Students may select courses in anthropology, geography, political science, sociology, and social science. Students may also select ECON 200 as a lower division elective. Students may not apply more than 6 credits in any one discipline.
All social science majors must complete all four core courses (SSCI 300, SSCI 311, SSCI 411, and SSCI 451/452). Sequencing: SSCI 300, SSCI 311, SSCI 411, and SSCI 451 or SSCI 452. Social science majors may take one core course at a time. Alternatively, majors may take SSCI 300 and SSCI 311 concurrently, or they may take SSCI 311 and SSCI 411 concurrently. SSCI 300, 311, and 411 must be completed before beginning a capstone class (SSCI 451 or 452).
First:
Most of us are only dimly aware of how politics, culture, and society influence, and often coerce, our daily lives. The calling of a social scientist is to help us make these invisible social structures visible. In this course, students develop the skills and tools to discover, analyze, and interpret these obscure social processes. Ideally, this knowledge will have a liberating effect on their individual lives. Students will also perceive how their civic and ethical participation can change politics, culture, and society, as well as themselves.
Full course description for Seeing Like a Social Scientist
Then:
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of social science research. Students learn and implement a variety of research methods, and critically reflect on the relationship of these methods to philosophical traditions within social science. The courses examines two approaches to social science research, quantitative and qualitative, and the unique contribution of each approach for understanding social life. Experiential activities enhance classroom learning.
Full course description for Research Methods in Social Science
Then:
Social scientists study the world so that we may take informed action to solve social problems. In
this class, students explore how theory contributes to solving social problems. Students will learn
how theorists identify and analyze social problems, as well as offer potential solutions. Special
emphasis will be placed on some of the most contested and controversial social problems of our
time, such as neoliberalism and its role in deepening economic inequality, climate collapse, and the
erosion of democracy globally. Students will also explore issues such as identity politics and
oppression based on identity categories, which may include race, gender, sexuality, ability, and
nationality. Students will consider how theory helps us to envision and pursue a more just, humane,
and sustainable world.
Full course description for Theory and Social Problems
Then:
Social scientists investigate the patterns of human interactions and then seek to interpret, explain and communicate human behavior. This seminar is designed to provide a final, integrating experience for students with a social science major. Seminar participants complete a senior project that demonstrates an ability to design a study, collect new or existing data, analyze those findings and communicate the results.
Full course description for Empirical Research Capstone
Or:
The social sciences have been shaping our understanding of the human condition for 175 years. Students will be comparing and evaluating ideas that continue to engage and perplex thoughtful public intellectuals. The capstone project involves researching an idea that remains disputable. The goal of a student's thesis is an independent interpretation of a specific concept.
Full course description for Conceptual Research Capstone
Students may take upper division courses in anthropology, political science, and sociology to reach 40 credits.
