Authors: Dr. Lindsay Oram, NCMC Psychology Instructor, and Jenna Vandel, NCMC Criminal Justice Instructor
To meet the Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement at NCMC, many students will complete courses from the psychology or sociology department. Both areas focus on the study of human interactions so there is overlap. However, there are some distinct differences.
What is sociology and why do we study it? Many students enter with these questions. Sociology is the study of societies and how they impact and shape our individual lives. So why do we study societies? To better understand human behavior. Examining how societies function allows us to gain insights into the world as well as cultures other than our own. It provides increased social awareness and a deeper understanding of topics such as diversity, inequality, social change, and social policy. All professions from law enforcement to health care, can benefit from a general sociology course.
Have you ever stopped to wonder what causes someone to think a certain way or what causes you to act in the way that you do? Psychology analyzes human behavior on the individual level. Psychology looks at important questions such as why do people think and act the way they do? How do we learn and change throughout our lives? How does culture influence our behavior? What motivates us? How do we learn? What contributes to the development of psychological disorders? Studying psychology can provide a deeper understanding of the people around you, as well as yourself.
General Sociology is offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters. In addition to General Sociology, NCMC offers other courses from the Sociology Department including, Social Problems, People & Cultures of the World, and Introduction to Social work.
The Psychology Department offers General Psychology in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. There are also several upper-level psychology courses. Human Growth and Development is a popular choice for students interested in learning more about how humans develop across the lifespan. Child Psychology is a course that focuses on psychological basis of child growth and development. Social Psychology focuses on how individual behavior is impacted by societal influences. Abnormal Psychology discusses psychological disorders and treatments.
No matter which social sciences course a student selects, any course would help students develop critical thinking skills and provide a better understanding of the world around them. This allows us as individuals to examine social and global inequalities. In turn, students can become better informed citizens of the world and better prepared to make decisions that impact their communities and country.
If you have any questions about the psychology courses, please contact Dr. Lindsay Oram at [email protected]. For information regarding sociology courses at NCMC please contact Jenna Vandel at [email protected].
Photos: Dr. Lindsay Oram and Jenna Vandel