Introduction to social Sciences:

Lecture ( Week 1)

Social sciences are all about studying people and the societies they create.
It's like putting on a detective hat to explore the mysteries of human behavior,
relationships, and societies. There are many different areas in social sciences, each
focusing on different parts of what it means to be human and how we live together.

One big part of social sciences is understanding how people behave and why they
do what they do. We look at things like why we make certain choices, how we
interact with others, and what makes us happy or sad. This helps us understand
ourselves and each other better.

Another important part is looking at the societies we live in. We study things like
how communities are organized, why some people have more power or money
than others, and how cultures and traditions shape our lives. By understanding
these things, we can work towards making our communities fairer and more
inclusive for everyone.

Social sciences also help us tackle big issues like poverty, inequality, and climate
change. By studying these problems and their causes, we can come up with
solutions to make the world a better place for everyone.

Overall, social sciences help us understand the world we live in and how we can
make it a better place for ourselves and future generations. It's like a roadmap for
navigating the complexities of human life and society.
What is human behavior?
Lecture (Week 2)
Human behavior is about how people act and react to things around them. It's a
mix of how we're born, how we grow up, what we learn, and the world we live in.
People do all sorts of things, like being nice or not nice, following rules or not
following them. Our behaviors help us stay alive, feel comfortable, and be happy,
but sometimes they're confusing or hard to guess. We're guided by natural
instincts that have been around for a long time, and by what society wants from
us.

We're also good at understanding how others feel and working together. This
helps us make groups and friendships. But sometimes, it also causes fights.
Scientists study human behavior to understand why we do what we do. They
watch how people act, do tests, and think about our brains. Understanding
human behavior helps us understand ourselves better and teaches us how to be
nicer and more understanding to others. It's like solving a puzzle about how
people think, helping us see the world from different angles. By learning about
human behavior, we can make the world better for everyone
What is Society?
Lecture (Week 3)
Society is like a big group of people who live together in communities. It's made
up of families, friends, neighbors, and people we might not know personally but
who live around us. In society, people follow rules and norms that help everyone
get along. These rules can be about how to behave, how to share resources like
food and water, and how to solve problems peacefully.
In society, people work together to meet their needs. They trade goods and
services, like buying food from a grocery store or getting help from a doctor when
they're sick. Society also provides things like schools, hospitals, and roads to make
life easier for everyone.
People in society have different roles and jobs. Some people work to make things,
like farmers who grow food or factory workers who make clothes. Others work in
jobs that help keep society running smoothly, like teachers who educate children
or police officers who keep everyone safe.
Society is also about relationships. People form friendships, families, and
communities where they support and care for each other. They celebrate
together in good times and help each other through tough times.
Overall, society is like a big team where everyone plays a part in making life better
for themselves and for others.
History of Social Sciences:
Lecture (Week 4)
Social sciences have been around for a long time, going back to ancient times
when people watched and wrote down how others behaved, how societies were
structured, and what customs they had. Early thinkers like Confucius, Aristotle,
and Plato thought about society, politics, and people's nature. They laid the
groundwork for later social science studies.

In Europe during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, scholars started using more
organized and hands-on methods to study society and how people acted. This led
to the birth of subjects like sociology, anthropology, psychology, and economics,
which were big steps forward.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, thinkers like Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile
Durkheim made important discoveries about how societies worked, including
things like class differences and the effects of factories.
Main Objectives of the Social Sciences:

Lecture (Week 5)

The main objectives of social sciences are to understand human behavior, societies,
and cultures, as well as to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
Social sciences aim to explore and explain the complexities of human interactions,
institutions, and structures that shape our lives.

One key objective is to gain insights into why people think, feel, and act the way
they do. By studying psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other social
science disciplines, researchers seek to uncover the underlying reasons for human
behavior across various contexts.

Another objective is to analyze and understand the functioning of societies and

their institutions. Social scientists examine topics such as economics, politics, and
law to comprehend how societies are organized, how power dynamics operate, and
how resources are distributed.

Furthermore, social sciences strive to address societal challenges and promote

positive change. Researchers aim to identify and mitigate social problems such as
poverty, inequality, discrimination, and environmental degradation. They also
work towards developing policies and interventions to enhance social justice,
equity, and overall well-being.

In essence, the main objectives of social sciences revolve around understanding

human behavior, society, and culture, and using this knowledge to foster individual
and collective welfare and progress.
Principles of Social Sciences:
Lecture (Week 6)
Social sciences are all about understanding how people behave, how societies
work, and what cultures are like. Different subjects in social sciences, like
sociology or psychology, follow some important rules:

Watching and Collecting Data: Social scientists watch people and collect
information to study how they act and how societies function. They might use
things like surveys or interviews to gather this info.

