Philosophy and Methods of the Social Sciences

Social Studies 40

Research methods with an investigation of the philosophical foundations of the social sciences.  Topics covered include causal explanation, the interpretation of action, rational choice and irrationality, relativism, normativity, ethnographic and historical analysis, methodological individualism and holism, functionalism, and law-like generalizations.  With guest lectures by faculty throughout the social sciences.

• Spring 2012
• Spring 2011
• Spring 2010
• Spring 2009

Teaching awards:  Spring 2012, Spring 2011, Spring 2010