Majors
The social science majors below are supported by the Division of the Social Sciences and the Social Sciences Collegiate Division:
Anthropology
Anthropology encompasses a variety of historical and comparative approaches to human cultural and physical variety, ranging from the study of human evolution and prehistory to the study of cultures as systems of meaningful symbols. A major in Anthropology can lead (through graduate study) to careers in research and teaching in university and museum settings.
Comparative Human Development
Comparative Human Development is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the social, cultural, biological, and psychological processes that influence development over time and in different social and cultural settings. The major provides excellent preparation for students interested in advanced postgraduate study at the frontiers of several social science disciplines, or in careers and professions that require a broad and integrated understanding of human experience and behavior.
Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies
Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies offers an interdisciplinary curriculum through which students can examine the histories, languages, and cultures of the racial and ethnic groups in and of themselves, in relationship to each other, and, particularly, in structural contexts of power. Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies examines the material, artistic, and literary expressions of peoples who originated in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe, who moved voluntarily or were forcefully bound over to the Americas.
Economics
The major in Economics is intended to equip students with the basic tools to understand the operation of a modern economy: the origin and role of prices and markets, the allocation of goods and services, and the factors that enter into the determination of income, employment, and the price level.
Environmental and Urban Studies
The Environmental and Urban Studies program encourages interdisciplinary approaches to the complex interactions and intersections of urbanism, environment, and society by incorporating frameworks, theories, models and methods from multiple disciplines. The major motivates a deeper theoretical understanding of human interaction with natural and built environments, as well as practical strength in addressing urban and environmental challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.
Global Studies
Global Studies is an interdisciplinary academic program concerned with global issues as they relate to political economies, law and governance, migration, cultures, and health, both historically and contemporaneously. The program offers an undergraduate major, courses, research opportunities, and a variety of co-curricular activities.
History
Studying history sheds light on human experience and thought in different times and places. Fields of study may be defined by nations (e.g., Chinese, Roman, U.S., international history) or by genres (e.g., legal, cultural, gender history). Topics include the history of revolution, slavery, sexuality, colonialism, ethnicity, war, and work. History is excellent preparation for a wide field of endeavors from law, government, and public policy to the arts and business.
History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Science and Medicine
History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Science and Medicine (HIPS) covers a wide range of social, historical, and conceptual issues relating to science. The goal of the program is to provide students with a sound basis on which to interpret and evaluate science and science policy. Students in the program must do sufficient work in one or more sciences to acquire a sound foundation for studying the nature of science.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Students who major in Latin American Studies gain a thorough grounding in selected aspects of Latin American history, politics, economics, or related subjects; knowledge of one or more of the social sciences as they deal with Latin American materials; and competence in Spanish or Portuguese as a tool for further work. The BA program in Latin American Studies can provide an appropriate background for careers in business, journalism, government, teaching, or the nonprofit sector, or for graduate studies in one of the social sciences disciplines.
Law, Letters, and Society
The major in Law, Letters, and Society is an interdisciplinary program concerned with law and legal systems, both historically and contemporaneously. The program is designed to develop students’ analytical skills and enable an informed, critical examination of law broadly construed. It offers a major, courses, student research opportunities, and a variety of co-curricular activities.
Political Science
Political science contributes to a liberal education by introducing students to concepts, methods, and knowledge that help them understand politics within and among nations. Majoring in political science can lead to a career in business, government, journalism, education, or non-profit organizations. It can also lead to a Ph.D. program in the social sciences or to professional school in law, business, public policy, or international relations.
Psychology
The psychology major introduces students to the fundamentals of scientific psychology, providing a firm basis of psychological knowledge and research experience. Students explore the fundamentals of psychology, statistics, and a number of courses in specialized sub-areas of psychology.
Sociology
Sociology provides an understanding of human relations and social organization, and the major is attractive for students considering careers in such professions as business, education, law, marketing, medicine, journalism, social work, politics, public administration, and urban planning. The phenomena studied by sociologists range from face-to-face interaction in small groups to the structure of the modern world system.