Being Fair: Social scientists try to be fair and not let their own opinions affect
their research. They want their findings to be accurate and reliable.

Making Theories: Social sciences come up with ideas or theories to explain why
people do certain things or why societies work the way they do. These theories
help researchers understand and study social issues better.

Being Organized: Social scientists have a methodical way of doing things. They
plan out their studies carefully, gather data, and then analyze it to draw
conclusions. This helps make sure their research is reliable.

Looking at Different Subjects: Social sciences often mix ideas from different
fields to understand complex problems better. For example, they might use
psychology and economics together to study how people make financial decisions.

Being Ethical: Social scientists have to follow ethical rules in their research. This
means getting permission from people they study, keeping their information
private, and making sure their research doesn't harm anyone.
Always Learning: Social sciences are always changing. Researchers keep
updating their theories and methods to keep up with new information and changes
in society.
Relations of Social Sciences with other subjects:

Lecture (Week 7)

The social sciences cover many subjects that look at how people behave, societies
work, and how they interact with each other. Here are some of the main ones:

Sociology: Sociology looks at human society, how it's organized, and how people
relate to each other. They study things like why some people have more money or
power than others, how families work, and how cultures change.

Psychology: Psychology is all about the mind and behavior. Psychologists try to
understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do. They study things like
how our brains work, why we feel emotions, and how we grow and change over
time.

Anthropology: Anthropology explores different human cultures and societies.

They look at how people live in different places and times, including their
traditions, languages, and how they adapt to their environments.

Economics: Economics studies how people use resources to get what they want
and need. Economists look at things like how markets work, why prices go up or
down, and how governments make decisions about money and policies.

Political Science: Political science looks at how governments and politics work.
They study topics like different forms of government, how people vote, and how
countries interact with each other.
Geography: Geography focuses on how people and places are connected.
Geographers study things like landforms, climates, and how people use and change
the environment.

Communication Studies: Communication studies look at how people talk, write,

and share information. They study things like how language works, how media
influences us, and how organizations communicate.

These subjects often mix together, helping us understand all the different parts of
human societies and what shapes them.
What is Antropology?

Lecture (Week 8)

Anthropology is the study of humans and their cultures, societies, and behaviors
throughout history and across the world. It explores what makes us human by
looking at our biology, our cultural practices, and how we interact with each other
and our environment.

There are four main branches of anthropology:

Cultural Anthropology: Cultural anthropologists study how people live and what
they believe in different societies. They look at things like family structures,
rituals, traditions, and customs to understand the diversity of human cultures.

Physical or Biological Anthropology: Physical anthropologists study the biological

aspects of humans, such as our evolution, genetics, and physical traits. They
investigate things like human origins, the development of different traits, and how
humans adapt to different environments.

Linguistic Anthropology: Linguistic anthropologists study how language shapes

culture and society. They examine how languages develop, change over time, and
influence social interactions and identities within communities.

Archaeology: Archaeologists study past human societies through material remains

like artifacts, buildings, and ancient settlements. They uncover clues about how
people lived in the past, their technologies, social structures, and interactions with
their environments.
Anthropologists conduct research through various methods, including participant
observation, interviews, surveys, and archaeological excavations. Their findings
help us understand the diversity of human experiences, how societies change over
time, and the interconnectedness of cultures across the globe. Anthropology
contributes to promoting cross-cultural understanding, addressing social issues,
and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
What is psychology?

Lecture (Week 9)

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. It explores how people think,
feel, and act in different situations. Psychologists investigate various aspects of
human behavior, such as emotions, thoughts, motivations, and relationships.

There are several branches of psychology:

Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists focus on diagnosing and treating

mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They use
therapy and counseling to help people overcome psychological challenges.

Cognitive Psychology: Cognitive psychologists study how people think, learn, and
remember information. They explore topics like memory, problem-solving,
decision-making, and language.

Developmental Psychology: Developmental psychologists examine how people

grow and change throughout their lives, from infancy to old age. They study
factors that influence development, such as genetics, parenting, and social
interactions.

Social Psychology: Social psychologists investigate how people's thoughts,

feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others. They study topics like
conformity, prejudice, attraction, and group dynamics.

