Knowledge and understanding of the social sciences place students in position to understand themselves as citizens within an integrated global society. The purpose of this course is to provide students with information about the principal social science disciplines and the relationships among them. Among the integrated social science disciplines are political science, economics, geography, sociology, and anthropology/archeology. Preparation in the skills of social science inquiry prepares the student to engage in rational decision-making as both an individual and as a citizen. In this course, we will examine each of these subjects, what they mean, and how they are relevant to our lives today In order to understand social structure and the relationship of the individual to society, students will be introduced to the concepts of culture, society, personality, socialization and stratification, as well as the principal subsystems of every society: economy, polity, social organization and ideology. A command of this material is necessary for our examination of the human condition. During the second half of the first semester, we will begin to consider theories of social change.

Transfer Coursework at the 1000 level. Department approval may be required.

Transfer Coursework at the 2000 level. Department approval may be required.

Social Science writing transfer coursework.

The Capstone seminar will allow students majoring in the social sciences and/or humanities to integrate the knowledge and skills gained through their interdisciplinary degree and apply them to a range of professional settings through case study examples. The students will explore relationships between the different content areas, while examining how their communication, writing, and critical thinking skills apply to issues and challenges commonly experienced in various professional settings. The seminar will culminate in a substantial written or a creative project (e.g., op-ed, website, podcast, etc.) that will highlight the interdisciplinary connections between the students’ prior coursework. Creative projects will be accompanied by a shorter academic narrative.

The Capstone Independent Study will allow students majoring in the social sciences to integrate the knowledge and skills gained through their interdisciplinary degree and apply them to a range of professional settings through case study examples. The students will explore the relationships between the different areas of the social sciences, while examining how their communication, writing, and critical thinking skills apply to issues and challenges commonly experienced in various professional settings. The independent study will culminate in a substantial written or a creative project (e.g., artwork, website, podcast, etc.) that will highlight the interdisciplinary connections between the students’ prior coursework. Creative projects will be accompanied by a shorter academic narrative.