The area of social and behavioral sciences introduces you to theories, methods, and empirical research findings focusing on human behavior and its relation to social, cultural, economic, and political groups and institutions. Through taking courses in this area, you will examine the evidence for generally applicable statements about social behavior, action, policies, and institutions. Social and behavioral science courses are offered in African American studies, anthropology, economics, gender studies, international studies, linguistics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
It is vital to understand the social and institutional environment in which you live. What is the relationship between money supply, interest rates, and government spending on the one hand and unemployment, inflation, and balance-of-payment deficits on the other? What is the impact of race, class, and gender on the social system? What determines human behavior and development? In confronting questions such as these, you learn how social and behavioral scientists form hypotheses, construct models, and test their validity. You will then be able to make more reasoned judgments about complex problems of modern society.
Each social science department offers at least one introductory survey course, most of which can be followed by other approved courses that introduce major sub-fields. The two economics courses on the approved list are prerequisites for further work in economics, while the introductory course in psychology is for other psychology courses.