Psychologists use various research methods, including experiments, surveys, and

observations, to understand human behavior and mental processes. Their findings
help improve our understanding of ourselves, contribute to mental health
treatment, and inform interventions to enhance well-being
What is sociology?
Lecture (Week 10)
Sociology is the study of society and human behavior within it. It examines how
people interact with each other, how societies are organized, and how they change
over time. Sociologists study a wide range of topics, from family dynamics to
global social movements, to understand the complexities of human social life.

One important aspect of sociology is the exploration of social structures. These are
the patterns of relationships, institutions, and norms that shape how people live
together. For example, sociologists might study how social class, race, or gender
affect people's opportunities and experiences.

Another key focus of sociology is social change. Sociologists investigate how

societies evolve over time and the factors that drive these changes. They might
examine shifts in technology, politics, or cultural values to understand their impact
on society.

Sociology also looks at social problems and inequalities. Sociologists study issues
like poverty, racism, and gender discrimination to understand their causes and
consequences. By analyzing these problems, sociologists seek to develop solutions
to create a more just and equitable society.

Overall, sociology helps us understand the world we live in and our place within it.
It provides insights into how societies function, why people behave the way they
do, and how we can work towards building a better and more inclusive world for
everyone
What is Geography?

Lecture (Week 11)

Geography is about studying the Earth and how people live on it. It looks at things
like mountains, rivers, weather, and where people build cities. There are two main
parts:

Nature Geography: This is about nature, like mountains, weather, and animals. It
looks at how these things affect people and the environment.

Human Geography: This is about people and how they live. It looks at things like
where people live, why they live there, and how they use resources.

Geography uses tools like maps, pictures from space, and computers to learn about
the world. By studying geography, we can understand different places, how they're
changing, and how to take care of them better
What is economics?

Lecture (Week 12)

Economics is all about how people use their resources to get what they need and
want. It's like a big puzzle where we try to figure out how to make the best choices
with what we have.

There are two main parts to economics:

Making Stuff: This part is about how we produce things like food, clothes, and
cars. We look at different ways to make stuff efficiently and how to decide what to
make.

Buying and Selling: This is about how we exchange goods and services. It's like
playing a game of give and take, where we use money to buy things we need or
want.

Economics helps us understand why prices go up or down, why some people have
more money than others, and how to make smart decisions about spending and
saving. By studying economics, we learn how to manage our money better and
how to make our communities and the world a better place for everyone
Importance of studying social science in our life

Lecture (Week 13)

Studying social science is important because it helps us understand the world we

live in and how people interact with each other. It teaches us about different
cultures, societies, and how they function. By learning social science, we can
understand why people behave the way they do, which can help us make better
decisions in our personal and professional lives.

Social science also helps us tackle important issues like poverty, inequality, and
discrimination. It gives us the tools to analyze these problems and come up with
solutions to make our society better for everyone.

Moreover, studying social science helps us develop critical thinking and problem-
solving skills. We learn how to gather and analyze data, evaluate evidence, and
make informed judgments about complex issues.

Overall, social science is important because it empowers us to understand and

address the challenges facing our world, while also helping us become more
knowledgeable, empathetic, and responsible members of society.

In the 1900s, social sciences grew even more, with new ways to research and
understand different ideas. This was also a time of big social movements, like
fights for civil rights and gender equality, which made social scientists study these
issues more.

Today, social sciences are still growing and changing. We use new technologies
and methods to study complicated social problems and make the world a better
place. The history of social sciences shows how humans have always wanted to
learn more about themselves, their communities, and the world work.
What is the impact of social sciences on Human lives?

Lecture (Week 14)

Social sciences significantly impact human lives by enhancing our understanding

of ourselves and the world. For instance, psychology delves into why we
experience certain emotions or behave in specific ways, while sociology elucidates
how societies are organized and why people interact as they do.

Moreover, social sciences play a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges. By

examining issues such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality, social scientists
develop solutions to foster more equitable and inclusive communities. They also
assist governments in formulating effective policies through evidence-based
recommendations.

Furthermore, social sciences contribute to personal growth by nurturing critical

thinking, empathy, and the ability to appreciate diverse viewpoints. These skills are
crucial for navigating a complex and interconnected global society.

Overall, social sciences serve as indispensable tools for understanding ourselves,

resolving societal issues, and advancing personal development. They empower
individuals and communities to enact positive changes, thereby shaping a more
informed, equitable, and harmonious world for present and future generations

Main Branches of Social Science:

Social science is split into different parts, each looking at different things about
how people act, societies work, and cultures exist.
Sociology: Sociology looks at how people interact in groups and how societies are
set up. It checks things like how societies are organized, how fair they are, and
how they change over time.

