Division of Social Sciences
Dr. Raphael O. Lewis
Professor and Division Chair
Phone: (501) 370-5222
Email: rlewis@philander.edu
Location: Titus Academic Center
The Division of Social Sciences creates, maintains and promotes a community of scholars for which the constant and persistent search for truth, beauty and goodness dominates conceptual and intellectual dialogue. We believe these activities contribute immensely to the development of substantively challenging academic experiences necessary for students and faculty to continue along the path of enlightenment in the Social Sciences.
Intellectual Skills: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis.
Communication Skills: including the ability to acquire and preserve information from both oral and written sources, ability to communicate effectively the knowledge and information acquired with the utilization of other skills, ability to communicate effectively in time and circumstances.
To fulfill this role and function, the Division offers degree programs in Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work, as well as a minor in Black Family Studies, and standard courses in History. These programs and courses require and demand from all involved, extensive and prolonged experience in critical thinking, in knowledge,intellectual curiosity and practical reasoning.
In addition, the curricula are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of human society, and at the same time, to provide enough flexibility for students to pursue areas of individual vocational or personal interest. Consequently, a variety of practical field experiences, internships, and interdisciplinary programs have been employed to assist students and faculty in achieving the specific goals to which they aspire, as well as an understanding of the cultural traditions that they represent in the world.
The goals and objectives of the Division of Social Sciences include, but are not limited to:
Providing courses of instruction and degree programs in the areas of Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work, as well as courses in History.
Providing advice and counsel to students seeking careers in whatever area of studies in the Social Sciences that would be beneficial to them.
Encouraging and promoting student involvement in their local community affairs.
Assisting the Philander Smith College Division of Education in the preparation of classroom teachers and administrators.
Developing among students a greater appreciation and awareness of the Social Sciences as instruments for problem solving.
Acquainting students with and encouraging the development of skills in the research and analysis of social problems.
Providing instruction and advice to students preparing to enter graduate and professional schools.
Offering curricula and related programs which will enable students to understand the international nature of education, and the interrelatedness of cultures and people.
Enabling students to understand that accelerating growth, environmental pollution, dwindling resources and new multi-national systems are creating demands for professionals who are sensitive to the new political, social and psychological aspects of life in our world.
Enabling students to understand that the historian portrays human behavior under the most varied circumstances, and as such, explains the motives and influences propelling humanity to its modern status. History, then, orients students to the modern world, and can aid them in making decisions about their immediate future.
Enabling students to understand the systematic study of government and politics, the structures of political systems as well as power and decision-making, and that knowledge of the affairs of state is deemed essential for all educated citizens.
Promoting an understanding of today’s complex society to help understand why people behave as they do, and to help students achieve their potential.
Emphasizing the study of human behavior, recognizing that any comprehensive understanding of the complexities of that behavior requires the crossing of traditional disciplinary lines.
Division Requirements for Graduation
All students with majors in the respective Social Science areas must successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive examination in their field (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology) in order to fulfill the division requirement for graduation. These examinations will be offered in the fall (if there are potential fall graduates) and in the spring of each year. The dates and times for each exam will be announced by the Division by the third week of each semester. Students are encouraged to check with their major professor for all the necessary information relative to time, place, form and substance of each examination.
ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES DEGREE PROGRAMS
The standards for admission into degree programs in the Division of Social Sciences are listed below. These standards will be applicable to all majors unless otherwise dictated by the respective departments.
Category A:
Students will be required to demonstrate consistency in class attendance.
(previous class attendance )
Students will be required to demonstrate the ability to write a term paper. (i.e. English Comprehension).
Students should be able to identify career goals.
Students should by their study habits should display appreciation for learning.
Students should be prepared to function in an atmosphere of academic integrity.
Students should be prepared to demonstrate an aura of professionalism.
Example: manner of dress; behavioral conduct; communication and due diligence in completing assignments in a timely manner.
Students should demonstrate some knowledge of and participation with community groups, e.g. interest groups, political parties, community service and academic groups. (College Democrats/ Republicans, N.A.A.C.P.)
SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO DEGREE PROGRAMS
Category B:
1. Completed application form.
2. Prepare and submit an essay indicating their reasons for desiring a major in the respective area.
3. Successfully participating in an interview with faculty members from the division.
4. An official transcript that indicates a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
5. A minimum GPA of 2.75 in social science courses.
6. Demonstrate basic understanding of computer skills and technology.
7. Students will be eligible to apply at the end of their sophomore year
The Major in Sociology
The major in sociology requires the following departmental courses: 113, 123, 233, 303, 313, 333, 343, 413, 423, 433, 443, 463, and 483. Consult with the chairperson of the Department of Sociology to coordinate course work with future career goals.
A minor in sociology consists of eighteen (18) hours of course work. Sociology 113, 123, and 233 are required. The remaining nine (9) hours are to be selected from courses numbering 300 and above.
NOTE: Students may need more than four years to complete any particular sequence of courses leading to a degree. Students should NOT assume that they will graduate within four years. The College does not guarantee or warrant openly or implicitly that any course of studies can or will be completed within four years’ time.
