COURSE OUTLINE
Course Title: Introduction to the Social Sciences
Course Code: SOCI1007
Credits: 3
Level: 1
Semester:
Course Description
This course draws upon the key disciplines in the social sciences and provides learners with a broad overview of the factors that impact social behaviours in contemporary society. This interdisciplinary course will discuss key issues including gender and the social, cultural, political and economic factors that impact behaviour. It will assist students to make the connection among these factors and to think critically about how changes in one or more of these factors, over time, impact social behaviour in practice. The course also introduces learners to the objectives and practice of social research and the basic parametric statistics required for data manipulation and analysis in the social sciences.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course you should be able to:
Knowledge
1. Critique the term social science and discuss the historical, philosophical and methodological foundations of the social sciences
2. Distinguish between commonsense notions and scientific knowledge of social phenomena
3. Describe the key stages in the research process and different types of social research
4. Assess the importance of culture to human social activity
5. Examine key factors contributing to the development of human identity
6. Discuss the distinguishing features and interconnections between key social science disciplines, namely sociology, psychology, economics, political science
7. Critically evaluate various social science theories and perspectives, and discuss theoretical attempts at interdisciplinarity using systems theory
8. Apply the theories and concepts of the social sciences to cases /scenarios in order to explain how ethnic, racial, gender, religious, and socio-economic background can influence human perception, attitude, behaviour and experiences at the individual and group levels
9. Use a multi-disciplinary social science approach to reflect on social issues and related policy interventions on:
- poverty and social inequality
- crime, deviance and anti-social behaviour identity,
- diversity, and multiculturalism governance,
- globalisation and underdevelopment
10. Discuss what constitutes good governance and the application of its principles in social, economic and political contexts at the local, national, regional and global levels
11. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, complexity, and development of Caribbean society
12. Use the knowledge obtained from the social sciences to inform their personal and professional lives
Skills
13. Develop novel approaches to solving social problems and challenges that show lateral thinking and critical analysis through the application of multi-disciplinary tools and perspectives
14. Display constructivist and reflective skills in a collaborative community
15. Apply the principles of the scientific method to information gathering activities
16. Select and utilize appropriate sources of information when conducting academic research, taking into consideration the advantages and limitations of these sources
17. Use different forms of written exposition (investigative, informative, interpretive and argumentative) to describe, analyse and evaluate social phenomenon in a logical, coherent and acceptable format
Attitude
18. Display a basic belief in the worth and dignity of all people
19. Value the ideas and suggestions of other members in a group
20. Willingly take the initiative in introducing contemporary ideas and evidence- based information in decision-making settings
21. Display leadership and managerial styles that reflect social responsibility and an appreciation of cultural diversity
22. Value social equity and justice
23. Recognise and avoid stereotypes
24. Appreciate the importance of social cohesion and social change in facilitating social progress
25. Value the richness and diversity of the Caribbean experience despite the challenges affecting the region
