Social and Behavioral Sciences

Why do people think and act the way they do?

3 credit hours | Social and Behavioral Sciences expand on the role generalizable theories and empirical evidence play in human behavioral analysis.

 

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The Value of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Almost every challenge humankind has ever faced, or will ever face, depends on the actions of people. Whether studying why people built pyramids across the ancient world, how people decide to spend their money, why people vote for one candidate over another, or how groups and organizations alter individual trajectories, we must understand people’s behavior to respond to and predict societal questions. Exploring how and why people and societies think and behave is fundamental to understanding our past, present, and future.

 

Student Learning Outcome

Students will demonstrate an understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of human behavior, culture, and/or institutions.

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Social and Behavioral Sciences Rubric
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Requirement Details

Courses may be found in the departments of Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology, among others.

  • ANTH 2301 – Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
  • INTL 1301 – Introduction to International Studies
  • PSYC1300 – Introduction to Psychology
  • SOCI 1300 – Introduction to Sociology
  • WL 3308 – Introduction to General Linguistics

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Students will:

  1. Describe major approaches, theories, methods, and substantive findings from a particular Social and Behavioral Sciences domain.
  2. Apply concepts and theories from a Social and Behavioral Sciences domain to real life contexts.
  3. Evaluate significant theories, methods, and evidence within a Social and Behavioral Sciences domain.

Courses in this category:

  1. Explain major approaches, theories, methods, and substantive findings in the Social and Behavioral Sciences.
  2. Demonstrate or explain how knowledge is created in the Social and Behavioral Sciences.
  3. Evaluate and apply concepts, theories, methods, and evidence from the Social and Behavioral Sciences to real life contexts.
  4. Have the domains of Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology as a primary focus.
  5. Include an assessment assignment that requires students to demonstrate each of the skills in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Assessment Rubric. This assessment assignment should be one of the following: an objective exam, an essay question on an exam, an essay, or a research paper.