A minor in political science requires eighteen (18) hours of course work. Candidates are required
to take POSC 103
and POSC 203. The remaining twelve (12) hours must be courses numbering over 300. It is considered to be of great importance that students who have an interest in this area (Political Science) consult with the department head in order to develop a program that would best suit their individual needs.
Minor in Black Family Studies
Minor in Pre-Law
A minor in pre-law consists of twelve (12) hours of course work in Political Science 103, 203, 363 and 383 are required; The remaining twelve (12) hours are to be selected from the following courses: ENG 203, 453, and PHRE 313, 223
The Black Family Studies academic concentration is offered as a minor. To obtain a minor in this field, students must take a minimum of twelve semester hours from: BFS 300 (Introduction to Black Family Studies), BFS 301 (Socialization of the Black Child), BFS 302 (Social and Political Issues for the Black Family), BFS 303 (Theory and Method in the Study of Black Families), BFS 304 (Gender Dynamics), BFS 305 (Selected Issues in Black Family Studies), and BFS 443 (Field Practicum).
These programs and courses require and demand from all involved, extensive and prolonged experience in critical thinking, knowledge of facts, intellectual curiosity and practical reasoning. In addition, the curricula are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of human society, while providing enough flexibility for students to pursue areas of individual vocational or personal interests Consequently, a variety of practical field experiences, internships and interdisciplinary programs are employed to assist students and faculty in achieving the specific goals to which they aspire, as well as an understanding of the cultural traditions that they represent in the world
The Black Family Studies is an academic inquiry into the African-American family system and its adaptation throughout American History. The study of the Black Family will reflect a symbiotic relationship between the family as a household and the family as a community construct. This field of study will reflect the many contributions of Black community elders within African-American communities in laying the foundation of an essential infrastructure for liberation, survival, and empowerment of the Black Family.
The Division of Social Sciences Consists of the following Departments:
Psychology Department
The Psychology Program is geared toward understanding the complex problems and vital issues of human thought and behavior. The undergraduate psychology program is oriented toward the scientific and applied areas of graduate study leading toward the master's or doctoral degree for professional employment. Completion of the Psychology Program prepares students to pursue studies in such related fields as social work, counseling and guidance, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychiatric nursing, teaching, law and related fields.
Dr. Patricia L. Griffen (2003)
Department Chair / Assisstant Professor
B.A., Ouachita Baptist University
M.A., University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Ph.D., University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Mr. Jesse Gatewood, M.A. (2006)
Assistant Professor
B.S., Grambling State University
M.Ed., Harding University
Dr. Courtney Crutchfield, Adjunct Professor
Mr. Cary Crawford, Adjunct Professor
Dr. Linda Brewer, Adjunct Professor
Ms. Lillie McMullen, Adjunct Professor
Sociology Department
Sociology is the study of rules, roles, and relationships that is, it is the science of society. This program offers students a better understanding of their society and the consequences of social interaction. Undergraduate courses in sociology or social work prepares students for graduate work or provides further preparation for careers in law, nursing, counseling, business, the ministry, civil service, human services, industrial relations, social or cultural research, or teaching.
Dr. Learmond Chapman (1992)
Department Chair / Associate Professor
B.A., Oakwood College
M.B.A., Alabama A and M University
M.A., Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Ms. Nakia Gonder-Williams, Adjunct Professor
Dr. Lawrence Ibekwe, Adjunct Professor
Mr. Harry Williams, Adjunct Professor
Central Arkansas Veteran's Healthcare System
Little Rock Community Mental Health Center
Dr. Faitha Islam, Adjunct Professor
Dr. Ebo Tei, Adjunct Professor
Ms. Katina Hodge, Adjunct Professor
Arkansas Attorney General's Office
Assistant Attorney General, Civil Litigation
History Department
The History Department is in the process of revitalizing its degree program and currently offers courses to meet General education requirements, to support students and majors , and to meet special students interests.
Dr. Anthony Newkirk, Department Chair / Associate Professor
Ms. Linda Kamara, Adjunct Professor
Political Science Department
The objectives of the Political Science Department is to provide an intellectual climate in which students can develop the ability to think critically, to understanding scientific methods, and to foster an awareness of political processes and institutions. Also to provide pre-professional training for students who are interested in careers in journalism, public survice, law, teaching (at secondary/college levels), and management positions in business. The program provides in-depth instruction in special fields of interest, and encourages students to use the study of politics as an instrument of social change and education.
Dr. Rapheal Lewis, Associate Professor and Division Chair
Dr. Daniel Egbe, Associate Professor, Department Chair
Ms. Chrishauna Clark, Adjunct Professor
Judge Wiley Branton, Adjunct Professor
Social Work Department
The Bachelor's of Social Work Program prepares generalist social workers for entrant level professional practice within the varied social systems and organizations. Students who plan to major in social work will be academically advised by a social work faculty memeber, who will provide guidance in selecting required liberal arts and social work foundation courses.
Ms. Angela Sanders, LMSW, Department Chair, Associate Professor
Ms. Joyce Wesley, LCSW, Associate Professor
Ms. Carolyn Parham, MSW, Associate Professor
Ms. Pamela Randolph, Associate Professor
Ms. Teresa Coney, Adjunct Professor