Integrative Studies: Social Science Taxonomy

The social science requirement for integrative studies at Houghton College

Rationale: Social sciences attempt to answer enduring questions about the human experience: What is human nature? What factors shape the human condition? What are the sources of our attitudes, values, and beliefs? What formal and informal institutions do we create? How shall we understand the complex processes with which we interact? Why may we be confident in what we know? When should we be less certain in our judgments?

These concerns transcend ages and cultures. They have a long history in philosophy and theology. But in the last 150 years, they have been investigated by social sciences. In examining these questions, social sciences have developed techniques for applying the scientific method to the study of human beings and groups. Although different disciplines and practitioners among the social sciences vary in their reliance on scientific methodology, it is the application of scientific methods to questions about human experience that the social sciences have in common. In turn, the application of scientific methods to questions of human nature distinguishes the social sciences from other academic disciplines that also concern themselves with the human condition.

Liberally educated students should be familiar with the questions advanced by the social sciences, and with significant theories and evidence used to frame answers. Yet the breadth of the social sciences, both in terms of the questions addressed and the specific evidence used in answers, makes study of only one social science discipline an inadequate sample. Consequently, while this requirement addresses the expectations of study in only one discipline, it is posed in the context of a second requirement, in a different social science, as part of Liberal Arts Exploration.

Objectives: Students are expected to develop:

1. a basic knowledge of the philosophical and theoretical traditions of social discourse and analysis as they relate to social or behavioral science concerns.
2. acquaintance with the ways that social sciences approach problems of inquiry in their disciplines.
3. conceptual and practical skills and virtues that enhance their ability and commitment to be good citizens and constructive members of a community.
4. a basic understanding of how cultural influences shape responses to questions about the human condition.
5. an increased understanding of the complexity of differing perspectives.

Requirement: An approved course in one of the disciplines of the social sciences, including anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Sequencing: The social science requirement should be met within the first two academic years at Houghton.

Course approval pathway:
Any faculty member or department may propose a course or courses appropriate to the objectives listed above, subject to approval by the Integrative Studies department in consultation with the appropriate disciplinary faculty, the approval of the Curriculum Review Committee, and the Houghton faculty.

Exceptions to this requirement:
Students who receive a 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement examination in anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology will be considered to have met this requirement.

A CLEP test in an appropriate discipline may be used to meet this requirement.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree are exempt from this requirement.

Originally submitted February 23, 2000
Revised: November 19, 2002.
Further revised: February 25, 2003.