Centered on a Christian worldview, instruction acknowledges the active hand of God throughout the intricate process of human history. Instruction focuses on transformative historical events and ideas, as well as important continuities. Although historical events have objective elements, interpretation of them requires a complex and subjective process of assessment. In the end, that endeavor generally results in a composite of accepted perspectives by scholars on given subjects. Those perceptions tend to influence the direction of social and political interests; therefore it is vital that citizens have the minimal skills to check the objectivity of those conclusions. To that end, the department intends to inculcate all students with effective skills to impartially assess and understand the causes and process involved in the evolution of social ideas and evolution of historical events. For history majors, those skills include the critical analysis of texts and arguments, unbiased interpretation of evidence, research in a variety of media, and clear and effective oral and written communication in a broad spectrum of social, cultural and intellectual history. These skills will aid students in a multiplicity of vocational and professional fields, and help them become thoughtful and effective American citizens. In the end, all programs are designed to prepare students to serve both God and humanity by integrating academic knowledge of social studies with biblical truth (I Corinthians 10:1-13)