Self, Society and the Modern World

Courses in the Self, Society and the Modern World domain focus on the mutual impact of society and culture on individuals and of individuals on society and culture. Particular attention is given to human relationships and behavior as they are influenced by social, economic and political institutions, spatial and geographical factors, and the events and social and cultural forces of modernity. This learning domain is concerned with such issues as the role of power and the bases of inequality in society and in international relations. It examines individual cognition, feelings and behavior as they affect the well being of members of society, relationships and collective life. The domain examines the processes of human development and learning and the importance of culture in everyday life. It emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge on such matters through the development of theory and the application of methods of inquiry that draw on the empirical investigation of the modern world. Courses in the domain explore such particular issues as poverty and economic opportunity, the environment, nationalism, racism, individual alienation, gender differences, and the bases of conflict and consensus in complex, urban societies and in global relations.

Learning Outcomes and Writing Expectations
Approved by the Liberal Studies Council, Spring 2006

SSMW courses should demonstrate at least one learning outcome in each category.

Substantive Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will use the constructs of power, diversity, and/or culture to describe examples of where, why and how inequities exists in modern society.
2. Students will be able to frame a theory about the relationship between individuals and modern society.
3. Students will be able to analyze central institutions and/ or underlying social structures and their impact on the larger society.

Methodological & Critical Thinking Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to articulate an argument based on theory and empirical evidence regarding the modern world.
2. Students will be able to analyze critically research and arguments about the modern world.

Personal/Reflective Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to reflect, in writing, upon their role in the modern world, including their relationship to their own and/or other communities.
2. Students will be able to analyze social problems and public policies on the basis of ethics and values.

Writing Expectations:

Students in SSMW Learning Domain courses will demonstrate that they have mastered one or more of the learning outcomes through writing. It is expected that the equivalent of ten pages (which may be distributed across a series of assignments including papers, exams, journals, problem-sets and in-class writing assignments) will be required. At least five of those pages must be written outside class.