Chair
Professor Peter Parides
Namm Building, room N-611
Phone: 718-260-5080
Description
The Department of Social Science offers courses in anthropology, economics, geography, government, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. While most students take our courses to fulfill the college's General Education core requirements, we recently launched our first baccalaureate degree program, Data Analytics in Economics; as well as academic minors in psychology, history, and environmental studies.
The courses offered by the Department of Social Science seek to stimulate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills by teaching students how to study the social scientist's view of problems which confront the individual, the community, the nation, and the world. Students are encouraged to discuss, question and debate the ideas and theories they encounter in various Social Science disciplines, and to form conclusions through careful reading and critical analysis of evidence. In doing so they develop a deeper understanding of the complexity of society and the many demands it makes on each of us as well as our communities. By gaining insight into the ways that social scientists analyze the world and the intricate relationships that govern it, students will step with confidence into the responsibilities of citizenship while enhancing their intellectual and personal growth.
Degree Programs
The bachelor of science in program focuses on applied skills, equipping students with the tools needed for entry-level positions in data analytics across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, public policy, real estate, environmental analysis, digital media, research and development, behavioral science, marketing, outcomes research, and banking. Additionally, the program prepares students who wish to pursue graduate studies in data analytics or economics.
The academic minor in program is an interdisciplinary minor that includes courses across several disciplines and departments, including social science, physics, chemistry, and architecture, it explores the relationship of individuals, communities and societies to the natural environment. The minor offers the opportunity to study and evaluate sustainable policies and practices relating to resource allocation, economic and social development, energy sources, food systems, and building design and construction practices. Courses also explore the connection of these topics to the understanding of climate change.
The academic minor in program allows students to delve into the study of past events, societies, and cultures, providing a deeper understanding of the world today by examining historical trends, key figures, and pivotal moments across various time periods and regions, while complementing any major with critical thinking, research skills, and analytical abilities developed through historical analysis.
The academic minor in program provides students with a foundational understanding of human behavior, thought processes, and mental functions, allowing them to explore various aspects of the mind through dedicated coursework that supplements their primary major with insights into human interaction and behavior analysis.