Introduction to the Social Sciences Todays Class Outline

Introduction to the Social Sciences

Today’s Class Outline • • What is Social Science? Overview of Disciplines What is Science? Critical Response Paragraphs

Video: An Animated Introduction to Social Science

Video: An Animated Introduction to Social Science • What were each of the social scientists interested in? • How would you define “Social Science” after watching the video?

Social Science • The scientific study of human society and social relationships • Goal: Explain patterns in social life • Includes several disciplines • Each discipline examines a different aspect

SOCIAL SCIENCE Anthropology Geography Political Science Sociology Economics History Psychology

Anthropology • Study of human biological and cultural variation, past and present • Helps us understand differences between people, but also universal similarities

Economics • Study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and service • Helps us understand how individuals and societies meet their needs

Human Geography • Study of how humans interact with their natural environment • Helps us understand how natural environment influences social/cultural development

History • Study of the past • Helps us understand continuity and change in society over time, and what led to development of current situations and events

Psychology • Study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour • Helps us understand explain how individuals think, act, and feel

Political Science • Study of systems of government, public polities and political processes • Helps us understand how political power is distributed, how different governments operate and interact, how rules are made and enforced

Sociology • Study of development, structure, and functioning of society • Helps us understand how human behaviour both shapes and is shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures

Summary • Social science is the scientific study of human society and social relationships • Includes several disciplines • Each discipline examines different aspects of society and behaviour • Shared goal: Explain patterns of social life and human behavior