The frosh requirement, Introduction to Ethnic Studies is a one-semester course, designed to develop a student’s understanding of identity formation and systemic inequalities.
The Social Science Department endeavors to produce a learning environment where young men and women, in the tradition of St. Ignatius, become aware of their responsibilities to God, themselves, and their fellow human beings. Courses allow students to delve deeper into history, providing them with a better foundation to base their understanding of current events. Each course will also develop writing and critical thinking skills in ways that promote cross-disciplinary understanding. Lastly, our course catalog will help to foster a growth of students’ cultural competence by providing variety in perspective and sources in the hopes of developing cultural humility, a key tenet of Jesuit philosophy.
Sophomores take Modern World History, a one-year course, which begins with the Age of Exploration and Conquest (late 1400s) and studies major world civilizations and events through the 21st century.
The Social Science Department endeavors to produce a learning environment where young men and women, in the tradition of St. Ignatius, become aware of their responsibilities to God, themselves, and their fellow human beings. Courses allow students to delve deeper into history, providing them with a better foundation to base their understanding of current events. Each course will also develop writing and critical thinking skills in ways that promote cross-disciplinary understanding. Lastly, our course catalog will help to foster a growth of students’ cultural competence by providing variety in perspective and sources in the hopes of developing cultural humility, a key tenet of Jesuit philosophy.
Juniors take a full year of U.S. Histories and Cultures, covering the period beginning in the colonial era and concluding in the 21st century. The course tracks the major events and movements of our country, along with covering historically underrepresented narratives, to gain a deeper and more complex understanding of our nation’s history.
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to apply for Honors in any Social Science course. Designed for students with a demonstrated history of academic achievement, the Honors curriculum challenges students with college-level coursework (e.g. a college-level research paper) and real-world experiences (e.g. a city council meeting). Honors students receive honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations.
Seniors may choose one or more of four Government Selectives, and they are highly encouraged to enroll in as many Government Selectives that interest them. In addition, juniors and seniors may take a variety of electives designed to introduce them to the wider world of the social sciences. Electives are currently offered in Social Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Economics, and Social Movements and Social Justice.
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to apply for Honors in any Social Science course. Designed for students with a demonstrated history of academic achievement, the Honors curriculum challenges students with college-level coursework (e.g. a college-level research paper) and real-world experiences (e.g. a city council meeting). Honors students receive honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations.