the puzzle of being human
| LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1.Analyze the concept of “being human” using an interdisciplinary social science perspective, explaining how disciplines such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, and political science each contribute to understanding human behavior and society 2. Differentiate between human nature and being human, and evaluate how biological traits interact with cultural, social, and historical factors to shape human identity, behavior, and everyday experiences. 3. Apply key social science concepts and research approaches (such as culture, socialization, power, and research methods) to interpret everyday human behavior and explain how individuals both influence and are influenced by broader social structures. |
A THEME BASED COURSE
Social Sciences 101 is a theme-based course, and this semester, we will explore what it means to be human through the lens of social science disciplines, or better yet, the social science of being human. When I talk about the social science of being human, I want you to think beyond biology. Yes, we are biologically human, but who we are, how we think, act, and see the world is shaped by forces around us. Social science is the field that studies those forces. This course also provides you with an introduction to the diverse fields that make up the social sciences and examines their interconnectedness. You will explore foundational theories and research methods used in social science disciplines, gaining insight into how these fields help us understand the complexities of human societies, cultures, and the challenges faced by contemporary communities. Finally, this course introduces you to key concepts and techniques used in social science research, as well as career opportunities available to those pursuing a degree in this field. Integrated into the course is the opportunity to explore various majors and career pathways within the social sciences or other academic areas.
Hopefully, by the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of the social sciences’ role in analyzing societal structures and addressing pressing global issues. So, with no further delay let us begin our journey.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMAN?
When we ask the question “What does it mean to be human?”, we are stepping into one of the biggest and oldest conversations in human history and a rather complex puzzle one might say. It is generally agreed that humans are best understood as both biological and social beings, whose lives are shaped by the interaction between natural and social forces. Biologically, humans are organisms with physical bodies, genetic traits, and evolutionary capacities that influence aspects of behavior such as emotions, cognition, and survival instincts. However, if you think about it these biological foundations do not operate in isolation. On the contrary, they are continuously shaped and expressed through social environments.
As social beings, humans depend on interaction, culture, language, and institutions to develop identity, learn norms, and make sense of the world. Anthropological and sociological research shows that even basic human behaviors such as communication, cooperation, and family life are deeply influenced by cultural and historical contexts rather than biology alone. This means that being human is not simply determined by nature or nurture, but by the dynamic relationship between the two, where biological capacities enable social life, and social experiences, in turn, shape how those capacities are expressed.
As you can see, being human is complicated because we are both biological creatures and social, meaning-making people at the same time. I think it is also important to recognize that what it means to be human is not fixed. It changes over time and varies across cultures. The way people understand identity, family, work, and even happiness today may be very different from how people understood those things 100 years ago, or in another part of the world. This means that being human is not just something we are, it is something we continuously create through our interactions, beliefs, and institutions.
Table 1: Views on Being Human
| Scholar/Philosopher | Discipline | View of What It Means to Be Human |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Philosophy | Humans are “rational animals” and social beings who achieve fulfillment through reason and participation in community. |
| René Descartes | Philosophy | Humans are thinking beings (“I think, therefore I am”), defined primarily by consciousness and rational thought. |
| Karl Marx | Economics/Philosophy | Humans are productive and social beings shaped by labor and material conditions; our humanity is expressed through work and social relations. |
| Émile Durkheim | Sociology | Humans are fundamentally social; our thoughts and behaviors are shaped by collective norms, values, and social institutions. |
| Sigmund Freud | Psychology | Humans are driven by unconscious desires and internal conflicts between instinct, reason, and social rules. |
| Max Weber | Sociology | Humans are meaning-making beings who act based on values, beliefs, and subjective interpretations of the world. |
| Jean-Jacques Rousseau | Philosophy/Political Theory | Humans are naturally good but are shaped—and often corrupted—by society and social inequality. |
| Thomas Hobbes | Political Science/Philosophy | Humans are self-interested and driven by competition and survival, requiring strong authority to maintain order. |
| Clifford Geertz | Anthropology | Humans are cultural beings who create and interpret meaning through symbols and shared practices. |
| Erving Goffman | Sociology | Humans are social performers who manage impressions and roles in everyday interactions. |
The social sciences help address the puzzle of what it means to be human by providing different but complementary ways of studying human life, allowing us to see both the individual and the larger social world. Each discipline contributes a piece of the puzzle: psychology explores how we think and feel, sociology examines how society shapes our behavior, anthropology reveals the role of culture, and political science and economics show how power and resources influence human action. By using research and evidence, these fields move beyond simple assumptions and offer systematic explanations for why humans behave the way they do. When combined, these perspectives create a more complete understanding of human nature as something shaped by the interaction of biology, culture, history, and social structures, rather than any single factor alone.
