1. Introduction to the Social Sciences

2. Today’s Class Outline What is Social Science? Overview of Disciplines What is Science? Critical Response Paragraphs

3. Video: An Animated Introduction to Social Science

4. What were each of the social scientists interested in? How would you define “Social Science” after watching the video?

5. Social Science The scientific study of human society and social relationships Goal: Explain patterns in social life Includes several disciplines Each discipline examines a different aspect

6. SOCIAL SCIENCE AnthropologySociology Geography Economics Political Science History Psychology

7. Anthropology Study of human biological and cultural variation, past and present Helps us understand differences between people, but also universal similarities

8. Economics Study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and service Helps us understand how individuals and societies meet their needs

9. Human Geography Study of how humans interact with their natural environment Helps us understand how natural environment influences social/cultural development

10. History Study of the past Helps us understand continuity and change in society over time, and what led to development of current situations and events

11. Psychology Study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour Helps us understand and explain how individuals think, act, and feel

12. Political Science Study of systems of government, public polities and political processes Helps us understand how political power is distributed, how different governments operate and interact, how rules are made and enforced

13. Sociology Study of development, structure, and functioning of society Helps us understand how human behaviour both shapes and is shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures

14. Summary Social science is the scientific study of human society and social relationships Includes several disciplines Each discipline examines different aspects of society and behaviour Shared goal: Explain patterns of social life and human behavior