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Social Sciences Interdisciplinary : Courses
ASI 100 University Honors Seminars
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Restricted to students in the University Honors College; offered under specific titles that vary from semester to semester. Usually satisfies general education requirements, as well as honors requirements.
ASI 200 University Honors Seminar
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Restricted to students in the University Honors College; offered under specific titles that vary from semester to semester. Usually satisfies general education requirements, as well as honors requirements.
ASI 300 University Honors Seminar
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Restricted to students in the University Honors College; offered under specific titles that vary from semester to semester. Usually satisfies general education requirements, as well as honors requirements.
ASI 400 University Honors Seminar
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Restricted to students in the University Honors College; offered under specific titles that vary from semester to semester. Usually satisfies general education requirements, as well as honors requirements.
ASI 401 Arts and Sciences Interdisciplinary Community-Linked Research
Credits: 4Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LAB
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Provides research experience for undergraduates through participation in a large collaborative research project that has links to the community. A group of UB faculty and members of the community are involved in the research with the students.
SSC 100 Careers in Human Services
Credits: 1Semester(s): F
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Explores the range of professional and graduate school opportunities in human services and related fields.
SSC 103 Introduction to Health and Human Services
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies the health and human service system in the United States and locally, as it has been affected by history, changing values, and changes in the economic and political environment. Particularly emphasizes the gerontological, childhood, and community mental health service systems.
SSC 118 Introduction to Environmental Studies
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Involves an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues. Explores ecological concepts, human environment, air and water pollution, pesticides, solid waste handling, mineral and energy resources, the nuclear fuel cycle, population and food resources, and environmental control.
SSC 209 Case Management
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
An applied skills course for the delivery of human services. Considers the roles and functions of case management and various vulnerable client groups as target populations. Involves analyzing cases for client needs and comprehensive service planning. Practice competency, quality of care, and ethical standards are major concerns of the course. Small group activities and community-based interviews are important student learning experiences.
SSC 210 Skill Development in Human Service
Credits: 3Semester(s): F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Introduces specific techniques and skills employed in human services careers.
SSC 213 Social Research Methods
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Introduces procedures by which social scientists gather, analyze, and interpret information about the social world. Particularly emphasizes the use of campus-based resources for social service research.
SSC 218 Issues in Mental Health
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Identifies community mental health service components and explores trends and issues in the delivery of mental health services.
SSC 221 Writing in the Law
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines the legal writing process. Introduces students to the unique organization and structure of the law library, traditional as well as electronic. Requires group research and individual writing assignments.
SSC 225 Statistics for Social Sciences
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Provides a foundation in statistical techniques for interpreting quantitative social data, including binomial and normal distributions, the Chi-Square test, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.
SSC 238 Science, Religion, and Nature
Credits: 3Semester(s): F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
An environmental philosophy course that explores the impact of religion and science upon our perceptions of nature. Involves diverse studies in the areas of mythology, Eastern traditions, Western mysticism, Shamanism, the Gaia hypothesis, and environmental issues. Also includes a weekend workshop focused upon nature attunement, survival skills, and ecological studies.
SSC 305 Applied Child Development and Learning
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Integrates theory and current research with practical aspects of child rearing and family health. Explores developmental processes and behavior of young children as individuals and in group settings.
SSC 315 Field Ecology
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
A field-oriented course that explores the ecology of diverse ecosystems. Classes are conducted both on and off campus, and focus on interpretive experiences in the areas of botany, zoology, geology, herbology, ornithology, and general ecology.
SSC 317 Environmental Politics
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Focuses on the relationship between environmental problems and the political process. Explores definitions of an environmentally sustainable society. Then we attempt to answer the question of "how to get there from here." This involves developing a theory of social change by examining a number of case studies. We study local environmental controversies from a political perspective through firsthand involvement or guest speakers. We also look at national environmental conflicts, such as the backlash against mainstream environmentalism created by the "Wise Use" movement and contemporary political forces championing property rights and states' rights.
SSC 320 Issues in Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Explores causation, prevention, advocacy, housing, education, employment, and community services. Defines career opportunities in this area.
