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Main Image for Division of Social Studies

Division of Social Studies

Photo by Peter Aaron '68
Social Studies Menu
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The Division of Social Studies offers academic programs in anthropology, economics, economics and finance, history, philosophy, political studies, religion, and sociology. Additional courses are available through interdivisional programs and concentrations. Students are advised to take courses from a range of fields in the division in order to develop a comprehensive perspective on humanity in both contemporary and historical contexts. By applying what they have learned of general philosophical, historical, and scientific methods and of particular research methods and interpretations, students will be able to focus on some aspect of the diversity of human cultures and civilizations, institutions, values, and beliefs. Although the main emphasis in the division is on a liberal arts curriculum, students are encouraged to design programs to satisfy personal needs and interests in preparation for work in graduate or professional school or a profession requiring no further training.
Our Programs
Photo by Scott Barrow

Our Programs

The Division of Social Studies includes the following academic programs:

Anthropology
Economics
Economics and Finance
Historical Studies
Interdisciplinary Study of Religions
Philosophy
Political Studies
Sociology

For more information about the Division of Social Studies, contact Robert J. Culp, Division Chair; Professor of History.

Coursework and Requirements

Typically, courses in the Upper College are seminars, in which the student is expected to participate actively. Advisory conferences, tutorials, fieldwork, and independent research prepare the student for the Senior Project. The Senior Project may take any form appropriate to the student’s field, subject, and methodology; most are research projects, but a project may take the form of a critical review of literature, a close textual analysis, a series of related essays, or even a translation.

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Levy Economics Institute of Bard College

Levy Economics Institute of Bard College

The Levy Economics Institute of Bard College is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization that encourages a diversity of opinion in the examination of economic issues. The Institute offers graduate programs in economic theory and policy, as well as 3+2 and 4+1 dual-degree options for undergraduates. Bard undergraduates also have the opportunity to meet the prominent figures who serve on the Levy Institute’s research staff and attend its conferences. Integrated activities of the Institute and Bard College include the Levy Economics Institute Prize, awarded annually to a graduating senior; annual scholarships for students majoring in economics; and an endowed professorship, the Jerome Levy Professor of Economics.

LevyInstitute.org

Featured News

Evan Tims ’19 Named 2021–22 Luce Scholar by the Henry Luce Foundation
The Henry Luce Foundation announced today that Evan Tims ’19 has been named a 2021–22 Luce Scholar. The Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship program launched by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. Tims is one of 18 finalists (chosen from among 164 semifinalists from over 70 participating colleges and universities) selected for the new class of Luce Scholars. More >

Recent News

  • Evan Tims ’19 Named 2021–22 Luce Scholar by the Henry Luce Foundation
  • Kobena Mercer Joins Bard College Faculty
  • Guardian Editorial Calling for Strong COVID Relief Spending Cites Work of Bard Economics Professor and Levy Economics Institute Senior Scholar L. Randall Wray
  • Bard Professor Susan Aberth and Curator Tere Arcq Publish First Book Dedicated to Newly Discovered Tarot Set Created by Surrealist Artist Leonora Carrington
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Upcoming Events

  • 2/26
    Friday

    Jurisdiction Matters in Mongol Iran: Law and Reality
    10:00 am – 11:30 am EST/GMT-5 Online Event
  • 2/26
    Friday

    The Recognition-First Account of Race
    12:00 pm – 1:30 pm EST/GMT-5 Online Event
  • 3/01
    Monday

    "Black is the New Black: Haredi Jews on Israeli TV” with Dr. Shayna Weiss
    2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST/GMT-5 Online Event
  • 3/09
    Tuesday

    Muslim Women and the Black Freedom Movement
    6:30 pm – 7:30 pm EST/GMT-5 Online Event
View All Events >>