One of the key insights you’ll encounter in this course is that many things we take for granted as “natural” are actually socially created. The way we communicate, what we consider polite or rude, how we define success, even how we understand identity, these are shaped by culture and social norms. At the same time, humans are always interacting with their environments. Where you live, whether in a rural area, a dense city, or a region affected by climate change, shapes your opportunities, your daily routines, and even your worldview. Social scientists study how humans adapt to and transform their environments, and the environmental challenges created from these interactions.
In today’s world, we also have to consider the role of technology. Technology is not just a set of tools. It creates entire environments that shape how we live and interact. Think about how smartphones, social media, or artificial intelligence influence how we communicate, form relationships, or understand ourselves. How do these technologies, created within societies, reshape those societies.
Ultimately, the social science of being human helps us see that we are both shaped by the world and active participants in shaping it. Hopefully, by the end of this course, you should start to see yourself and others differently. Perhaps this may manifest itself by asking deep questions about ourselves and the world around us. Why do we behave the way we do? How much of who I am comes from me, and how much comes from society? How do power, culture, and history shape my life?
So, as we begin, keep this in mind: this course is not about memorizing facts. It is about learning how to think about humans in a more informed, critical, and curious way. Each week, we will take one discipline and ask how it helps us answer our central question. And by the end, you will have a richer, more complex understanding of what it means to be human, not as a simple definition, but as an ongoing process shaped by many forces working together. Perhaps you may even solve the puzzle of what it means to be human.
| Consider the Following: 1. Why do you think the text describes being human as a “puzzle”? What makes it difficult to define or fully understand? 2. Do you think human behavior is influenced more by biology or by society? What experiences have shaped your view? 3. How do you think modern technology is changing what it means to be human today? |
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HUMAN NATURE AND BEING HUMAN?
Human nature is also something we will explore during this 8-week session. So, what exactly is it and what is its relationship to being human. Human nature is the set of basic traits and abilities that all humans share, such as the ability to think, feel emotions, communicate, and build relationships. These traits come partly from biology, like how our brains work, but they are also shaped by the world around us. The idea of being human is about how we actually live out those traits in everyday life. In other words, human nature is what we can do as humans, while being human is how we experience and express those abilities in different situations.
For example, all humans have the ability to feel emotions like happiness, anger, or sadness. That’s part of human nature. But how people express those emotions can be very different depending on culture. In some cultures, showing strong emotions in public is normal, while in others it is discouraged. Another example is language. Humans naturally have the ability to learn language, but the specific language we speak (English, Spanish, etc.) depends on where we grow up. Even something like cooperation shows this relationship. Humans have the ability to work together, but whether people cooperate or compete often depends on their environment, upbringing, and social situation.
Table 2: Human Nature vs. Being Human
| Human Nature (What We All Share) | Being Human (How It Is Lived Out) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ability to feel emotions | How emotions are expressed and understood | All humans feel sadness, but some cultures encourage crying while others discourage it |
| Capacity for language | Specific language and communication style | Humans can learn language, but whether you speak English, Spanish, or another language depends on where you grow up |
| Tendency to form relationships | Types of relationships and social norms | Humans form families, but family structures differ (nuclear, extended, single-parent) |
| Ability to cooperate | When and how people cooperate or compete | People may work together in teams, but competition is emphasized more in some societies than others |
| Sense of identity | How identity is shaped by society | Everyone has an identity, but race, gender, and culture shape how people see themselves |
| Capacity for moral thinking | Different beliefs about right and wrong | All humans make moral judgments, but what is considered “right” varies across cultures |
| Ability to learn | What we learn through socialization | Humans learn behaviors, but norms (like manners or dress) differ by culture |
| Need for belonging | Ways people connect to groups | People seek belonging, but this may come from family, religion, school, or online communities |
Understanding this relationship helps us see that humans are both similar and different at the same time. We all share certain basic traits, but our experiences, cultures, and societies shape how those traits show up in our lives. Again, this is why the social sciences are important. They help us understand not just what humans are like in general, but how different environments and social forces influence what it means to be human in everyday life.
