INS100 - Introduction to the Social Sciences I

Subject Title
Introduction to the Social Sciences I

Subject Description
This course provides a foundation for further study in the social sciences by introducing students to their basic subject matter and theory. It is designed for students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program, forming a basis for upper level courses in any of the relevant social sciences. It also serves as a Liberal Studies course to introduce social science topics to the broader body of Seneca College students. The course is unified via a focus on a central theme or themes of relevance to all the social sciences, such as power and human nature. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments, this course offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary introduction to these central issues, integrating diverse social science approaches to the topic. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills, facilitates the practical application of student learning, and promotes the integration of social science insights into students' broader understanding of themselves and their world.

Credit Status

Required Social Science course for students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program; also a Liberal Studies Option (LSO) for Seneca degree students.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic theoretical concepts of sociology, anthropology, history, psychology, political science, and economics.
2. Employ research methods used in the social sciences.
3. Analyse key issues in the social sciences, such as power and human nature.
4. Apply social science concepts, theories, and research findings to current social issues, social institutions and the diversity of contemporary culture.
5. Utilize selected social science concepts and research in their development as students and in their self-understanding as members of diverse human communities.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

• Introduction
• Basic Concepts
• Science and the Scientific Method
• Milgram and Authority
• Ideology: Liberalism and Conservatism
• Ideology: Fascism and Socialism
• Psychology
• Nature and Nurture
• Anthropology
• Family and Gender
• Sociology
• Stratification and Class

Students are referred to the following website for the Seneca College Library APA Style Guide and Guide to Integrating Quotations (APA style): 

https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/

Electronic dictionaries are not permitted during in-class writing or exams.

TERM WORK

All term work assignments must be completed prior to the time of the final exam or last class.  Students must contact faculty in advance of an assignment due date to discuss the possibility of an extension.  Late assignments will be subject to a late penalty resulting in a lower grade.

Make-up opportunities for assignments must also be arranged in advance of the scheduled due date.  If an assignment is missed due to class absence, official documentation must be submitted to the faculty on or before the next scheduled class. Make-up opportunities may not apply to all graded assignments.

GRADING SCHEME

Essay 1	25%
Essay 2	25%
Essay 3	25%
In-class presentation	25%

Students are graded on form as well as content. Marks may be lost for poor organization of ideas and errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization and punctuation.
 
Students are not permitted to use instructional aids during tests or exams.
 
To be successful in this course, you must complete all course work as specified, and achieve an overall grade of 50% or more.  It is expected that students have a sufficient command of the English language to express themselves clearly in both written assignments and class discussions. For further information on evaluation and academic standing, see the Academic Policy at http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html