Social Sciences
Get informed and become engaged in shaping our society and culture at Edmonds Community College.
Today, students are actively looking for ways to get involved, volunteer, and make a difference in their community and the world. Classes in the social sciences are a great place to start. These studies are the gateway to careers in public service in law, politics, government, business, social work, and counseling as well as to jobs at local non-profit organizations and international non-governmental organizations.
"I find that my students today are deeply interested in the good society. They are concerned with and interested in what's going on in the world and appreciate classes that are relevant to their experience."
— political science instructor Robin Datta
Recommended for:
- transfer students — these classes provide excellent preparation for success at colleges and universities across the country
- fulfilling the cultural diversity requirement for degrees and certificates (look for those classes marked CD)
- gaining the knowledge to act as a thoughtful citizen, informed decision-maker and leader, and lifelong learner and the skills to communicate, act, reason, and explore
Anthropology — join us for a holistic approach to the study of humans
Useful for: further studies in medicine, marketing, primatology, forensics, and cultural and environmental resource management
Classes explore: human biology, origins, prehistory, cultural diversity, and religious experience
Notable: the LEAF School, a series of Human Ecology classes, with an emphasis on outdoor service-learning projects engaged in environmental stewardship and sustainable practices
Diversity Studies — prepare to take your place in today's diverse multicultural environment
Useful for: increasing awareness of history and culture, developing connections to communities, and fulfilling CD credit
Classes explore: gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, age, social class, disabilities, and culture and social justice, equality, cultural identity, and the history of inclusion and exclusion
Notable: Look for additional opportunities to earn credit by: attending college lectures and events, organizing diverse events such as the powwow or women's conference, and discussing social justice topics with classmates in seminars
Economics — learn about the production and consumption of goods and services, scarcity and choice
Useful for: careers in business, teaching, or public service
Classes explore: American economic history, the world economy, and global economic development
Notable: Complete both Micro and Macro Economic Principles, ECON 201 and 202 (the equivalent of first-year university-level economics) for further studies in business or economics. Both classes are offered online.
Geography — discover your world — learn where to find resources, populations, climates, and cultures and how they interrelate
Useful for: further studies in international relations, global affairs, or in any work that has a global impact
Notable: Introduction to Sustainable Development, GEOG 150, (online). Take this class on its own or as part of a Restoration Horticulture degree.
History — learn about the past and its influence on the present and future
Classes explore: a variety of historical topics, including Western Civilization, Greek and Roman History, U.S. History, African-American History, East Asian History, and Pacific Northwest History
Notable: specialized courses such as Technology and American Culture, Revolutions in the Modern World, Destroying Los Angeles, and even one on James Bond
Philosophy — study the intellectual history of humankind
Useful for: further study and independent inquiry in any scientific field
Classes explore: contemporary moral issues, comparison of religions
Notable: Introduction to Logic, PHIL 106, counts toward the quantitative or symbolic reasoning requirement for an Associate of Arts degree
Political Science — study law, government, and political systems with independent thinkers and gain an informed view of current affairs
Classes explore: political theory, American government, international relations, comparative government, law, and media
Notable: Digital Democracy, POLSC 255, explore the role of cell phones, Facebook, and Twitter in creating political change; Africa In World Affairs, POLSC 220 (winter 2011), explore the politics of sub-Saharan Africa and the way African nations interact with the global community
Psychology — the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Classes explore: current issues, research, human sexuality, abnormal, social, and lifespan psychology
Notable: Careers in Psychology, PSYCH 110, find out more about how psychology applies to careers in counseling/psychotherapy, teaching, social work, advertising, human resources, police work, law, and medicine
Sociology — learn about our society, how we shape it and how it shapes us
Classes explore: Social issues in the family, education, the economy, and other institutions; racial and ethnic, gender, and social class relations; the environment; and social research
Useful for: gaining skills for jobs in business, health care, criminal justice, government agencies, various nonprofit organizations, and other venues
Notable: Health in Society, SOC 150 (also Diversity Studies 151), learn about the social factors shaping health and illness.