THE ACADEMIC CULTURE OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Let’s change the focus of our discussion for a moment to academic cultures, the second key piece of this course. Every academic discipline has its own unique culture and approach to acquiring knowledge about the human condition. To better understand these differences, let’s briefly compare the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
Table 3: Comparison of Academic Cultures
| Area | Natural Sciences | Social Sciences | Humanities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Interest | Understanding the physical world and natural laws | Understanding human behavior, relationships, and social systems | Understanding human culture, meaning, values, and expression |
| Primary Sources of Evidence | Experiments, measurements, quantitative data, observable phenomena | Surveys, interviews, statistical data, case studies, observations | Texts, historical documents, artifacts, media, philosophical arguments |
| Knowledge Construction | Empirical testing, experimentation, and verification to produce objective and generalizable knowledge | Combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to explain patterns and social contexts | Interpretation, critical analysis, and argumentation to explore meaning and perspective |
Having analyzed the comparison of academic cultures above, you should understand that the social sciences are a group of disciplines that study humans but do so from different angles. These disciplines aim to understand how individuals and groups interact, how societies function and change, and how social, economic, political, and cultural forces influence human experiences. Fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore topics like identity, power, inequality, and globalization. Each of these fields is like a different lens, and when you look through each one, you see something new about what it means to be human.
Ultimately, the social sciences help us understand what it means to be human by examining how our thoughts, behaviors, and identities are shaped not just by biology, but by the social world we live in. Rather than looking at humans in isolation, disciplines like sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, and political science explore how culture, relationships, institutions, and historical contexts influence who we are and how we act. Taken together, they provide an interdisciplinary perspective that reveals human life as complex and interconnected showing that to understand ourselves fully, we must consider both individual experiences and the larger social forces that shape them
Let’s take a moment to review some of the key disciplines within the social sciences. Each discipline within this field specializes in specific facets of that environment and behavior, allowing for a more in-depth and nuanced understanding. As you will discover throughout this course, there is significant overlap between different fields within the social sciences. Because of this, social scientists frequently draw upon insights, theories, and research methods from one another’s disciplines to develop a more comprehensive understanding of society. Take a moment to review the table below, which highlights these key distinctions and overlaps.
Table 4: The Social Sciences at El Camino College
| Social Science | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Anthropology | Study of human cultures, traditions, and ways of life across time, including how societies develop, adapt, and differ from one another. |
| Economics | Study of how individuals and societies make decisions about producing, distributing, and consuming resources and goods. |
| Education | Study of how people learn and how educational systems function, including the social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence learning. |
| History | Study of past events, societies, and human experiences to understand how the past shapes the present and influences future developments. |
| Philosophy | Study of fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, ethics, and existence, shaping how we think about human life and society. |
| Political Science | Study of systems of government, political behavior, power, and public policies at local, national, and global levels. |
| Psychology | Study of individual behavior and mental processes, including thoughts, emotions, perception, and development. |
| Sociology | Study of social relationships, institutions, and structures, focusing on how societies are organized and how they change over time. |
KEY CONCEPTS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Several key concepts form the foundation of social science research and analysis, shaping how we understand individuals, groups, and social structures. These key concepts help scholars analyze and interpret human behavior, social relationships, and institutional functions, contributing to a deeper understanding of societal dynamics. Below are ten that are very popular points of research. Together, these concepts allow us to move beyond personal opinions and examine human life more systematically, helping us see how our individual experiences are connected to broader social patterns.
