Social Sciences Department   

 Course Descriptions:


Every educated person should have some appreciation of the role of culture and social institutions in the shaping of individual personality and the creation of social identities. Students should also develop an understanding of the extent to which scientific inquiry is appropriate to the creation of social knowledge and of the alternative ways of organizing human institutions and interpreting social reality.

The courses listed may be used as electives for the A.S. and A.A.S. Degree.

Social Sciences / Social Environment

Fall 2007:


  AJ 101 --- Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)

This course focuses on history, philosophy and language of the criminal justice system. The role of law enforcement, prosecutor, public defender, courts and corrections is examined. Social aspects of change and how it affects the criminal justice system is also explained. (3 lec. hrs.) (3 lec. hrs.)

  Anth 150 --- Human Adaptations (3)

A survey course of physical anthropology. Major topics include primates, human evolution, human adaptations to the present and the future world and global variations in human cultural adaptations. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Anth 200 --- Cultural Anthropology (3)

Humans as cultural and social beings. The Major concepts and conclusions of cultural anthropology. Biological, social and linguistic foundations of culture. Research methods. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Asan 120 --- Japanese Culture I (3)

An introduction to the study of common and distinctive aspects of the Japanese culture. It is designed to give students an introduction to Japanese culture and the Japan of today directly related to the modern Japanese people. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Asan 121 --- Chinese Culture (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102

An introduction to the study of past and present Chinese culture in relation to other East Asian cultures. It is designed to give students an introduction to the Chinese culture. Topics such as: Chinese values and philosophy, social structure, language and literature, art and migration of Chinese will be covered. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Bus 71 ---- Human Relations in Organizations (3)

An action and goals oriented course designed to develop positive self-image and cooperative teamwork. Motivation, feelings and emotions are discussed with particular reference to on-the-job problems. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Econ 20 ---- Consumer Economics (3)

A consumer emphasis on money management for everyday living. Income, loans and savings home investment, personal expenditures, deductions, withholding taxes, and interest. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Econ 50 ---- Business Economics (3)

A one-semester course that provides general understanding of the functioning of economic systems, including monetary institutions, and policies, unemployment, inflation and other public issues.(3 lec. hrs.)

  Econ 120 ---- Principles of Economics (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102 and Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100

General understanding of the functioning of economic systems, including various approaches to the organization of production and allocation of resources and of policies to achieve national economic goals. These include determination of national income, inflation, recession, unemployment, taxation, labor unions, environmental pollution, energy and economic growth. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Econ 130 ---- Principles of Microeconomics. (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102 and Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100 and Math 25X or Placement in math 100

This course analyzes the market mechanism, prices, competition and the efficient allocation of scarce resources. Formulates possible solutions to contemporary economic and social issues such as world food problems, poverty and distribution of income, market power of business, including multinationals, role of labor unions, energy crises, environmental pollution, consumerism and welfare. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Econ 131 ---- Macroeconomics (3)

This course analyzes the forces determining national and inter-national economic performance in employment, inflation, production, money supply and trade. Presents in a historical context the modern economic situation. Describes relative roles of major economic institutions such as business, labor unions, government agencies, international organizations and the banks.  (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ed 105 ---- Introduction to Early Childhood (3)

Consists of the common core of knowledge that makes the field of early childhood a profession. Discusses the history of the field and early childhood models. Explores the teacher's style and roles. Introduces current issues and advocacy in early childhood. Gives students the opportunity to develop understanding about play and observation skills as they learn of the opportunities available to them in the field today. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ed 131 ---- Early Childhood Development: Theory to Practice 3)

Covers principles of development from conception through early childhood. Focuses on the interrelation of physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of the individual during this period and how this information of development affects one's expectations and relationship to the individual child. (3 lec. hrs.)

  FamR 230 ---- Human Development (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102

Concepts, issues, theories of human growth and development from conception to death. Focus on the interrelation of physical, cognitive and psycho-social development of the individual throughout the life span.(3 lec. hrs.)

  Geog 102 ---- World Regional Geography (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102

Survey of the world's major geographic regions with focus on the interrelationships between the physical and human elements of these regions. Geographic aspects of contemporary economic, social and political conditions will be studied as they relate to human use of and impact on the land and resources. (3 lec. hrs.)

  HwSt 221 ---- Hawaiian Culture in Transition (3)

The study of Hawaiian history and culture in transition from the annexation of Hawai'i and the overthrow of the monarchy to the present. (3 lec hrs.)

  HD 234 ---- Aging (3)

The emotional, physical and social processes of aging. (3 lec. hrs.)

  HSER 110 ---- Introduction to Human Services (3)

An overview of the field of human services including history, present and future perspectives, strategies of intervention, organization and delivery of services, issues and requirements for service givers and kinds of employment. Also, the course surveys selected human service agencies available within the local community, principle Hilo. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Law 30 ---- Business Law I (3)

PreReq: ESL 9 or Eng 20R or Eng 51 or placement in Eng 21

The origin and principles of our American legal system including the law of torts, criminal law and the basic court system; the basic principles of contracts, agency and employment, real property, personal property and insurance. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Mgt 20 ---- Introduction to Management (3)

PreReq: ESL 9 or Eng 20R or Eng 51 or placement in Eng 21

An introduction to the management process. Principle functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling are integrated with behavioral concepts. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Mgt 24 ---- Personnel Management Relations (3)

PreReq: ESL 9 or Eng 20R or Eng 51 or placement in Eng 21

To enhance the understanding of the supervisory process and the management of human resources. Focuses on supervisory position function, activities and topics for supervisors to understand and apply. (3 lec. hrs.)

