciences and part of the liberal arts approach to education.
Students in political science learn skills in writing and critical thinking. They are asked to learn to question, analyze and consider solutions to political problems. Research abilities are important for future individual and professional success.
Students seeking employment rather than graduate or professional (law) school should consider courses in administration and management. Those planning on graduate school should take political theory courses and research methods.
The Political Science Program enables its majors to improve substantially their understanding of themselves and the world. The department seeks to educate students to have knowledge and appreciation of politics, the development of political thought and governance, and the essential knowledge of their chosen fields. It attempts to enable students to live more meaningfully in the world. The department seeks to prepare its graduates for employment and/or advanced study, and to stimulate students to anticipate their future roles as professionals and citizens.
Political science majors must demonstrate a writing proficiency. Please see the department contact person for the requirements.
http://www.uwplatt.edu/socialsci/comp/comp.html
Note: some emphases are administered by departments other than the Department of Social Sciences. For simplicity, however, all emphases and their requirements are listed in this section.
The Social Sciences Comprehensive major includes course work in economics, geography, history, political science, sociology and psychology. A minor in economics, geography, history or psychology is required; this is considered the area of emphasis. Students who wish a broad liberal arts program will find it within the Social Sciences Comprehensive major.
Students who plan to teach will also find the Social Sciences Comprehensive major useful. (Additional information appears below.)
Our program provides majors with a broad grounding in the Social Sciences and the equivalent of a minor in History.
"Social sciences" is not a discipline, in itself, but combines many disciplines. Therefore it provides no unique skills and concepts separate from those offered by Economics, History, Psychology, Political Science, and Sociology.
In addition to the broad liberal arts education provided by each of the component disciplines, the Social Sciences Comprehensive Major with an Emphasis in History prepares social sciences instructors to teach in the public school system.
Goals and objectives specific to each discipline are assessed as part of the assessment of the individual disciplines. The unique goal of the Social Sciences Comprehensive Major with an Emphasis in History is to provide a broad knowledge of Social Science and History facts and concepts.
Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 within the major studies for graduation.
36 credits from the following list (30 are required, 6 are electives)
Social Sciences Comprehensive majors not in education must demonstrate competence in writing. See the department contact person for procedures.
Students planning to teach may want to choose a Social Sciences minor.
Note: Geography 3330, Environmental Conservation is a DPI GER requirement for education majors, but it does not count toward the Social Sciences Minor.
Note: POLISCI 1230 Introduction to American Government is a DPI GER requirement for Education majors, but it does not count toward this Social Sciences minor.
Note: PSYCHLGY 3530 Adolescent Psychology can be taken to satisfy GER requirements for Education majors, but it does not count toward the Social Sciences minor.
Students who complete either the Social Sciences Comprehensive major with an Emphasis in History or the History major and the Social Sciences Comprehensive minor, will be qualified to teach history at all grades and levels, and social studies courses in middle school and high school. Students who complete sequences of courses in the specific disciplines listed below may be licensed to teach those specific disciplines in middle and high school.
Sociology is the study of society and its component parts, groups, cultures, norms, roles and their institutional and organizational relationships. Sociology is a discipline in the social sciences and part of the liberal arts approach to education. The Department of Social Sciences offers a minor in sociology which requires a minimum of 24 credits including no fewer than 12 credits at the 3000 level or above.
Students often minor in sociology if their majors are criminal justice or psychology. Both of these disciplines lead to employment in the criminal justice system, or the social welfare system.
Students of sociology learn important skills in reading, writing, analysis and logic. Students learn to do research and to interpret social, economic, political, cultural and technical change in a variety of contexts.
The sociology minor requires a minimum of 24 credits including no fewer than 12 credits at the 3000 level or above.