Social and Behavioral Sciences (S) Courses  

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Social and behavioral sciences (S) courses propose theoretical constructs to explain human behavior and society in social and/or physical environments; and are based on empirical observation of human behavior rather than the study of aesthetics, ideas or cultural values. Goals of “S” courses are to prepare students to critically analyze generalizations about society and explore theoretical structures; understand the role of empirical observation in the social and behavioral structures; and demonstrate their understanding through written work that provides them the opportunity to enhance their writing skills.

 

 

Requirements

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1. Students will critically analyze generalizations about society and explore theoretical structures. 
2. Students will understand the role of empirical observation using quantitative or qualitative methods in the social and behavioral sciences. 
3. Students will demonstrate their understanding through written work that provides them the opportunity to enhance their writing skills; upper division “S” courses will include extensive written work. 
   1. Writing assignments must be weighted in the grading scheme such that students are discouraged from skipping the assignment (i.e. writing assignments are worth a minimum 10% of the overall grade). 
   2. The minimum required number of pages may be encompassed in one or multiple assignment/s. Informal writing assignments (like journals or class notes) and group projects will not count toward writing minimum. Multiple drafts of the same work cannot be counted twice in the cumulative page minimum. 
   3. Lower-division courses must include at least five pages of out-of-class written assignments or essays. 
   4. Upper-division courses must include at least ten pages of out-of-class written assignments or essays. Instructors must provide feedback that students can incorporate in subsequent writing assignments (by revising and resubmitting a single assignment or submitting multiple assignments). At least one writing assignment must be at least 4 pages in length.