To be honest, I feel like our appreciation for the social sciences has severely diminished over the years. Maybe it is because some say, “It is a waste of time” or “When are we ever going to use this?” After three weeks at William Jewell College (WJC), it is important to remind ourselves that the choice to study a social science means something. A social science course or major is overlooked and seen as an option that has no real value. I can assure you that it has value. A social science degree is relevant to our everyday life.
For example, a student majoring in history is exposed to more than just dates and facts. He is exposed to and surrounded by a wealth of information on how we used to live and how we can better survive. There has been debate as to whether a history major should be classified as a humanities or social science major; one answer is that a history degree is both. The choice to study history is to experience how the past affects our future.
Another social science which resembles history is political science, the study of how governments operate. You learn everything about political parties, how candidates are elected and how our government has been shaped by the U.S Constitution. You experience history from a different perspective.
In these two majors, there is quite a bit of reading and writing, but it all has a purpose. When you learn more, you have the option to think critically and use your mind in different ways. Concerning the human mind, it is only fitting to discuss psychology. In studying psychology, you do not just learn about the mind. You learn more about yourself. You learn why some people may behave the way that they do, and what everyone needs to do to survive, according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. By studying the mind, you can learn more about yourself and your place in the world.
Concerning the world, we now move on to international relations, the study of social, political and economic relationships in respect to world politics. It is important to realize that there is more to life than just the boundaries of the United States. It is enlightening to study how other countries operate and govern themselves. It allows us the chance to open our minds and maybe if necessary, change what we are doing to further enrich our own country.
The last of the social sciences at WJC is economics, the study of the economy and our role in shaping what it can be. It is crucial to every country on Earth.
On a final note, have an open mind about what you should study. Whether it is history, political science, engineering, biology, English, religion, psychology or any other major at WJC, they all matter. As a history and political science major myself, I can guarantee that at WJC all majors have value.
