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| Social Sciences |
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The Social Science disciplines span the major dimensions of human experiences, locally and globally. As a social scientist, you learn the cultural, economic, geographic, historical, political, psychological and social dimensions of our society, along with other cultures and countries. Learning how social scientists think enhances skills of observation, description, synthesis and interpretation. You will better understand human behavior and the social dimensions of the world, acquiring skills useful in law, government, diplomacy and many other careers.

Faculty members of the nationally ranked Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs - each of whom also holds a dual appointment within the College of Arts and Sciences - provide academic instruction in the social sciences to all undergraduates on campus.
You are able to study and major in the following social science fields: anthropology, economics, geography, history, international relations, policy studies, political sciences, and sociology. |
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Undergraduate Academic Programs

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Undergraduate Programs in the Social Sciences |
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Anthropology (Major and Minor)
Anthropology is the systematic study of every conceivable aspect of humankind globally both past and present, combining multiple sub-fields that bridge the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. These distinctive subfields include: cultural anthropology (the study of contemporary societies worldwide); archaeology (the study of historical and prehistoric cultures through artifacts); biological anthropology (the study of human evolution and human variation); linguistic anthropology (the study of language); and the emerging subfield of applied anthropology (the use of anthropological skills and knowledge to address contemporary social issues and problems). With its emphasis on familiarity with non-Western peoples and addressing human problems, you will be urged to pursue multidisciplinary work while taking advantage of resources in foreign and comparative studies.
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Economics (Major and Minor)
The study of economics emphasizes analytical and critical thinking about markets, business decisions, consumer choices, urban economies, labor issues, public expenditure programs and tax policies, and the operation of the economy in a global setting. It is an excellent major if you are interested in a career in business, government, international relations, law, public communication, and public policy. This program offers qualified students the opportunity to participate in its Program of Distinction, in which students write a thesis in their senior year.
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Geography (Major and Minor)
Geography is concerned with human and natural environmental interactions as they vary from place to place on the surface of the earth. You will study the complex workings of domestic and international human societies and the dynamics of natural systems in places and regions. The program cuts across the traditional division of knowledge between natural science and social science, making a particularly good base for multidisciplinary studies such as international economic and political relations, environmental management, urban and regional development, and resource conflict.
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History (Major and Minor)
History majors learn to experience and to understand the past from ancient to modern times.You will learn to consider the values and perspectives of the recorders of the past, for history is about humanity's recollection of itself, not just about "facts." You will explore not only the events of the past, but how they were shaped by such factors as religion, economics, geography, and how these factors influence our own lives. A major in history prepares you for work in the large variety of fields in which the ability to write well and think clearly are important. History provides rigorous training in research, writing, analytical and conceptual skills, which are useful in all disciplines and careers.
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International Relations (Major and Minor)
International Relations (IR) is one of the most popular majors in The College. This multi-disciplinary program allows you to design your own specialization in international relations. You select a geographic area of study, such as Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East, and a topic area, such as international security & diplomacy, international law & organizations, international political economy, or intercultural communication. Proficiency in a foreign language is required, and you are encouraged to participate in the Maxwell in Washington Undergraduate Semester to pursue an internship in Washington, D.C. and overseas programs through SU Abroad.
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Policy Studies / Public Affairs (Major and Minor)
This major is administered by the Public Affairs Program in the Maxwell School. You will acquire skills in report writing, problem-solving, information gathering, computer applications, quantitative analysis, and working in teams as they study of major public policy issues. The guiding principle of the program is, "Undergraduates building professional skills through community service and research." The program is both hands-on and interdisciplinary. You are encouraged, but not required, to have a second major either in a professional school or in economics, geography, political science or sociology. A community service component is required as a demonstrated effort to serve the Syracuse community.
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Political Science (Major and Minor)
Political Science is the study of politics and government and their relationships to the wider society. You will gain a thorough introduction of the processes by which political power is attained, retained, and exercised. Your program of study may include any or all of the following areas: American government, Comparative Government, International Politics, and Political Theory. Using the techniques of political analysis, you will learn skills that will deepen your understanding of political processes, preparing you for responsible citizenship. |
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Sociology (Major and Minor)
The major in sociology provides a broad introduction to the field and opportunities for concentration within the specialty areas of the department, such as inequality studies (e.g., gender, class, race and ethnicity, sexuality, and disability); aging, the life course, and social policy; qualitative and feminist methods.The major emphasizes skill development in the areas of analytic reasoning and writing, computer literacy, elementary qualitative and quantitative research, information retrieval, and report presentation. You are encouraged to participate in a senior research seminar culminating in a symposium where you present your results and interpretation of a research project. |
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