Department Overview

The Social Science Department at Plymouth State gives you the opportunity to explore and answer significant questions about the nature of humanity, society, politics, history, the environment and other subjects.  Through a combination of classroom experiences, field work, travel, research and technology, social science students  discover the world, from Africa to India, Europe to New England.

Social Science Department Outcomes:

Graduating Students in majors within the Social Sciences will be able to:

  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through an appreciation for various forms of diversity at a global, national and regional level.
  • Conduct research ethically, as evidenced through effective research design and implementation.
  • Write clearly and concisely in the conventions of the respective core discipline(s) of their major (AN/SO, GE, PO, SS).
  • Exhibit effective oral communication through personal interaction as well a classroom presentations, individually or as part of a group, to a larger audience.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills through writing and verbal assessments
  • Identify the skills and perspective relating to the practical application of their discipline to professional settings.

This diverse department offers:

  • Majors in social studies teacher certification, anthropology, environmental planning and geography, political science, public management, social science, sociology and tourism management and policy.
  • Minors in anthropology/sociology, Pacific Rim studies, political science, Geographic Information Systems and global tourism
  • Specialized coursework in areas including global and regional politics; issues of race and gender, travel and tourism, social studies education, popular culture and public policy
  • Opportunities for field studies, travel, internship and service experiences
  • A committed faculty with a variety of research and teaching interests
Explore and answer significant questions with programs in
Anthropology ◊ Environmental Planning ◊ Geography ◊ Interdisciplinary Contract ◊ Political Science ◊ Public Management ◊ Sociology ◊
Tourism Management and Policy

Featured in Plymouth Magazine

Example Image

Ut Prosim: Mike Trippedo

When you meet Mike Trippedo, you may find it hard to believe this warm, gregarious young man was actually …

Example Image

Sincerely Yours, Robert Frost

2011 marked the centennial of two momentous events in Plymouth State University’s history …

Example Image

Marcel Lebrun: What’s Special about Education

Marcel Lebrun’s career in education spans just over three decades. He began his career as a middle and high school math teacher in Canadian public school districts, and then taught elementary-school-level French immersion programs. Early in his career, he discovered his aptitude and passion for teaching special education students. Since joining the faculty in PSU’s [...]