Table 5: Some Key Foundational Concepts in the Social Sciences
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| Identity | Refers to how individuals and groups define themselves, shaped by personal characteristics, social roles, and cultural influences. Identity is dynamic and evolves over time. |
| Culture | The shared beliefs, values, customs, and practices of a society that influence behavior and interactions. Culture shapes norms, traditions, and ways of thinking. |
| Socialization | The lifelong process through which individuals learn norms, values, behaviors, and roles required for participation in society. Family, education, media, and peers play significant roles in socialization. |
| Structure and Agency | Social structure refers to the organized patterns of relationships and institutions that shape behavior, while agency is the ability of individuals to make independent choices and influence society. |
| Power and Authority | Power is the ability to influence or control others, while authority is the legitimate or accepted use of power. Political and economic systems shape how power operates in societies. |
| Inequality and Stratification | Social stratification refers to the ranking of individuals and groups based on factors like class, race, gender, and wealth. Inequality highlights disparities in resources, opportunities, and privileges. |
| Social Institutions | Established systems such as family, education, religion, government, and economy that structure social interactions and maintain order in society. |
| Globalization | The increasing interconnectedness of people, economies, and cultures across the world due to advancements in technology, communication, and trade. |
| Social Change | The transformation of cultural, economic, and political structures over time, influenced by technology, movements, conflicts, and policy shifts. |
| Intersectionality | A framework that examines how overlapping social identities (such as race, gender, and class) interact to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression. |
RESEARCH AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Research is the foundation of the social sciences because it provides the systematic methods used to study human behavior, relationships, and societies. Social scientists use research, such as surveys, experiments, observations, and data analysis, to collect evidence, identify patterns, and test ideas about how the social world works. This process allows them to develop theories, explain social phenomena, and evaluate real-world issues in a more objective and reliable way. In this way, research is what transforms the study of humans into a scientific and evidence-based discipline.
Social scientists employ various research methods, with the choice of approach determined by the research’s ultimate goal.
Table 6: Research in the Social Sciences
| Type of Research | Focus |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Research | Focuses on numerical data, measurement, and statistical analysis to identify patterns, relationships, and generalizable trends. |
| Qualitative Research | Focuses on understanding meanings, experiences, and perspectives through detailed, descriptive data such as interviews, observations, and texts. |
| Mixed Methods Research | Combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem. |
| Experimental Research | Focuses on testing cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables in controlled environments. |
| Survey Research | Focuses on collecting data from large groups to understand opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a population. |
| Case Study Research | Focuses on an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, event, or community. |
| Ethnographic Research | Focuses on studying cultures and social groups through immersion and long-term observation. |
| Comparative Research | Focuses on comparing different groups, societies, or systems to identify similarities and differences. |
A specific process or methodology is used to conduct research. This process consists of six key steps, which serve as the foundational building blocks.
Table 7: Social Science Research Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Topic Selection | Decide on a specific topic you want to investigate based on your interests or a social issue. |
| 2. Problem Definition | Narrow your topic into a clear, focused research question or problem that is manageable to study. |
| 3. Literature Review | Examine existing research to understand what is already known and to determine the originality or purpose of your study. |
| 4. Hypothesis | Develop a testable statement or prediction that guides your research and clarifies what you expect to find. |
| 5. Data Collection | Choose appropriate methods (quantitative or qualitative) to gather and analyze information relevant to your research question. |
| 6. Research Report | Organize and present your findings in a clear report so others can understand and evaluate your research. |
Let’s quickly review just how research gets started. The first step in conducting research is choosing a topic of investigation and clearly defining what or who will be studied by developing a specific problem or research question. Because topics often begin broadly, this step is important for narrowing the focus to something manageable and researchable, often by identifying a particular group or sample. Once the topic and question are established, the next step is to collect data. Researchers may begin by using secondary sources such as monographs, scholarly journals, and online databases to build background knowledge and place their study in context. However, most social science research relies on primary or field data collection, which involves gathering original information through methods such as case studies, surveys or questionnaires, and interviews.
Before beginning data collection, it’s essential to determine whether your research approach will be quantitative or qualitative.
