Social Sciences Division
Welcome to the Social Sciences Division. The programs in this division are committed to fostering an awareness of the importance of active civic engagement and responsibility, a value for diversity within the context of a rich and complex society, and a broad understanding of the social science methods that enable informed citizens to make educated choices. This value for the diverse richness and continuity of human society greatly contributes to a productive, fulfilling career and life experience.
Programs and Services
Building 400, Room 412, 1st floor
Dr. Robert "Bobby" Nakamoto
Dean
510.723.6669
rnakamoto@520v88.com
Ulyssa Rivas
Senior Administrative Assistant
510.723.6670
urivas@520v88.com
Areas of Study
Anthropology
Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity across time and space, concerned with human behavior, human biology, societies, and past human species. Learn about the complex human species by focusing on the linguistics, archaeology, biological, and sociocultural subfields.
Early Childhood Development
Young children need settings in which they can learn and explore in a nurturing and educationally rich environment, with teachers who understand how to foster their social, emotional and cognitive development. Discover how to become an Early Childhood Educator and create quality educational programs for young children.
Economics
Students learn techniques for analyzing contemporary economic problems and develop the ability to evaluate public policy issues. We seek to instill in students a broad understanding of the principles and methods of economics and their value in government and in the study of society.
Environmental Studies
Discover the multidisciplinary overview of relationships between humans and the physical world. Place emphasis on one of four approaches to the study of the environment: the social/behavioral environment, social issues and ethics, environment and human health, or the physical/ecological environment.
Ethnic Studies
Focus on the history, literature and cultures of African-Americans, Asian/Pacific Islander-Americans, Chicano-Latinos, Native Americans and Middle Eastern Americans. Emphasize on the praxis of resistance and liberation in order to eliminate all forms of injustice and oppression, especially along race and ethnicity.
Geography
Weave together the natural and social sciences with the main goal to explore spatial patterns in both the physical and human landscape. Explore the complex web of economic, political, historical and practical approaches to social and environmental issues.
History
Learn the importance of active civic engagement and responsibility, the value for diversity within the context of a rich and complex society, and the broad understanding of the social science method that enables informed citizens to make better choices. The program emphasizes a multicultural approach that seeks out the truth from a variety of perspectives.
Political Science
Establish a broad understanding of local, national, and international political systems and social scientific methods, active civic engagement, and heightened awareness of the complex and diverse global connections that define today's world.
Psychology
Learn the range and complexity of human behavior, and of the methods that have been used to study it. We also seek to inspire a value for diversity within the context of a rich and complex society.
Sociology
Sociology studies human interaction and society with emphasis on the impact of culture and social institutions on human behavior. In particular, sociology students learn how race, class, gender, and sexuality shape our everyday lives.