Area V. Human Behavior, Economic Systems, and Political Processes

Civic engagement in our democratic society is enhanced by an understanding of human behavior and of the political processes and institutional frameworks within which public policies are developed, and by the ability to evaluate policy issues through the application of economic concepts and theory. To develop these understandings, students are required to complete courses in human behavior, in economic systems, and in political processes, as follows:

A. Human Behavior (3 credits)

One course from the following:

  01:070:102  Introduction to Human Evolution (3)

  01:070:204  Introduction to Social Evolution (3)

  01:070:205  Environment and Culture (3)

  01:070:213  Environment and Human Evolution (3)

  01:070:310  Human Aggression (3)

  01:070:313  Culture, Language, and Cognition (3)

  01:070:350  Primatology and Human Evolution (3)

  01:830:101  General Psychology (3)

  01:920:101  Introduction to Sociology (3)

  11:374:322  Environmental Behavior (3)

  11:374:335  Social Responses to Environmental Problems (3)

  11:709:224  Individual, Marriage, and the Family (3)

B.  Economic Systems (3 credits)

One of the following introductory economics courses:

  01:220:103  Introduction to Macroeconomics (3)

  01:220:200  Economic Principles and Problems (3)

  11:373:101  Economics, People, and the Environment (3)

  11:373:121  Principles and Applications of Microeconomics (3)

Some majors require specific courses and additional credits in economics. Students should consult the requirements of the specific program(s) of study they are considering before selecting from the above list. Students should thus note that Economics, People, and the Environment (11:373:101) does not fulfill any of the prerequisites of more advanced economics courses.

C.  Political Processes (3 credits)

One of the following introductory political science or policy courses focusing on the processes and institutions associated with the development of public policy:

  01:790:237  Political Economy and Society (3)

  01:790:305  Public Policy Formation (3)

  01:790:318  Comparative Public Policy (3)

  01:790:341  Public Administration: American Bureaucracy (3)

  01:790:342  Public Administration: Policymaking (3)

  01:790:350  Environmental Politics-U.S. and International (3)

  11:374:102  Global Environmental Processes and Institutions (3)

  11:374:279  Politics of Environmental Issues (3)

  11:374:313  Environmental Policy and Institutions (3)

Some majors require a specific course in political processes. Students should consult the requirements of the specific program(s) of study they are considering before selecting from the above list.