|
Social Policy OverviewThe Social Policy concentration introduces students to an important way to act on the desire to help make their society more just and humane through analysis of questions such as: What social interventions have been proposed to deal with social ills? Which interventions have worked, and why? The field of study provides an introduction to domestic social problems, analysis of policy choices, and experience with policy change. Students also are introduced to techniques that policy analysts use in assessing social programs. A crucial component is a research apprenticeship, in which students are involved in the actual analysis of one or more social programs, under the guidance of faculty and experienced policy analysts.RequirementsSocial policy is a secondary concentration that can be taken in conjunction with any program in the College. Students must complete two introductory requirements: first, a quantitative methods course covering multiple regression analysis (e.g., Economics 229, Statistics, or Sociology 205, Introduction to Research Methods). Psychology 203, Introduction to Statistics for Psychology, meets this requirement when a 1-credit “bridging” module is also completed. The second requirement is a course on problems in American society, met by Sociology 120, Inequality in America, or Economics 110, Economic Dimensions of Public Issues. (Students also may wish to take the basic microeconomics course, although it is not required.) At least three additional courses are required. These may be specified 200- and 300-level courses; at least two should be 300-level courses. The two introductory courses and one of the other courses must be completed before Moderation. An apprenticeship seminar, the capstone course, also is required. Students moderate concurrently into social policy and a primary program. The Moderation board should include a member of the social policy faculty. In addition to regular Moderation papers, the student should submit a plan of study detailing the social policy component of his/her studies. The Senior Project should relate to both the major program and the social policy concentration. One member of the social policy faculty must be on the Senior Project board. CoursesRecent offerings include: Economics 202, Intermediate Macroeconomics; Economics 204, National Economic Policy; Economics 237, Economics of the Public Sector; Economics 323, Topics in International Trade and Finance; Environmental and Urban Studies 399-400, Environmental Studies Research Seminar; History 280B, American Environmental History II; History 371, The Civil Rights Movement; Philosophy 256, Environmental Ethics; Political Studies 260, Environmental Politics in the United States; Sociology 120, Inequality in America; Sociology 205, Introduction to Research Methods; Sociology 342, Sociology of Medicine.
|
