Social Sciences Division

Description of Disciplines

Each of the social science disciplines are aimed at understanding human behavior, whether it be through an analysis of the artifacts and remains left by a past civilization or through the exploration of how the biological and chemical workings of the mind interact with environmental conditions to shape personality. The Social Sciences Division at National Park College offers college-level courses in the following disciplines:

Anthropology is at the heart of the social sciences as it generates fundamental research about the human condition through time. Anthropology is the study of human development, particularly the development of human physical characteristics, culture, social interactions, and communication through analysis of the artifacts and remains of past cultures as well as through the observations of current cultures.

Geography studies the physical and environmental characteristics of the planet and how those characteristics in turn shape human development. For example, a clear understanding of geography leads to correlations between the physical features of any given place, the weather conditions of that place, and the distributions of plants, animals, and humans in that place.

History is about what it means to be human in an ever-changing context. Studying the problems and/or solutions of past individuals, nations, and cultures provides some insight into the current human condition.

Political Science is the study of how humanity governs itself through the development of political institutions, governmental structures, and policy making. This field focuses on the history and theory behind these political systems as well as human interaction with these systems. A particular emphasis is placed on national, state and local government in the United States.

Psychology is the science of human behavior and mental processes. Some psychologists conduct basic research to gather information, and others apply that information to solve practical problems. Psychologists examine both normal and abnormal facets of the human condition. They study how humans grow and change across a lifespan, how humans are shaped by genetic inheritance and environmental experiences, and how humans influence and are influenced by others.

Sociology is the scientific study of social groups and how they change over time. Sociologists examine the relationship between individuals and the society in which they live. Culture, socialization, deviance, social problems, education, social inequality, and family are studied.

Student Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of social science courses, students should have experienced academic achievement and developed:

• the ability to apply empirical evidence in the analysis of important problems, themes, and issues in the social sciences.
• recognition of diverse cultural perspectives in our increasingly global community.
• critical thinking skills, especially with reference to evaluating source materials and drawing reasoned conclusions from those materials.
• proficiency in transmitting knowledge through effective oral and written communications within the context of the social science disciplines.

Mission Statement

The Social Sciences Division endeavors to foster student learning and success in each of its disciplines. The division is devoted to applying and teaching the methods and ethics of research.

Certificates and Degrees

In addition to general education courses in the social sciences, the following are offered through the Social Sciences division:

• AAS - Criminal Justice
• AAS - Criminal Justice for transfer to UAFS
• ASLAS - Addiction Studies
• ASLAS - Anthropology BA at UCA
• ASLAS - Anthropology BS at UCA
• ASLAS - Geography - Geospatial Technology BA at UCA
• ASLAS - Geography - Geospatial Technology BS at UCA
• ASLAS - Geography BA at UCA
• ASLAS - Geography BS at UCA
• ASLAS - History BA at UCA
• ASLAS - History BS at UCA
• ASLAS - (History) Social Studies BSE at UCA
• ASLAS - Psychology BA at UCA
• ASLAS - Psychology BS at UCA
• ASLAS - Social Work
• ASLAS - Sociology BA at UCA
• ASLAS - Sociology BS at UCA

ASLAS Transfer Degrees for the Social Sciences

NPC offers three degree plans for those looking to transfer directly into programs that provide the education necessary for many counseling and social service careers. With each of these ASLAS degrees (Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences), NPC students will seamlessly transfer 60 hours to our partner universities and enter as a standing junior for completion of the degree.

Addiction Studies, ASLAS for Transfer to UCA for the B.S. in Addiction Studies

• Students who complete the Addiction Studies ASLAS will be eligible to enter UCA’s Addiction Studies program as a standing junior at the Conway campus. This program is the only one of its kind in the state and focuses on the professional treatment of substance abuse and addiction. Along with the 35-hour state required core curriculum, NPC offers 25 hours of study for the Addiction Studies core to satisfy UCA’s degree plan. Classes include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Developmental Psychology, Cultural Diversity, and Interviewing Skills and Practice.For the full degree plan, please visit the Course Catalog.
  
  For advisement in Addiction Studies, please see Ms. Susan Millerd, M.S.W., in the Office of Social Sciences.

Human Services, ASLAS for Transfer to H.S.U. for the B.S. in Human Services

• The Human Services ASLAS allows students to transfer into the Human Services program at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. Human Services prepares students to find a career at any number of private and public institutions that offer social services, support, and programs to disadvantaged or distressed populations. As part of the Human Services core curriculum, you will take courses such as Introduction to Human Services, Cultural Diversity, Social Problems, and Interviewing Skills and Practice. For the full degree plan, please visit the Course Catalog.
  
  For advisement in Human Services, please see Ms. Stephanie Coke in the Office of Social Sciences.

Social Work, ASLAS for Transfer to UALR for the B.S.W. in Social Work

• One of our most popular degree tracts, the Social Work ASLAS, will enable students to arrive at UALR prepared to complete the B.S.W. in Social Work. UALR has an excellent reputation for Social Work and a top-rated graduate program for those seeking to continue their education in the future. If you are contemplating a career in the social services that offers tremendous flexibility, this is the degree you want—particularly for counseling in the state of Arkansas. NPC provides courses such as Introduction to Sociology, General and Developmental Psychology, Interviewing Skills and Practice, Introduction to Social Work, and Social Problems as part of the Social Work core for transfer. For the full degree plan, please visit the Course Catalog.
  
  For advisement in Social Work, please see Ms. Susan Millerd, M.S.W., in the Office of Social Sciences.