The Social Science Requirement

Social science deals with the behavior of individuals and groups as well as the functioning of the economic and political systems and institutions that shape and control our lives. As such, it offers a perspective that is essential for anyone desiring a well-rounded education.

Therefore, WPI, in common with other colleges, requires some exposure to the social sciences for its graduates. In satisfying the two-course social science requirement, students are free to take courses in any of the traditional social sciences: economics, political science, sociology, psychology, and anthropology. The social science courses offered at WPI are grouped into two broad sections. The first consists of core courses that help students understand the scope and limits of social science approaches and how they might be related to the design of Interactive Qualifying Projects. The second, more advanced, set of courses looks in depth at particular issues and problems, providing students with a more detailed understanding of social science disciplines and their use in social problem solving and interactive projects. The relationship between the core courses and the more advanced courses in specific areas is illustrated by means of a diagram.

To obtain maximum benefit from their study of social science, students should choose courses that will provide knowledge and skills relevant to their Interactive Qualifying Project. These courses should be taken prior to or concurrent with undertaking the IQP and should be selected, if possible, after the student has identified the general topic area in which his or her interactive project work will be done.

More information on the alternatives available and the factors that should be considered in choosing courses to satisfy the social science requirement are presented in the Social Science and Policy section.