Social Science

Social Science

The social science area provides coursework and learning experiences in human behavior, society, history, and culture from the perspective of several disciplines. General social science courses address a broad range of issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. The goal of these courses is to develop a holistic understanding of complex contemporary issues.

Programs

Center for First Nations Studies
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Economics
Geography
History
International Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology and Anthropology

Degrees

BA and BS in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, History, Human Services, International Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, and Sociology
MA and MS degrees in Applied Psychology, with tracks in Organizational Training and Development, Human Services, and Mental Health Counseling

Minors

African and Middle Eastern History (History)
Anthropology (Sociology and Anthropology)
Criminal Justice (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Economics (Economics)
European History (History)
Geography (Geography)
International Peace Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Latin American History (History)
Latin American Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Native American Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Political Science (Political Science)
Psychology (Psychology)
Sociology (Sociology and Anthropology)
United States History (History)
The Interdisciplinary Minors section begins on page 148.

Certificates

Certificate in Applied Cultural Anthropology
Certificate in Applied Finance and Economics
Certificate in Cultural Resource Management
Certificate in Native American Studies

Summer Programs

Courses ranging from 100-level to graduate level are usually offered during Summer Session, and coursework from the approved curriculum is scheduled for each discipline. In addition, multidisciplinary classes with special study programs and workshops are frequently offered.

Graduate Study

Master of arts or master of science degrees in social science are offered through the Department of Health and Physical Education. The Master in Applied Psychology (MAP) is offered by the Department of Psychology. For more information, please refer to the specific departmental listings and to the Graduate Studies section on page 164.

Social Science Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

SSc 199 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

SSc 209 Practicum

Credits to be arranged

SSc 211, 212, 213 Explorations in Social Science

3 to 4 credits each

Approved for General Education (Explorations).

Upper Division Courses

SSc 351 Oregons Future

4 credits

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary issues in Oregon, including politics and history; population demographics; educational problems and reforms; budgetary outlook, tax restructuring, and spending issues; the status of prisons and crimes; and environmental issues. (Cross-listed with Ec 351.)

SSc 387 American Economic History

4 credits

Covers the economic development of the United States and the evolution of American economic institutions from colonial times to the present. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (Cross-listed with Ec 387.)

SSc 389 America in the Global Economy

4 credits

Examines the transformation of the American economy since World War II and its growing interdependence with and integration into the world economy. Emphasizes current problems such as budget and trade deficits, international debt, world competitiveness, protectionism, and economic cooperation with other countries. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (Cross-listed with Ec 389.)

SSc 399 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

SSc 401/501 Research

Credits to be arranged

SSc 403/503 Thesis

Credits to be arranged

SSc 405/505 Reading and Conference

Credits to be arranged

SSc 407/507 Seminar

Credits to be arranged

SSc 408/508 Workshop

Credits to be arranged

SSc 409/509 Practicum

Credits to be arranged (maximum 15 credits)

SSc 437/537 Conservation in the United States

4 credits

Explores the evolution of Western environmental perceptions from classical times to present. Focuses on environmental movements in the United States, the forces behind environmental crisis, and the responses by society and its institutions. Prerequisites: ES 111; ES 112 or Geog 108; and upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with Geog 437/537.)

SSc 439/539 Land Use Planning

4 credits

Applies land use planning history and legal foundations to provide the framework for exploring problems in land use planning, development, and public policy formulation. Pays particular attention to Oregons land use planning legislation and its regional implementation. Geog 350 recommended. Prerequisites: Geog 107 or Geog 108; upper division or graduate standing. (Cross-listed with Geog 439/539.)

Graduate Courses

SSc 510 Selected Topics in Social Science

1 to 14 credits

SSc 511 Contemporary Developments in the Social Sciences

3 credits

Explores new thoughts, trends, and developments in selected social science areas. Examines current research studies on contemporary problems.

SSc 514 Education in Sociological Perspectives

3 credits

Examines literature and research related to the current and historical role of public education in American society from the multiple perspectives of the social sciences. Strengthens analytical skills by applying social science research to the assessment of educational change and public policy on the purpose and operation of public schools, including selected instructional and curricular innovations. (Cross-listed with Ed 514.)

SSc 516 Contemporary America

3 credits

Studies contemporary social, political, military, and economic issues and problems. Research paper required.

SSc 530 The Contemporary World

3 credits

Offers a historical and critical approach to understanding contemporary issues and problems. Research paper required.