Social Science Disciplines

The Social Sciences consist of a number of disciplines. Social scientists study all aspects of society—from past events and achievements to human behavior and relationships between groups (U. S. Department of Labor, 2002-03). Through their research, studies and analyses, social scientists provide information that helps us understand the different ways in which individuals interact, make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. The Social Science disciplines offered at the Kendall Campus of Miami-Dade Community College are anthropology, history, international relations, political science, psychology, pre-law, public administration, sociology, social work:

Anthropology is the study of all aspects of human life and culture. Anthropology examines how people live, what they think, what they produce, and how they interact with their environments. Anthropologists seek to understand the full range of human diversity as well as what all people share in common. Anthropologists ask such basic questions as: when, where, and how humans evolved; how people adapt to different environments; and how societies have developed and changed from the ancient past to the present (Encarta, 1997-2000).
History is the study of known past events. Historians collect and record facts about the human past and often seek to discover new facts. Historians recognize that the information they have is often incomplete, partly incorrect, or biased and requires careful attention. All have tried to discover in the facts patterns of meaning addressed to the enduring questions of human life (Encarta, 1997-2000).
International Relations is the study of political relations among states and non-state actors that transcend the territorial boundaries of sovereign states (Department of International Relations, 2002). International relations as a field explores the political forces that create and transform modern international society. International relations scholars have long been concerned with the political roots of peace and security, the management of the world economy and economic development, and global justice. There is also a strong tradition of scholarship in international history, normative enquiry, and critical theory.
Political Science is the systematic study of and reflection upon the political processes used to formulate policies, influence individuals and institutions, and organize societies. Political scientists study politics. Politicians hold elected office in local, state and federal government.
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and the mind. Psychology is a science because it obtains knowledge through systematic and objective methods of observation and experimentation. Psychologists study behavior, which is any action or reaction that can be measured or observed. Psychologists study the mind, which refers to both conscious and unconscious mental states. These states cannot actually be seen, only inferred from observable behavior (Encarta, 1997-2000).
Pre-Law is a generic term applied to fields of study that prepare individuals to enter law school and ultimately practice law.
Public Administration is a unifying field of study that effectively merges the specialties of others. Public administration has its own unique set of competencies and areas of expertise as it applies the disciplines of other fields to the public and nonprofit sectors (National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration). Public Administration is thus a broad field that examines political and legal institutions and processes; economic and social systems and forces; organizational and managerial skills and practices; concepts and techniques of financial administration; and techniques of analysis, including quantitative, economic and statistical methods and computer systems.
Sociology is the scientific study of human social relations or group life. Sociologists examine the ways in which social structures, such as class, family, and community and institutions influence society. Also examined are social problems such as crime and abuse in an effort to understand how they may influence society (Encarta, 1997-2000).
Social Work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives. Social workers help people function the best way they can in their environment, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. Social workers help clients identify their concerns, consider effective solutions, and find reliable resources (Occupational Handbook, 2002-03).

References:

"History and Historiography," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

"Psychology," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2002-03). Occupational Handbook. Online http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm

The Department of International Relations (2002), The Australian National University. Online http://rspas.anu.edu.au/ir/department.html

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (2002). Online http://www.naspaa.org/whatmpa.htm