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Social Sciences Division at Maryville College
The Division of Social Sciences at Maryville College includes the disciplines of Economics , Political Science , Sociology and Business . In addition, we offer interdisciplinary programs in the areas of Environmental Studies , International Studies , and International Business .
Our primary goal is to provide students with the tools they will need to understand our changing social world and to find their place in that world. We provide students with opportunities to explore important questions related to contemporary political, environmental, economic, social and international issues. This involves interactive classroom instruction, class projects, service learning, internships, research and international study.
Social scientific inquiry raises a myriad of questions. Many of these have moral and ethical implications. Our faculty invite and expect students to grapple with complex subjects such as ethical business practices, environmental sustainability and economic justice. In doing so, we promote the College’s mission to serve the human community.
Experiential Learning Opportunities:
As part of the Leadership in Action class of the Model United Nations, students have an opportunity to visit the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and learn first-hand about U.N. activities. This year five students accompanied Dr. Scott Brunger on a U.N. visit, March 15-19, 2008. Social Sciences students Robbie Champion, ’08 and Joshua Florea, ’08, were joined by other MC students, Andi Morrow '09, Nina Verevkina '09, and Shokrieh Rezabaksh (CELL).
Students in Dr. Mark O'Gorman's Spring, 2008, ENV/PLS 345: Environmental Politics class are working on campus greening activities called the Environmental Service Projects. Identifying uses for debris fields near the restored Alumni Gym; identifying energy saving items to have contractors install before they complete; and planting native shrubbery and chestnut trees near the Crawford House parking lot are among the projects the students will undertake.
All Environmental Studies students do an internship or practicum related to their field. Recent practica have included: Meredith Maynard ‘05 working with a backcountry fire-fighting team in the Western US; Ralph Anderson ‘07 in a summer practicum in Acadia National Park, Maine; Matt Frease ‘05 working on “leave no trace” back packing protocols in Powderhorn, CO.
Students are encouraged to do an internship prior to graduation. Examples of some internships undertaken during 2007-08 include:Scott Stevens ’08, Ruby Tuesday; Matt Moody ’09, law firm of Logan, Thompson, Miller, Bilbo and Thompson; Cory Everett ‘09, Blount Memorial Hospital.
Opportunities abound for debate and discussion, both in and out of class. For example, Economics students participate in formal debates on current economic issues and students in First-Year January term seminar, Perspectives on the Environment, role-play the concerns of various constituents involved in environmental disputes.
Sociology students interested in the Sociology of Appalachia are compiling oral histories of African Americans in Appalachia and former residents of Cades Cove, and are conducting research on the culture of food in the area in conjunction with a Smithsonian Institute exhibit.
In the capstone BUS 401 course, Business and International Business students present their analyses of companies to executives of regional organizations and field questions as part of the Executive Panel Presentations.
Social Sciences professors are involved in offering January term trips for academic credit. For example, Dr. Scott Brunger, along with Dr. Mardi Craig, took 16 students to South Africa; Dr. Scott Henson (with Dr. Sam Overstreet) led a study trip to China; and emeritus professor Dean Boldon with Dr. Margaret Cowan, traveled to Malta and Sicily.
Class Favorites
Money and Banking (ECN 332)
Filled mainly with upperclassman economics and business majors, Money and Banking is a course that takes all the mystery out of money.
American Government and Politics (PLS 122)
Sure, most students have already had some kind of American government class in high school, but the Maryville College version is one that pushes students further. Says Prof Mark O’Gorman, “our looking at multiple viewpoints and sides to issues, and also reaching into underlying theories behind the forming of – and the running of – U.S. government” are the main differences in this freshman-level course.
Human Resource Management (BUS 333)
With its group projects, exploration of current issues and opportunities for real-world role play, Human Resource Management is also an incredibly popular course among MC’s undergraduates.
Economics of Tourism (ECN 349)
Most people love to travel, finding it exciting and eye-opening. But what kind of traveler are you? Dr. Brunger’s Economics of Tourism helps students learn to fully and responsibly engage in tourism, encourages curiosity and highlights the role of environmentalism in travel.