SSC 326 Great Lakes Ecology
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The Great Lakes hold nearly 20% of all the available fresh water on the planet. They provide drinking water, hydroelectricity, and both economic and recreational opportunities to millions who live around their shores. This class provides an understanding of the Great Lakes, from their formation to the important role they play in the political and ecological systems of North America. Focuses on historical and ecological aspects, as well as current political and policy issues surrounding the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence ecosystem. Students learn about the geology, biota, ecology, management, and social and political aspects of the Great Lakes, especially the lower lakes (Erie and Ontario). The course uses a multi-faceted ecosystem approach to diverse topics involved with understanding these complex ecological systems.
SSC 337 Social-Ethical Values in Medicine
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Applies ethical theories to analysis of important moral problems in health care and medicine. Same as PHI 337.
SSC 343 Violence and the Family
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Addresses issues in violence and violence prevention with sections on theoretical definitions and historical context. Topics include the social context of violent behavior in families, child abuse and neglect, abusive parenting, violence against women, abuse of the elderly, violence in communities of color, and the media's influence on the development of antisocial behavior. Explores special problems of child protection services and the justice system's approach toward domestic violence.
SSC 360 Environmental Impact Statements
Credits: 3Semester(s): F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Examines the preparation of environmental impact statements (EIS) in response to federal and state requirements. Explores the mechanics of preparing and evaluating the EIS, as well as considering alternative courses of action.
SSC 363 The Aging Process
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Introduces the aging process. Explores physiological and clinical aspects.
SSC 365 The Family Process
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Considers the family: What is it? How does it work? How does it fail to work? Provides both United States and cross-cultural perspectives. Explores the theoretical foundation of family therapies.
SSC 385 Energy, Environment, and Society
Credits: 3Semester(s): F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Focuses on the relationship between energy use and the associated impact on the environment and society. Explores our dependence upon traditional energy resources such as oil, coal, nuclear and natural gas as well as renewable energy resources such as geothermal, wind, solar, etc. Examines solutions to the difficult process of changing current energy consumption trends.
SSC 390 Human Services Administration
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Examines the practical aspects of managing a human services organization. Discusses the basic functions of management, including planning, budgeting, personnel, and organizational development. Presents these themes around such functions as team management, the consumer as customer, innovation, and creativity in attaining excellence.
SSC 391 Cognitive Science Colloquium
Credits: 1Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Acquaints students with ongoing research in the range of disciplines affiliated with cognitive science. Primarily requires attendance at the weekly colloquium and symposium series of the Center for Cognitive Science. Requires students to read any relevant literature that has been publicly announced prior to the upcoming colloquium or symposium.
SSC 406 Law and the Environment
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies statutory and case law relating to pollution control, natural resources management, government regulation of land use, and the process and logic of decision making in governmental and legal institutions.
SSC 407 Health Care and the Elderly
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Provides students an opportunity to explore relevant issues in dealing with an elderly population in the health-care arena. Special focus on the frail elderly and aged with chronic medical conditions. Points of interest include incapacitaion, consents, confidentiality, ancillary and other services, rites of passage, the health-care team, managing the difficult patient, lethality assessments, family/professional relationships, health-care settings and intercultural communication.
SSC 414 Grant Writing for Non-Profits
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: ENG 102 or ENG 201 unless exempted
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Prepares student in human services, environmental studies, and urban and public policy for grant development. Overview of fundraising among non-profits, development of grant-writing strategies, and how to research and create grant proposals in a competitive market. Extensive proposal writing and composition. Integrated with current, ongoing internships if students simultaneously pursue a practicum in Health and Human Service (SSC 496) or and Environmental Internship (SSC 496). Students not pursuing a practicum or internship will adopt and research a non-profit organization appropriate to their field of study.
SSC 419 Wilderness
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Focuses on wilderness and biocentrism. Explores the idea of wilderness along three pathways. Part 1 deals with the history of biological wilderness and philosophical wilderness from Spinoza to Leopold to Snyder. Part 2 covers biological and other wilderness qualities. Part 3 examines the social movements related to wilderness and biocentrism. Also explores environmental ethics and morals. Investigates proposals for wilderness restoration, preservation, and expansion. A close examination of indigenous cultures' wilderness beliefs accompanies our study.
SSC 420 Child Mental Health
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Examines the human service system as it affects the mental health needs of children; also addresses specific needs of special groups.
SSC 428 Legal Issues in Human Services
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Explores legal aspects of human services focusing on the constitutional right to privacy, the right to die, involuntary hospitalization and treatment of the mentally disabled, and entitlements. Covers family law, the rights of the elderly and the disabled, and laws concerned with special education.
