SOC122 - Introduction to Social Sciences

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2024-01-11 14:56:24.784
Last review date 2024-01-11 14:56:24.784

Subject Title
Introduction to Social Sciences

Subject Description

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, concerns, and approaches of the social sciences and helps them develop critical skills necessary for understanding and analyzing them.   After an introduction to science as a distinct form of knowledge and a briefing on scientific methodologies and social research, the course undertakes more comprehensive inquiries into sociology, psychology, anthropology. economics, geography and political science.    Through these disciplines concepts of Cultural Relativism, Good Citizenship, Social Stratification and Identity Politics, including concepts of Gender and Class will be highlighted.  Finally, the course looks at the relationship between social science and social values, as well as the place and function of social science within contemporary society.

Credit Status

This is a required course for the General Arts Certificate Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • Describe the steps involved in the process of scientific and social scientific inquiry.
  • Apply a method used by social science to a social problem.
  • Explain the purpose of the social sciences.
  • Question the limits of the social sciences in generating social knowledge.
  • Outline the historical origins of the social sciences.
  • Define and correctly use terms and concepts from the social sciences studied.
  • Identify the power nexus of social relations and develop relevant questions for problem-solving.
  • Develop critical writing skills, interpret, critically analyze, and discuss central aspects and theories of anthropology, economics, and political science.
  • Apply quantitative methods and interpret statistics.
  • Develop argumentation and argument evaluation skills.
  • Discuss various aspects of the social sciences in relation to various social values.
  • PREPARE FOR MEANINGFUL AND ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.