Psychology: Psychology studies how people think and act. It explores topics like
feelings, thoughts, and how the mind works.

Anthropology: Anthropology checks out how people live in different societies,

now and in the past. It covers stuff like different cultures, family ties, rituals, and
how humans have evolved.

Economics: Economics looks at how societies use their resources to get what they
need and want. It deals with things like making stuff, buying stuff, sharing stuff,
and how money works.

Political Science: Political science looks at how governments and politics work. It
studies stuff like who has power, how decisions are made, and how countries
interact with each other.

Geography: Geography studies the Earth's surface and how humans interact with it.
It covers things like different landscapes, where people live, how cities grow, and
environmental problems.

History: History looks at the past to understand how we got to where we are today.
It covers events, societies, and how things have changed over time.

Each part of social science helps us understand different things about ourselves and
the world we live in
Role of behavior in social sciences:

Lecture (Week 15)

In social sciences, how people behave is super important for figuring out how
individuals and groups work. Here's why behavior matters in simple words:

Understanding People: Behavior helps social scientists get why people act, think,
and feel the way they do. By watching how people act, researchers can learn about
things like what makes someone who they are, why they do what they do, and how
they make choices.

Figuring Out How People Interact: Behavior tells us a lot about how people get
along in groups, like families or communities. It helps us see why people team up,
argue, talk, and follow rules.

Guessing and Changing Behavior: Social scientists use what they know about
behavior to guess how people will react in different situations. This helps them
come up with good plans to change behavior, like making ads to promote healthy
habits or creating rules to keep everyone safe.

Spotting Patterns: By looking at how people act over time, social scientists can see
patterns in behavior. This helps them figure out why things happen the way they do
and what might happen next.

Making Rules and Decisions: Understanding behavior helps make rules and plans
that make life better for everyone. For example, knowing how people buy things
helps stores plan what to sell, and understanding how people vote helps
governments make fair rules for elections.
Changing Society for the Better: Social scientists study behavior to find where
things need to change to make life fairer and better for everyone. They work to
spread knowledge, push for fairness, and make rules that help everyone.

In short, behavior is really important in social sciences because it helps us

understand people, how they act together, and what we can do to make life better
for everyone
How the social sciences affect the society?

Lecture (Week 16)

Social sciences have a big impact on society in various ways. First, they help us
understand how societies work, why people act the way they do, and how cultures
evolve. This understanding helps us make better decisions in our personal lives and
in running organizations or governments.

Second, social sciences address societal issues like poverty, discrimination, and
inequality. By studying these issues, social scientists can propose solutions and
policies to improve society's well-being and ensure fairness for everyone.

Third, social sciences contribute to technological and economic advancements.

They inform business strategies, marketing techniques, and economic policies,
leading to innovation and growth.

Moreover, social sciences promote social change by raising awareness about social
injustices and advocating for marginalized communities. They empower
individuals and groups to challenge unjust systems and work towards a more
equitable society.

Overall, social sciences play a crucial role in shaping society by providing

knowledge, insights, and tools to address challenges, foster progress, and promote
social justice and well-being for all.

How the society environment change by the social sciences?

Social sciences play a significant role in shaping and changing the societal
environment in several ways:
Policy Development: Social sciences inform the development of policies and
regulations by providing insights into societal issues. For example, research in
sociology or economics might reveal patterns of inequality or inefficiencies in
current systems, prompting policymakers to implement changes for the betterment
of society.

Social Awareness and Advocacy: Through research and education, social sciences
raise awareness about social injustices, inequalities, and human rights violations.
This awareness often leads to advocacy efforts and social movements aimed at
addressing these issues and bringing about positive change.

Behavioral Change and Intervention: Social sciences study human behavior and
decision-making processes, which can inform interventions aimed at promoting
healthier behaviors, reducing social conflicts, or increasing civic engagement. For
instance, psychology research might inform strategies for smoking cessation or
reducing prejudice and discrimination.

Cultural Understanding and Respect: Anthropological and sociological research

helps foster cultural understanding and respect by studying different cultural
practices, beliefs, and traditions. This understanding can promote tolerance,
diversity, and inclusivity within society.

Economic Development and Innovation: Social sciences, particularly economics,

provide insights into economic systems, consumer behavior, and market trends,
which can drive economic development and innovation. Understanding economic
principles helps societies make informed decisions about resource allocation,
investment, and growth strategies.
Overall, social sciences contribute to creating a more informed, equitable, and
harmonious societal environment by addressing social issues, promoting awareness
and advocacy, fostering behavioral change, fostering cultural understanding, and
driving economic development and innovation