Social Science Electives

Examines an extremely dynamic phase of European and world history.

Study of national foundations, colonial background, revolution, confederation and institutions; nationalism and expansion. The growth of democracy and war plus reconstruction are analyzed.

Covers re-union growth of big business, expansion and World War I, rise to world power, isolation, modern industry, depression, recovery and internationalism.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The study of interpersonal relations, social attitudes, group dynamics, inter-group relations, class and cultural influences in a psychological context.

Reviews national income and output; employment and prices; money and credit; government finance; monetary and fiscal policy; economic growth and development; and international finance.

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.

The basics of budgeting and buying; the intricacies of home ownership, income tax and investments; the use of insurance, wills, and trusts; and an analysis of how psychological, sociological, and cultural factors affect one’s relationship to the use of money.

A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.

Acquaints students with theoretical, methodological, and substantive issues in the sociological study of social problems. It examines a variety of social problems in terms of issues in the definition of social problems, difficulties in the measurement of the extent of social problems, contributions that have been made to explaining various aspects of social problems, and the implications of this knowledge for intervention (alleviation or treatment) or prevention of social problems. The course offers examples of social problems, such as racism, environmental decay, sexism, crime and delinquency, and child abuse.

Review of basic fundamentals of government including federalism, the political process, the presidency, the congress and the judicial system.

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.

This course is a cross-cultural study of the variety of human adaptations to physical, social and cultural environments, primarily in terms of subsistence, technology, social groupings, government, economic organization, religion and aesthetics.

Introductory course in college geography dealing with location, interaction and interdependence of countries of the world.

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.

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.

This course is an overview of the role of modern government in our society. Students will examine the role of government in creating solutions to such contemporary problems as environmental control, law and order, minority groups, poverty, military relations, etc. This course is designed to familiarize students with how our government works to accomplish its goals. This introductory course is an overview of the basic principles and processes of the American political system. The course will include a study of the role of institutions, individuals and interest groups in the process of governance. It will also examine the impact of political theorists and political ideologies on domestic and foreign systems of governance.

The sociological study of the family and family-related issues in cultural, cross-cultural, historical, and social context.

A survey course to identify and analyze the variety and extent of global economic, political, social and cultural problems and is­sues.

Survey of the contributions that various minorities have made to the development of the United States.