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Social and Behavioral Science Department

The aim of the social and behavioral sciences department is to assist students in becoming more well-rounded American citizens and disciples in the Lord’s kingdom, based on a thorough consideration of individuals, civilizations and events both past and present. Students pursuing studies in this department will develop as more effective servants of God and mankind, as they grow in their understanding of the social world and their own academic development—which includes reading broadly, thinking critically, and honing vital communication skills.

Social science helps students understand the present by focusing on the people and events of the past that have shaped it, as well as the institutions, values and interactions of contemporary society. The cultural, economic, sociological, and political aspects of global affairs are discussed through academic disciplines including history, economics, sociology, and political science.

Behavioral science encompasses the study of the motivations, limitations and potential of human activity, through such disciplines as psychology, social work and sociology. In seeking to understand the dynamics of individual choices that, collectively, become societal norms, students are brought to a better understanding of the “how” and “why” of human behavior and social activities.

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Experiential Learning

Top-rated Research Opportunities

Students in the social and behavioral sciences department will spend much of their time participating in research that will not only benefit their understanding of history and how humanity understands the world, but will also share their findings at conferences such as the Annual Meeting of the Florida Conference of Historians. Our students will be pushed to explore sources and data yet to be discovered by society. This ultimately helps students gain credentials that will serve them well in graduate school or their chosen careers.

Capstone Class and Other Large Projects

As part of student’s capstone project, history majors research a nuanced historical question. Students will learn how to use library resources, format research papers, and cite effectively during the first semester of their junior year. They also attend a field trip to local libraries to learn more about researching methods. In their last semester, they finish their capstone paper with the opportunity to preserve their work in the Florida College Chatlos Library.

Many of my classes at FC included extensive reading and writing assignments. This was helpful for my transition into law school, but has continued to provide a solid foundation into my career as a transactional attorney. Reading and drafting multiple contracts each day is a little bit easier if you've taken Dr. Crispell's history classes for four years!

-Savannah Slamans , Attorney at Momkus LLP

Bachelor of Arts in American Civilization

Social and Behavioral Science Faculty

Jonathan Chilcote, Ph.D.

  • History and Political Science Faculty

Kristen Chilcote

  • Psychology Faculty

Brian Crispell, Ph.D.

  • Social and Behavioral Science Faculty, Chair
  • Director of the Honors Program

Thaxter Dickey, Ph.D.

  • Social and Behavioral Science Faculty
  • Psychology Program Coordinator