Quantitative research focuses on collecting and analyzing data that can be expressed numerically or codified for statistical testing. Its primary purpose is to gather, analyze, and interpret data on social phenomena from large groups or extensive data sources. While commonly associated with Western scientific research methods, its connection lies mainly in the use of statistical analysis to measure relationships between different concepts. Quantitative methods can be integrated into various research methodologies. Key quantitative research methods include:
- Surveys
- Questionnaires
- Structured interviews
The primary goal of qualitative research is meaning making, focusing on the interpretation of behaviors, experiences, and social phenomena rather than numerical analysis or large-scale data. Unlike quantitative research, qualitative methods emphasize smaller groups and aim to uncover the perceptions, meanings, and understandings that individuals and communities attach to their experiences. This subjective approach allows researchers to view the world through the perspectives of those being studied. Qualitative research is highly adaptable, incorporating a variety of methods and data sources, including:
- Observation (various forms)
- Focus groups
- Unstructured interviews
Table 8: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
| Area | Quantitative Research | Qualitative Research |
|---|---|---|
| Aim | To measure and count phenomena in order to explain patterns and relationships | To provide a rich, detailed description of observed phenomena |
| Purpose | Generalizability, prediction, and identifying cause-and-effect relationships | Contextualization, interpretation, and understanding perspectives and meanings |
| Tool | Structured tools such as surveys and instruments that produce numerical data | The researcher as the primary instrument, using interviews, observations, and open-ended methods |
| Sample | Large, randomly selected samples meant to represent a broader population | Small, purposefully selected samples based on specific experiences or characteristics |
| Objective/Subjective | Objective—focused on precise measurement, neutrality, and minimizing bias | Subjective, values participants’ perspectives and interpretations of their experiences |
| Analysis | Statistical analysis using numbers and data sets | Interpretive analysis focusing on themes, patterns, and meanings |
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
The social sciences equip students with valuable transferable skills. These are versatile abilities that can be applied across academic disciplines and future careers. Employers frequently seek these skills in job candidates, making them essential for success in a wide range of professions.
Table 9: Social Science Skills and Why They Matter to You
| Skill | Why This Is Important to You |
|---|---|
| Research | You need this skill to find reliable information, understand issues deeply, and make informed decisions in school and everyday life. |
| Critical Thinking and Analysis | This helps you question information, think independently, and make thoughtful decisions instead of simply accepting what you are told. |
| Reading and Interpreting Qualitative and Quantitative Data | You use this skill to understand both numbers and real-life experiences, helping you make sense of information in academics and the real world. |
| Collaboration | You need to work effectively with others, share ideas, and solve problems together—skills that are essential in school, careers, and life. |
| Written and Oral Communication Skills | These skills allow you to clearly express your ideas, opinions, and arguments so others can understand and respond to you. |
| Problem-Solving and Decision-Making | You rely on these skills to handle challenges, evaluate options, and make responsible choices in everyday situations. |
| Innovative Questioning | This helps you stay curious, think creatively, and ask deeper questions that lead to better understanding and new ideas. |
| Cultural Competence | You need this skill to understand and respect different perspectives, helping you interact successfully in a diverse and global society. |
THE SOCIAL SCIENCES AND EVERYDAY LIFE
Take a moment to think about your average day. Does it include getting dressed, heading to class, scrolling through your phone, interacting with friends, family, professors? Most of the time, we don’t stop to question why we do the things we do or where our ideas about the world come from. But that’s exactly where the social sciences steps in. What I am trying to highlight is that the things we usually think of as “just normal” or “just personal” are actually shaped by much bigger systems such as social expectations, cultural values, power dynamics, and historical forces. Social science gives us a set of tools to start noticing those patterns, to ask deeper questions like: Why is this happening? Who decides what’s normal? What am I unconsciously responding to? As we explore fields like sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, and economics in this 8-week session, you’ll see how these disciplines can help you connect the dots between your everyday experiences and larger societal forces. And maybe most importantly, this will help you better understand your own identity and self. Let’s look at a two of examples of how the social sciences help explain everyday life circumstances.
Let’s first consider something as ordinary as waiting in line, something we have all had to do here at El Camino College and everywhere else. Waiting in line might seem like a simple, everyday action, but sociologists see it as a reflection of deeper social structures and norms. When people stand in line waiting their turn instead of rushing to the front, they are following a shared social rule even though no one may be enforcing it directly. This behavior illustrates the importance of social norms, the unwritten rules that guide how people behave in society. These norms create social order, allowing individuals to navigate public spaces without chaos. French sociologist Émile Durkheim called these kinds of shared expectations social facts. These social facts are values and norms that exist outside the individual but influence individual actions. Even if someone feels like cutting the line, the social pressure to conform often stops them. This sense of obligation comes not from law enforcement, but from a collective understanding of “how things are done,” showing the power of social facts in maintaining order. Can you think of other social facts, or norms, that dictate your behavior in public?
