Social Science (SSC)

SSC 2010 Science, Technology, and Society (3) - as required
This course explores the ways that science and technology are related to the broader social context of human civilization. Case studies illustrate the social and environmental impacts of science and technology, as well as the ways that social structures influence the development of science and technology. Guest lecturers discuss the responsibility of the individual technician. Students give oral presentations and engage in class debates; 3 hours of lecture per week. (General Education: SS) Prerequisite: None

SSC 2030 Energy and Society (3) - as required
This course is designed to enable students to gain insights into the energy issue and to promote energy awareness and conservation. Topics will include a history of energy use; forms of energy; energy resources; renewable sources; the economics of energy production and consumption; and relevant social issues regarding energy. Appropriate field trips and guest lectures are scheduled; 3 hours of lecture per week. (General Education: SS) Prerequisite: None

SSC 2120 Gothic Themes & Social Issues in Film (3) - as required
Since the creation of the earliest copyrighted motion picture in January of 1894, filmmakers have knowingly or unknowingly chronicled the fears, anxieties, and cultural changes inherent within American culture. No film genre has captured or reflected these cultural changes as aptly or as in-depth as American horror. History and film scholars alike both contend that these films are “one of the best measures of the American consciousness”. This course chronologically examines the changes and shifts in American cultural attitudes and values and explores the fears that accompany them. It asks students to reflect on how these attitudes, values, and fears are reflected in pertinent films of each decade and to what extent these films also validate and cause further shifts within American culture; 3 hours of lecture per week. (General Education: SS) Prerequisite: ENG 1061 or equivalent

SSC 2130 Labor Studies (3) - as required
3 hours of lecture per week. (General Education: SS) Prerequisite: ENG 1061 or equivalent

SSC 3010 Revolution and the Call to Serve (3) - as required
This course explores the concepts of community, service, and honor through rigorous study of current cultural events and trends; literature (political, religious, and aesthetic); and each student’s own ethics and values. The course begins with an overview of historical definitions of service in our country and in other cultures so that students are better able to understand their opinions and actions within a historical and global context. Most importantly, a major segment of this course involves direct service, providing students with ongoing hands-on experience for reflection and analysis along with their reading, writing, research, and classroom discussion; 3 hours of lecture per week. (General Education: SS) Prerequisite: ENG 1061 or equivalent

SSC 3045 News and Newspapers (3) - as required
This course explores the nature of news: what is news, who controls news, how news is presented, and the many ways that news and newspapers affect our daily lives. Emphasis is placed on how news can contribute to being an informed citizen as well as how news can be manipulated to influence public opinion and policy. The course is offered on-line. Prerequisite: ENG 1061 or equivalent

SSC 3120 Gothic Themes and Social Issues in Film (3) - as required
Since the creation of the earliest copyrighted motion picture in January of 1894, filmmakers have knowingly or unknowingly chronicled the fears, anxieties, and cultural changes inherent in American culture. No film genre has captured or reflected these cultural changes as aptly or in-depth as the American horror film. History and film scholars alike both contend that they are “one of the best measures of the American consciousness.” This course chronologically examines the changes and shifts in American cultural attitudes and values and explores the fears that accompany them. It asks students to reflect on how these attitudes, values, and fears are reflected in pertinent films of each decade and to what extent these films also validate and cause further cultural shifts within American culture. The course is offered on-line and is writing-intensive. Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor permission