Standards for Social Science Courses
MavEd Expectations: All MavEd courses must address the transferable learning outcomes and assess the transferable student learning outcomes using a common MavEd rubric embedded in Canvas, available for download into individual courses. In addition to these shared outcomes, courses approved in the Social Science category must demonstrate the disciplinary expectations outlined below. These expectations provide guidance for course development and establish the minimum standards used by the Social Science Subcommittee when reviewing proposals for MavEd approval.
MavEd Framework Requirement (p. 5, 8, & 12): Breadth of Knowledge courses are centered on the methodology of a given area (e.g., social sciences, humanities) while simultaneously reinforcing skills from at least one fundamental skills area (e.g., writing). Courses satisfying social science should reinforce quantitative literacy, data literacy, or writing.
- Quantitative Literacy. Courses must include at least three graded assignments representing a meaningful portion of the course grade that apply math concepts, interpreting data, or solving quantitative problems. Mechanisms to ensure students reflect on their engagement with the fundamental skill must be included in the course.
- Data Literacy. Courses must include a variety of assignments that individually or collectively represent significant effort and point total that emphasize data management (collecting, organizing, managing data), data visualization, and data interpretation. Students should use one or more data management visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Excel, Google data studio, geographic information systems).
- Writing. Students will focus on writing skills through an iterative process that includes drafting, receiving feedback, and revising their work. This process will constitute a significant portion of their overall effort and grade in the course, emphasizing the importance of continuous development and refinement in written communication.
Social Science (3 credits). Students will explore human society and social relationships through systematic study and analysis by applying scientific methods and theories to understand various aspects of human behavior, institutions, cultures, and interactions within societal contexts.
Attributes of a Social Science Course
A Social Science course will:
- Examine human behavior, social relationships, institutions, cultures, communities, or societies through a social scientific lens.
- Investigate social scientific concepts, theories, methods, or frameworks to contextualize or explain social phenomena.
- Application of Social Scientific Knowledge: Applying social scientific theories, methods, or findings to interpret contemporary issues, inform decision-making, or address real-world problems.
- Analysis of Human Behavior and Social Systems: Using social scientific concepts and theories to examine individuals, groups, institutions, cultures, and societies.
Social Science Methods & Approaches
Students will use at least one of the following:- Quantitative Analysis: Using numerical data, statistical techniques, and empirical evidence to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions about social phenomena.
- Qualitative Inquiry: Using non-numerical evidence, such as interviews, observations, texts, or case studies, to understand human experiences, meanings, and social processes.