Minors in Social Science

1. Foundations

Introductory level courses in any one or two of the following social science disciplines: economics (ECON), sociology (SOC), political science (and law) (GOV), and system dynamics (SD). Introductory courses are identified by the first digit of the course number, which must be a 1. The second digit of the course number indicates the discipline (1–economics, 2–sociology, 3–political science and law, and 5–system dynamics).

2. Applied Courses (At least 1 unit)

Three or more higher level courses in the same social science discipline as the foundation courses, which involve applications or extensions of the material covered in the introductory courses and list the introductory courses as recommended background. High level courses have either a 2, 3, or 4 as the first digit of the course number. The capstone experience will consist of a paper in the last applied course taken. The paper must draw upon and integrate material covered in the previous courses. An IQP may provide the capstone experience and substitute for the last applied course provided that the IQP was advised or co-advised by a member of the Social Science & Policy Studies department, and contains appropriate social science analysis.

3. If five or more of the six 1/3 units required for the minor are in a single social science discipline, the title of the minor will be “Minor” in that discipline.*

Otherwise the title of the minor will be “Minor in Social Science.” Examples of minor programs in economics, sociology, political science (and law), system dynamics and interdisciplinary social science are available at the SS & PS department office. The course selected for an interdisciplinary social science minor should follow an identifiable theme, such as the relationship between technology and society or social, political, economic or environmental policies.

Students taking minors in the social sciences are expected to designate a member of the SS & PS department as their SS minor advisor, who will assist them in preparing a program that meets the requirements of the minor. Students can obtain assistance at the SS & PS departmental office in designating an advisor.

Students completing any major in the Social Science and Policy Studies Department may not also complete a minor in social sciences.

* In designating sociology the minor, the course PSY 1402, Social Psychology, can be counted as one of the five courses required in Sociology.

In designating the economics minor, at least 3 of the 5 required courses must be chosen from among the following four theory courses