Which Social Science Elective Should I Choose?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a social science elective to fulfill core requirements, focusing on the perceived usefulness of courses such as microeconomics, sociology, and psychology. Participants explore the implications of their choices in relation to their majors, particularly in the context of a life science background.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests choosing the course that interests the individual most, arguing that all courses can be valuable depending on how one engages with them.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of knowing the major field that requires the elective, noting that economics may involve mathematics, which could appeal to students in physical sciences.
  • There is a suggestion that introductory law could be beneficial for all students, with a specific mention of macroeconomics as a valuable topic for general knowledge.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about anthropology and considers microeconomics useful, despite questioning its application in research.
  • One participant advises against taking courses with math if the individual lacks foundational knowledge in related subjects, suggesting a broader course may be more appropriate.
  • Another participant challenges the prerequisite structure between microeconomics and macroeconomics, arguing that the latter should be taken first.
  • A participant reflects on the broader purpose of electives, suggesting they contribute to a well-rounded education and personal growth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the usefulness of the courses, with no consensus on which elective is definitively the best choice. Some emphasize personal interest while others focus on the applicability of the subjects to their majors.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the lack of certain courses, such as law, and the prerequisites for macroeconomics, indicating limitations in available options and potential gaps in knowledge.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering social science electives, particularly those in life sciences or related fields, may find this discussion relevant as they navigate their course selections.

aspiring_one
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Hey PF,

First off, not sure if this belongs here. I apologize if it doesn't. Anyway, I need to pick a social science elective to complete my core requirements. I don't want to take a class that's "worthless", so what social science do you guys think is useful?

I have to choose between microeconomics/sociology/psychology. There are other of course but these seem interesting and worthwhile

Thank you
 
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Just choose the one out of the three you like the most. All can be as useful or as useless as you make them, and none of them will add any inherent extra value to your chosen major. It will of course add value to your education, as well as being well-rounded in general, but none of those three courses stick out as something that you can't live without having taken a course in it. If there's one class I'd advise everyone to take, but that isn't covered in high school curricula, though, it's macroeconomics.
 
You did not specify the major field which requires a "social science" as an elective requirement. Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Geology, Biology, what?

Like Ryker said, almost anything would be useful. Economics may use some Math, so this might appeal to you. If your major is in the physical sciences, then any Math you find in an introductory economics course you would find very easy. Have you considered Abnormal Psychology? Anthropology? Would either of them qualify?
 
Can you take an introductory law unit? I guess knowing a bit about the law could be useful to anybody?

I also agree with Ryker's point about macroeconomics; in my opinion it is a topic that everybody should have at least some knowledge about, given that money plays such a big part in our society.
 
thanks for the replies!
@symbolipoint
I have no idea what anthropology is, but it is offered. I am a life science (biochem) major. I don't believe abnormal psych is offered. Microeconomics seems like it would be useful and it does have math ( though I'm not sure if I would ever use for research).

@danago
I wish they had some sort of intro to patent law or some such, but no law course is offered. Macroeco does seem useful but you would need to take micro first. I'd rather keep as many courses that pertain to my major.

I think I'm deciding on sociology. It sounds like a macro version of psychology. It should be refreshing to learn something new.
 
aspiring_one said:
thanks for the replies!
@symbolipoint
I have no idea what anthropology is, but it is offered. I am a life science (biochem) major. I don't believe abnormal psych is offered. Microeconomics seems like it would be useful and it does have math ( though I'm not sure if I would ever use for research).
Ugh, you really need to take a social science course that is as comprehensive and broad as it gets then. Don't take anything with maths if you don't know stuff like what anthropology is, because you'll be sure to get enough maths elsewhere. But you can't really afford to run around with gaps in your knowledge such as this one.
aspiring_one said:
@danago
I wish they had some sort of intro to patent law or some such, but no law course is offered.
Check if they offer Roman law, that's as good a basis as it gets. Or perhaps since you seem to be in the US, some other equivalent course that let's you dabble in law, perhaps English medieval law, English common law or something akin to that.
aspiring_one said:
Macroeco does seem useful but you would need to take micro first. I'd rather keep as many courses that pertain to my major.

I think I'm deciding on sociology. It sounds like a macro version of psychology. It should be refreshing to learn something new.
You don't need microeconomics for macroeconomics. In fact, if anything, you should take the latter prior to the former, not the other way around. Or are you saying that microeconomics is a prerequisite for the macroeconomics? If so, then that is just ridiculous.
 
aspiring_one said:
I don't want to take a class that's "worthless", so what social science do you guys think is useful?

You also need to think about what you mean by 'useful'. Think about what your choices at university do/mean to you as a person. It's good to have a bit of worldly knowledge, which is partly why electives exist in the first place. You'll be more well rounded, will pick up a few new skills and likely an appreciation for other fields as well.
 
Thank you all for your comments and thoughts. I've taken them into consideration and have done the best I can with the classes available. If anyone has anymore advice, then please by all means. :)
 

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