Social Science Electives
HIS 110 – Western Civilization: Ancient to Early Modern†
Surveys the origins of human civilization in the Near East, the great rise of Greece and Rome and concludes with the Enlightenment.
HIS 111 – Western Civilization: Early Modern to Present†
Examines an extremely dynamic phase of European and world history.
HIS 151 – U.S. History to 1877†
Study of national foundations, colonial background, revolution, confederation and institutions; nationalism and expansion. The growth of democracy and war plus reconstruction are analyzed.
HIS 152 – U.S. History Since 1877†
Covers re-union growth of big business, expansion and World War I, rise to world power, isolation, modern industry, depression, recovery and internationalism.
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
PSY 121 – Developmental Psychology
Studies human development from conception through the lifespan. Physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral aspects are studied in the classroom, by lecture, file/video, projects, and observation and by reading the literature.
PSY 211 – Psychology of Adjustment
Increases student’s knowledge and experiences relating to various populations with disabilities. Adjustment to physical and/ or mental disability, conflicting treatment models, impact on self, family, community and society are examined.
PSY 241 – Abnormal Psychology
A survey course tracing history, models and symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Uses the current DSM-5 (diagnostic and statistical manual) as a standard of abnormal behavior.
PSY 251 – Social Psychology
Explores social interaction from both the psychological and sociological perspectives. It is the study of how we think about, relate to, and interact with each other.
ECN 120 – Principles of Macroeconomics
Reviews national income and output; employment and prices; money and credit; government finance; monetary and fiscal policy; economic growth and development; and international finance.
ECN 130 – Principles of Microeconomics
Reviews the organization and workings of modern economic systems; the role of markets, prices and competition in the promotion of economic welfare, alternative systems and international trade.
SOC 110 – Intro to Sociology†
A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.
SOC 115 – Social Problems†
Applies basic scientific sociological concepts and principles to the examination of contemporary social issues such as crime, poverty, violence, and inequality.
POL 111 – American National Government†
Review of basic fundamentals of government including federalism, the political process, the presidency, the congress and the judicial system.
POL 112 – American State & Local Government
This course provides an introduction to politics, government, and public policy at the state and local level, with particular emphasis on the state of Iowa. It includes an analysis of the relationship among federal, state, and local governments; the structure and powers of state and local governments; the scope of political participation in state and local parties; and public policy-making by state and local governments.
ANT 105 – Cultural Anthropology†
This course covers the similarities and differences in human societies, from hunting and gathering to industrialized societies. Specific subjects covered include worldview, culture, language, economic systems, marriage, family, and kinship, gender, legal and political structures, religion, and more.
GEO 121 – World Regional Geography†
Introductory course in college geography dealing with location, interaction and interdependence of countries of the world.
HIS 201 – Iowa History
This course is an introductory course in Iowa History, as it relates to national and international history. This course examines the natural environment of Iowa, as it shaped and was shaped by the native people, early settlers through the early years, statehood, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and more recent years. Special attention is given to ethnic groups and their contributions.
MMS 101 – Mass Media
An introductory course that studies mass media and society. The class includes a historical and contemporary overview of industries, professions, processes and social effects of the mass media.
POL 110 – Intro Political Science
A general introductory course in the fundamental concepts, institutions, principles and procedures of political science. Background in classical political theory through exposure to ideas of past political philosophers (such as Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Marx and others).Studies comparative systems through consideration of governments of Great Britain, France and Canada.
SOC 120 – Marriage and Family†
The sociological study of the family and family-related issues in cultural, cross-cultural, historical, and social context.
SOC 186 – Contemporary Global Issues†
A survey course to identify and analyze the variety and extent of global economic, political, social and cultural problems and issues.
SOC 200 – Minority Group Relations†
Survey of the contributions that various minorities have made to the development of the United States.
