SSCI 452 Conceptual Research Capstone

The social sciences have been shaping our understanding of the human condition for 175 years. Students will be comparing and evaluating ideas that continue to engage and perplex thoughtful public intellectuals. The capstone project involves researching an idea that remains disputable. The goal of a student's thesis is an independent interpretation of a specific concept.

Prerequisites

SSCI 311: Research Methods in Social Science and SSCI 411: Theory and Social Problems and SSCI 300: Seeing Like a Social Scientist and WRIT 231: Writing II

5 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 8, 2019 to present

Learning outcomes

General

Can create a senior thesis which compares, critiques and evaluates three major thinkers on a contested social science concept and can develop one¿s own unique contribution to the debate.
Demonstrate senior level thinking skills in comparing and evaluating ideas being debated in academic and public venues.
Demonstrate the syntopical reading skills required to analyze and evaluate social thinkers at a senior under graduate level.
Understands the essential questions that motivate social science thought well enough to critically compare and evaluate contrasting perspectives on select social science concepts.

Spring 2026

Section	Title	Instructor	books	eservices
50	Conceptual Research Capstone	Cole, Kathleen D	Books for SSCI-452-50 Spring 2026	Course details for SSCI-452-50 Spring 2026