Department of Social Science
Majors & Minors
Professor Curtiss Takada Rooks with graduates Sharmila Belmonte & Cherie Cervantes
Introduction
The Social Sciences Department is an interdisciplinary department offering majors and minors which draw on social scientific methods of inquiry, connected by interdisciplinary courses that investigate subjects from a multiplicity of perspectives, rather than focusing on a single discipline. The department includes the Asian American Studies Program, the Social Science Program and the Women's Studies Program.
The undergraduate major draws on the strengths of the three programs and offers a broad, liberal arts education with a focus in the social sciences. Two options within the BA - Social Science prepare future teachers for entrance into elementary (multiple subjects) or secondary (single subject) teaching credential programs in the College of Education by satisfying the requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
A third option, the topical social sciences major, enables students to specialize in interdisciplinary investigation of particular topics. Students take courses from across the College of Social Sciences. Approved topics include: Asian American Studies, Comparative Studies in Race/Ethnicity, Class and Gender, Public Service and Social Change, and Women's Studies. The Asian American Studies and Women's Studies Programs analyze the social, economic, political and historical dimensions of ethnicity and gender, with emphases on Asian Americans, cultural and ethnic diversity and women. The emphasis on Comparative Studies in Race/Ethnicity, Class and Gender engages students in an interdisciplinary course of study that investigates the historical and contemporary condition and contributions of minorities, women and the poor. The Public Policy & Social Change emphasis offers a course of study that provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation relevant to work in the public sector.
We also offer a Minor in three areas: Social Science, Women's Studies, or Asian American Studies. Special topics may also be arranged.
Interested students should consult with the department for handouts specifying required and recommended courses. Students should consult the department for new topical areas under development.
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Click on any of the below to find out more about the program:
B.A.
Social
Science Teacher Preparation
B.A. Social Science with Asian American Studies Emphasis
B.A. Social Science with Women's Studies Emphasis
B.A. Social Science with Public Service & Social Change Emphasis
B.A. Social Science with Comparative Studies in Race/Ethnicity, Class & Gender
Emphasis
Students may also minor in
The Social Science Minor (18 units)
Required Courses: (6 units)
SOCS 177. Society & Education
SOCS 193. Women & Minorities in the Social Sciences
SOCS 194. Intellectual Foundations of the Social Sciences
SOCS 195. Theory and Practice in the Social Sciences
Elective Courses: (12 units)
Four courses, two of which may be lower division, from Asian-American Studies,
anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology, women's
studies. No more than two courses may be from any one of these subject areas.