Social Sciences (aka SOSC, pronounced as "soh-sh") sequences introduce fundamental questions and theories from the Social Sciences that enhance our understanding of important issues facing the world. Some sequences focus on classic texts, others on substantive fields of inquiry or research methodologies, but all explore how the social sciences formulate questions and inquire into the nature of social life through acts of imagination as well as through systematic analysis. The social science core requires active engagement in small seminars, close reading, and analytic writing; some sequences may also include lectures.
All students complete this requirement by taking a year-long (three-quarter) SOSC sequence, beginning in Autumn quarter. In general, SOSC sequences aren’t designed to be foundational to any specific major. The Social Science sequence is encouraged in the second year after students have completed the Humanities sequence. Transfer students may enroll in SOSC during their first year in the College.
Read the descriptions here and review the example syllabi and video descriptions here to learn more about each option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review the common questions students have regarding the Social Science Core requirement.
SOSC is usually completed in the second year once students have completed the humanities sequence in the first year. Typically the reading and writing load can be challenging to balance when students are enrolled in both HUMA and SOSC in the first year. Students that feel prepared and are eager to dive into the Social Science sequence in their first year will be able to request their preferences during the pre-registration period.
Sequences are generally meant to build from course to course, so you are expected to take them in a particular order. You shouldn't plan, for example, to take the first quarter of a SOSC sequence and pick the rest up next year.
The sequence structure allows courses to build on each other term-to-term and creates a cohort among students in the class. As such, the requirements must be completed with courses from a single sequence, and those courses must be taken in consecutive quarters. Thus, students cannot jump between SOSC sequences. This is why it's necessary to rank your preferences for multiple sequences that interest you during pre-registration.
The Social Science sequence tends to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences for our students. Choosing the "right" one will largely depend on your interests and goals. Review these short flyers describing each sequence here to better understand the differences.
You can also watch informative videos and review example syllabi from each sequence here.