Reference no: EM132282237
D1: The Value of the Social Sciences to You
This discussion addresses module outcome 1. You have reviewed many arguments about the value of the social sciences and interdisciplinary research. In this discussion, you will evaluate what you have learned from your examination of the social sciences. You will also offer your own assessments on the validity of these many propositions about the utility of the social sciences.
Before beginning this activity, be sure to read the module notes and the assigned readings and viewings. You should also reflect upon the materials in the early modules of the course, which covered the role and development of the social sciences. Use and cite as much detail from the readings and other learning materials in these modules as possible to answer the following three questions:
• Drawing on your own prior conceptions of the value and functions of interdisciplinary social science, how important are the social sciences to your understanding of the elemental challenges facing human societies?
• Have you changed your own mind about the social sciences' value to your understanding of these challenges over the term of this course? If so, how?
• Do you believe that the social sciences can help society solve its most pressing problems? If yes, why; if not, why not? Be sure to call upon your personal experiences, examples, and views when answering this prompt.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings with proper APA style formatting.
Read:
• Required
o Module Notes: The Social Sciences, Present and Future
o Hunt, E. & Colander, D. (2014). Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society (15th). New York, NY: Routledge.
Chapter 21: International Institutions and the Search for Peace, 418-430 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
D2: The Social Sciences and the Future
This discussion addresses module outcome 2. In this discussion, you will objectively evaluate whether the social sciences are being used to address contemporary and future dilemmas of human organization and identity.
Social scientists all study the role of the individual and the group, they just do so in different ways and across different theoretical divides, many of which reduce to a fundamental sense of optimism or pessimism about the human condition, as E. H. Carr wrote about in 1939 (from Module 1). In this discussion, you will probe your views on these relationships.
Resource:
• Carr, E. H. (1939). The twenty years' crisis: An introduction to the study of international relations (pp. 1-13). New York, NY: Harper & Row.
Before beginning this activity, be sure to read the module notes and the assigned readings and viewings. You should also reflect upon the materials in Module 6, which went over other international dilemmas and the prospects for interdisciplinary research. Use and cite as much detail from the readings and other learning materials in these modules as possible to answer the following questions:
• Viewed through the lens of a social scientist, identify two issues presently faced by humanity. Evaluate whether individuals within the field can and will solve these large-scale challenges. If yes, why; if not, why not? Be sure to call upon your personal experiences, examples, and views here.
• Do you believe the social sciences will continue to play a vital, objective role in the future, helping humanity to address its worst dilemmas, or do you believe social science will fade into simple statements supporting the powerful and their interests?
Your initial post should be at least 250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings with proper APA style formatting.
Read:
• Required
o Module Notes: The Social Sciences, Present and Future
o Hunt, E. & Colander, D. (2014). Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society (15th). New York, NY: Routledge.
Chapter 21: International Institutions and the Search for Peace, 418-430