Social Sciences
The Social Sciences tends to focus on the systematic and objective study of human behavior in social situations (Sociology); in individuals (Psychology); in the political setting (Political Science); in resource allocation decision-making (Economics); and in the context of physical, social, and cultural development (Anthropology). Each field has important contributions to make in seeking solutions to complex social problems. Social Sciences students may concentrate in Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology.
Social Sciences Basic and Skills Requirements:
Students majoring in the Social Sciences must take a minimum of nine credits in Basic and Skills courses. Basic courses are designed to introduce the student to the concepts guiding the evolution of the Social Sciences and recent developments which are likely to determine future directions. Students are encouraged to develop competence in the areas of research and methods analysis, statistics and report writing. Courses which emphasize the skills associated with the Social Sciences offer the student the opportunity to improve skills in areas such as communications, statistical analysis, utilizing the computer effectively, and critical thinking.
Students are required to complete the Writing Assessment Examination (WAE) with a score of E (exempt). Students receiving a score of N (not exempt) are required to complete HUM 310 Writing Skills with a passing grade. Students must complete a minimum of nine credits of upper-division Writing-Intensive courses, including SSCI 486 Senior Project or SSCI 490 Social Sciences Practicum.
Social Sciences Basic Courses
SSCI 300 Philosophy of the Social Sciences
SSCI 301 Methods & Techniques in Social Science Research
SSCI 317 Fieldwork
SSCI 326 Hawaiian and Pacific Environments
Social Sciences Skills Courses
SSCI 310 Applied Statistics I
SSCI 311 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
SSCI 340 Computer Applications
SSCI 410 Applied Statistics II
Social Sciences Experiential Learning Courses
Social Sciences students should complete SSCI 486 Senior Project and/or other experiential learning courses as required by their specific concentration. The nature of the Senior Project to be undertaken should be described in detail in the student’s educational plan. Students concentrating in Anthropology, Economics or Political Science may elect to complete SSCI 490 Social Sciences Practicum in place of a Senior Project to fulfill their requirements.
Social Sciences students are encouraged to select electives from the Humanities and Professional Studies Divisions.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Students majoring in Social Sciences must complete the following:
1. Nine credits in Social Sciences Basic and Skills courses: a course in the philosophy of the social sciences, a course in statistics, and a course in methods. These courses must be completed before taking SSCI 486 Senior Project.
a. SSCI 300 Philosophy of the Social Sciences
b. SSCI 310 Applied Statistics I
c. A methods class as specified by the concentration:
1. Anthropology students must take SSCI 317.
2. Economics students may choose either SSCI 301 or SSCI
410.
3. Political Science students may choose either SSCI 301 or
SSCI 317.
4. Psychology and Sociology students must take SSCI 301.
2. A total of 30 credits distributed as follows: 21 credits in one Social Science concentration (Anthropology, Economics, Political Sciences, Psychology, or Sociology), including SSCI 486 Senior Project or if applicable, SSCI 490 Social Sciences Practicum, and nine credits in a second Social Sciences Concentration (Complementary area).
3. Students in the Applied Track Distance Learning Program (BASS) must complete 27 credits within the Study Theme areas, as well as SSCI 490 Social Sciences Practicum in lieu of SSCI 486 Senior Project.
4. Nine upper-division, writing-intensive credits, which includes SSCI 486 Senior Project or SSCI 490 Senior Practicum.