This one-quarter core program has been designed for first
year students interested in getting acquaintance with the most relevant
aspects of the social sciences. In this program we will examine the organization
of society and the different ways that human beings use to interact among
themselves. Accordingly, four main aspects will be analyzed. 1] The nature
of social sciences, mainly its meaning and the scientific study of society
will be studied. 2] Next, we will concentrate on the analysis of the individual
and society with an emphasis on the culture, social organizations, social
control, 3] we will study the social institutions of society: the family,
education, religion and power, the state and politics. 4] The last aspect
to be discussed and analyzed in this section of the program will be the
social base of society, mainly the population, racial and ethnic minorities,
collective behavior, social movements and social change.
Another important aspect of this program is the social research component. Students will be introduced to the foundations of social research methods, to understand the importance and connection between concepts, variables and hypothesis. To this effect a special component on social statistic and its computer application has been designed. The students are required to work in small research groups applying the various statistical techniques on topics related to the different subjects studied in this program.
Finally, students enrolled in this program are required to write several short papers that integrate the material from our lectures, films, documentaries, discussions or bibliography. This papers together along with the research projects will constitute the core of the final requirement to be granted full quarter credits. All students are expected to fulfill these requirements timely, according to the deadline established by the faculty. Any exception will need to be approved by the faculty team.
Credits to be granted:
4 - Social Sciences
4 - Social Research Methods
4 - Social Statistic
4 - Expository Writing