SSC 431 Topics in Human Services
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Allows students to explore up-to-date information and current debates in their chosen field. Topic titles and offerings vary from semester to semester. Students should check with the Office of Interdisciplinary Degree Programs to determine how the course may be used to fulfill major requirements.
SSC 432 Topics in Legal Studies
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Allows students to explore up-to-date information and current debates in their chosen field. Topic titles and offerings vary from semester to semester. Students should check with the Office of Interdisciplinary Degree Programs to determine how the course may be used to fulfill major requirements.
SSC 433 Topics in Environmental Studies
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Allows students to explore up-to-date information and current debates in their chosen field. Topic titles and offerings vary from semester to semester. Students should check with the Office of Interdisciplinary Degree Programs to determine how the course may be used to fulfill major requirements.
SSC 434 Topics in Urban and Public Policy
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Allows students to explore up-to-date information and current debates in their chosen field. Topic titles and offerings vary from semester to semester. Students should check with the Office of Interdisciplinary Degree Programs to determine how the course may be used to fulfill major requirements.
SSC 441 Wildlife and Wildlands Management
Credits: 4 / 0Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: SSC 118, SSC 315
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC/LAB
Wildlife and Wildlands Management will focus on the application of ecological principles to studying and managing wildlife populations with emphasis on habitat management. This course serves as an introduction to wildlife ecology and management and focuses on the wildlife of North America. The course begins with a brief examination of the history of wildlife management and wildlife policy in North America. The majority of the class will focus on important wildlife species, wildlife ecology, population biology, and other subjects of importance to wildlife management. Special problems such as endangered species preservation, genetic diversity conservation, predator management, control of nuisance and alien species, and other non-game species will be covered. We will discuss case histories and current issues of wildlife management on public and private lands. Science, of which wildlife conservation is a part, allows us to understand how living systems functon. This knowledge further allows us to determine our role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. We also consider the attitudes of humans toward wildlife and their demands and impacts on North America's wildlife resources. The lab focuses on the technical applications, outdoor components and management techniques related to the field.
SSC 442 Environmental Movements
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Type: SEM
Provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental movement in the United States. Rather than focusing on whether the protection of the environment is "right" or "wrong" the course critically examines the past, present and future of the environmental movement including Conservation, Preservation, Deep Ecology, Environmental Justice, Ecofeminism and Ecotheology. The course will examine the methods used by grassroots, environmental organizations. Throughout the course what is discussed will be applied to several local environmental concerns.
SSC 448 Animals, Zoos, and Ecology
Credits: 3Semester(s): F
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Held at the Buffalo Zoo.
Introduces the study of animal behavior. Explores natural behaviors and the factors affecting those behaviors by covering such topics as the evolution of behavior, the nervous and endocrine systems, biological rhythms, social systems, reproductive behavior, and more. Course participants examine and understand animal behavior through lectures, readings, short projects, and direct observation of the animal populations on zoo grounds.
SSC 479 Environmental Education Fieldstudies
Credits: 3Semester(s): Su
Prerequisites: SSC 315
Corequisites: None
Type: LAB
A one-week field-based course involving a teacher training program in the areas of field ecology, environmental analysis, and conservation biology. Students participate in both lecture and laboratory experiences designed to train them as field ecologists as well as environmental educators. Conducted in residence at the Woodlands Environmental Education Center. Linked to internship opportunities; see SSC 496 for information.
SSC 493 Ecology of Unique Environments
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp Su
Prerequisites: SSC 315
Corequisites: None
Type: LAB
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Involves a week-long field ecology intensive at unique and threatened environments throughout the United States. Participants attend a wide variety of interpretive programs regarding the history, ecology, and politics of these environments. The IDP office announces potential expeditions for January and/or July/August.
SSC 496 Internship
Credits: 1 - 6Semester(s): F Sp Su
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Community internship, health and human services internship, or environmental studies internship. See the appropriate SSC advisor for details. A special section of this course is offered during summer session as the second semester practicum to SSC 479 Environmental Education Practicum.
SSC 499 Independent Study
Credits: 1 - 4Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Various instructors offer independent study. Check with the Office of Interdisciplinary Degree Programs each semester.
Last updated: Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008 15:43:11 EDT