          Phil 100—Introduction to Philosophy: Survey of Problems (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100 or placement in Eng 102

Major philosophers, methods, and issues in philosophy. Discussion of such problems as our knowledge of reality, the freedom of the will, the relations between the mind and body, morality, ethics, and the existence of God. (3 lec hrs.)

          Phil 101—Introduction to Philosophy: Morals and Society (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100 or placement in Eng 102

Examination of social and individual values, obligations, rights, and responsibilities. Application of classical ethical theories to contemporary moral issues. (3 lec hrs.)

          Phil 102—Introduction to Philosophy: Asian Traditions (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100 or placement in Eng 102

Universal themes and problems, methods and fields of Philosophy from the historical as well as positional perspectives of Asian traditions of Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Confusian and Shinto philosophical world views. (3 lec hrs.)

          Phil 110—Introduction to Logic (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100 or placement in Eng 102

Development of basic methods and techniques of analysis and an understanding of principles and concepts involved in critical thinking. Emphasis on logical validity, invalidity, deductive and inductive reasoning, fallacious arguments, Symbolic logic, Fuzzy logic, and the Scientific Method and the criteria of reasonable evidence. (3 lec hrs.)

          Phil 120—Science, Technology and Values (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100 or placement in Eng 102

Addresses the relationship between science, technology and human values with a focus on contemporary problems posed by developments in modern science. Discussion on modern results and historical development of astronomy, evolution and atomic theory. Understanding the impact of cognitive and other values on world views. (3 lec hrs.)

          Phil 200—History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (3)

PreReq: "C" or better in Eng 100

This course examines the historical development of philosophically significant movements, schools of thought, and founders from the ancient Greeks to the medieval philosophers. (3 lec hrs.)

          Phil 201—History of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy (3)

PreReq: "C" or better in Eng 100

This course examines the historical development of philosophically significant movements, schools of thought, and founders from the renaissance to the present. (3 lec hrs.)

  Phil 255 ----  Cosmology (3)

An interdisciplinary general survey of modern science and philosophy from the humanistic perspective. A scientific description of the Universe as a whole and the implication for human life will be studied. The primary philosophical problems of cosmology will be discussed along with the problem of understanding the world and our place in it, as well as, our knowledge of it as a part of the universe will be studied.

  PolS 110 ---- Introduction to Political Science (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102 and Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100

The nature of the State, basic forms of government and the theories of democracy, communism, fascism and other political ideologies. Roles of political parties and pressure groups; the nature of job opportunities and voting behavior; the character of modern public administration;' the pattern of contemporary international relations.(3 lec. hrs.)

  Soc 100 ---- Survey of General Sociology (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102

Survey of basic social relationships, social structures and processes. (May be applied toward Sociology major in UHH College of Arts and Sciences) (3 lec hrs.)

          Soc 208 ---- Criminology (3)

(Cross listed as AJ 208)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102

This course explores crime and the body of knowledge regarding it as a social phenomenon. An emphasis is placed on the analysis of crime, crime causation, crime variables impact on society and societal reactions to crime. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Soc 218 ---- Social Problems and Social Issues (3)

PreReq: Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100

An introduction to the major social problems and issues of contemporary society, including their nature, social causes and possible solutions. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Soc 251 ---- Introduction to Sociology of the Family. (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102 and Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100

Examines family patterns, mate selection, parent-child interaction, socialization of roles, legal issues and current trends in family organization and functions. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Soc 289 ---- Sociology of Knowledge (3)

PreReq: Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100

Recommended: Soc 100

The sociology of knowledge studies the connection between modes of consciousness and knowledge and social structure. This course examines how forms of consciousness like art, political ideologies, popular culture, religious beliefs and philosophy reflect a society's institutions. It reviews the historical processes by which society forms and is formed by ideas. (3 lec. hrs.)

  Soc 290 ---- Hawaii's People (3)

Sociologically-oriented approaches to create an awareness of individual cultural backgrounds and the culture of other ethnic grouops in Hawai1I and in the continental U.S. (May be applied toward Sociology major in UHH College of Arts and Sciences)  (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ssci 25 ---- Issues in Ecology (3)

PreReq:: Placement in Eng 21

This interdisciplinary course is concerned with developing a basic understanding and awareness of environmental issues and problems, their cause and solutions. Students explore social, economic and political aspects of issues such as pollution, population and resources.  (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ssci 45 ---- Urban Community (3)

The local community, its functions and its relationships to the island and state, nation and world. Technology, work, public policy and institutions will be examined. Field work.  (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ssci 60 ---- Family and Community (3)

Overview of family and community in our contemporary society. The course studies how to identify family and community issues, strategies and resources to address problem areas and how to develop skills, which strengthen families and responsible citizenry.  (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ssci 111 ---- Humanity, Society and Technology (3)

Humanity's existence in a changing society brought about by rapid technological advancements. Trends, current issues and future global alternatives for Man's survival.  (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ssci 150 ---- Ecology and Society (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102

This course will examine how the relationship between the individual and the natural environment is mediated through society. This will involve learning to identify systems of culture and political economy in terms of institutionalized relationships to nature. Students will develop a basic awareness of environmental issues and problems, their causes and solutions.  (3 lec. hrs.)

  Ssci 160 ---- Modes of Thought (3)

Cross-listed as Hum 160

Recommended Eng 21 or Eng 22

Literature-based Western tradition survey. Emphasis on intellectual history and the approaches to issues used in the humanities and social sciences. Values definition and clarification.  (3 lec. hrs.)

  WS 151 ---- Introduction to Women's Studies (3)

PreReq: Eng 21 or placement in Eng 102 and Eng 22 or ESL 15 or placement in Eng 100

This course will present an interdisciplinary examination of the evolving role, status and identity of women in a multicultural society. Emphisis will be given to patterns of social change and their effect on contemporary issues.  (3 lec. hrs.)


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