The waiting in line example also connects to the sociological theory of structural functionalism, which views society as a system where each part plays a role in keeping the whole stable. In this framework, even small actions the norms of waiting in line serve important functions. For example, they help organize behavior, reduce conflict, reinforce fairness, and create a predictable environment. When everyone follows these informal rules, it contributes to a sense of social stability and cooperation. And when someone breaks the norm by cutting in line, others often respond by glaring, confronting them, or simply showing disapproval. These reactions demonstrate how social control operates not just through laws, but through everyday interactions and shared values.
From a psychological perspective, the act of waiting in line can be understood through the lens of social influence and conformity. Psychologists have long studied how people’s behavior is shaped by those around them, and one of the most famous examples is Solomon Asch’s conformity experiments. In his studies, participants often gave incorrect answers to simple questions just because they saw others doing the same. This revealed the powerful role of peer pressure. This same principle applies to everyday situations like standing in line. People conform not because they’re forced to, but because it feels uncomfortable or risky to go against the group.
How about the classroom? Picture yourself in a classroom discussion. You know the material, but you hesitate to raise your hand. Why? On the surface, this might seem like a simple case of shyness or introversion. But social science encourages us to look beyond the individual and ask: What social forces are influencing this moment? From a sociological perspective, your hesitation could be tied to broader social norms and expectations. For instance, are there assumptions at play that subtly discourage certain students from taking up space in academic settings? Could ethnic or cultural dynamics be affecting who feels welcome or heard in the conversation? The field of sociology, for example, urges us to see individual behavior as linked to the invisible rules and power structures that shape group interactions.
From a psychological standpoint, your hesitation could be tied to the concept of self-efficacy, your belief in your ability to perform or speak effectively in a given context. This belief doesn’t form in isolation but rather it’s shaped by past experiences. This may include how teachers responded to your ideas in the past, whether classmates supported or ignored you, or how comfortable you’ve felt in similar environments before. Psychology helps us understand that the internal sense of confidence or hesitation is often the result of repeated social experiences, not just personality traits.
Together, the perspectives we have explored above reveal how something that seems deeply personal is actually influenced by a complex interplay of social, cultural, and psychological factors. Social science allows us to move beyond simple explanations and begin asking richer questions about identity, power, inclusion, and the environments we participate in every day.
| Consider the Following: 1. Think about your daily routine. What is something you do every day that feels “normal” but might actually be shaped by social expectations or cultural norms? Explain. 2. This section suggests that many of our actions are influenced by “social facts” (unwritten rules). Can you identify a situation where you followed a rule even though no one explicitly told you to? Why did you follow it? 3.This section connects everyday behavior to larger systems like power and culture. Can you think of a time when you felt influenced by expectations in a group setting (school, work, family)? What shaped your behavior? 4. When it comes to speaking in class, what factors influence whether you participate or stay quiet? Do you think it’s more about personality, past experiences, or social environment? The concept of conformity suggests people often go along with a group even if they disagree. Can you think of a time when you did this? What made it difficult to act differently? |
CLOSING TOPIC SUMMARY
As you have learned, Social Sciences 101 is a theme-based course exploring what it means to be human through various social science disciplines. The are the four key take aways from this topic.
- You should understand that the social sciences study human behavior, societies, and social systems, and that different disciplines work together to explain complex social issues.
- You should understand that human experiences are shaped by key social concepts such as culture, socialization, power, inequality, and social change, which help explain how society functions.
- You should be able to explain how social science research works, including the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods and the basic steps of the research process.
- You should recognize that studying the social sciences helps you develop important transferable skills—such as critical thinking, communication, research, and problem-solving—that are valuable for your future.
Where are we heading next? We will explore the discipline of history and how deep history specifically, helps us understand how we developed biological and non-biological characteristics that has allowed us today to think about what it means to be human.
Be sure to stop by Zoom office hours or contact me should you have any questions about the course, its content, or your academic journey.
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