The Social Sciences department guides students in the pursuit of historical study in order to create scholars who are well-equipped to actively and redemptively engage in shaping culture. History, simply put, is a collection of the stories of humanity’s past. It is a narrative that reveals both our grandest triumphs and our largest blunders as we have engaged in the Great Conversation, seeking to answer the questions, “What does it mean to be human?” and “How do we live together?” Through careful study of the way humanity has chosen to answer these questions, we not only come to better understand the human experience, but we also begin to more fully grasp the “centrality of Christ in the human story and the image of God in Creation as the source of all goodness, beauty, and truth.” (Stony Brook History Department, web page) As the narrative of the past enables us to better understand ourselves, the world around us, and the character of the Maker, thoughtful study of the discipline also empowers students to acquire and develop virtues such as courage, empathy, humility, and wisdom. Equipped with these vital perspectives and virtues, our graduates will have the ability and desire to take part in the Kingdom work of culture-shaping.
In order to effectively influence culture, students must acquire the skills of historical analysis, cultural competency, global citizenship, and proficient rhetoric. As students interact with both primary and secondary sources, they learn to utilize skills of historical analysis. Using critical thinking, students will be able to look at multiple perspectives and sources to thoughtfully seek truth about events and figures who have shaped the world. Cultural competency requires students to seek to understand human nature through the lens of culture, recognizing and articulating culture’s influential role in shaping our world’s civilizations. Developing cultural competence allows students to pursue a fuller understanding of the role of government and civic duty. This produces students who desire to pursue global citizenship—both as American citizens and as citizens of the world. Finally, when students utilize skills of historical analysis, grow in cultural competence and engage in global citizenship they will be able to utilize proficient oration to eloquently defend claims and thoughtfully engage in discourse.
Critically thinking about/through sources, both primary and secondary, in an attempt to identify truth & create a balanced narrative.
Exposing students to multiple perspectives so that they can recognize the influential power of culture and engage in intellectual empathy.
Developing an understanding of civic duty and a desire within students to actively partake in American and global politics. We hope to cultivate students who are determined to impact culture as well as participate in it.
Preparing students to engage in the Great Conversation by fostering the ability to recognize the power of words, eloquently defend claims, and engage in public discourse with wisdom & charity.
