Humanities and Social Sciences Minors

Where do gender and sexuality fit among individual identity, social structures and global institutions? In this minor, students examine diverse perspectives on gender roles, sexual identities and societal norms and their economic, political and social influences to draw their own conclusions.

Integral to careers in human resources, psychology, healthcare and public policy, this knowledge base equips students to address contemporary challenges and promote equity in their industry and community.

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Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Ideas plant the seeds of discovery — but where do they come from? Often, these thoughts and motivations reflect the human condition and all intersecting factors, from history to the nuanced dynamics of society.

Students in this flexible minor chart unique paths through this field’s expansive scope. Their explorations shed light on the importance of identity, current social, political and environmental issues, and the impact and ethical considerations of technology, scientific discoveries and business operations.

Neither static nor isolated, culture shapes how people interact in professional and non-professional contexts. This amalgamation of identity, tradition and beliefs also infuses politics, economics, history, literature, the arts and shared value systems in varying degrees.

In this minor, the significance of culture gets assessed from multiple angles: how it’s acquired, its role in communication and everyday interactions, and the importance of building meaningful connections in a globalized society.

Contemplate and discuss why humans create and the processes resulting in transformative works of literature, film, visual art and drama. Complementing STEM, business and pre-professional majors, this minor helps foster crucial skills for an ever-changing job market, including critical thinking, communication and adaptability, and strengthens how students write and verbally express their ideas.

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Rarely a random spark, innovation arises from two society-spanning questions: “What needs to improve?” and “How do we do it?” In this minor, students learn about the forces and demands leading to various advancements, the ongoing roles science and technology play, and current challenges affecting research and implementation.

War is more than an outcome — it reflects strategy, tactics, cultural conflict and international relations. The war studies minor examines the impact of armed conflict on communities and economies and related political and historical considerations from the past to the present day.

As students develop a multidisciplinary view of one of humanity's most challenging issues, they learn to read, think and analyze critically, gaining skills that complement any field of study.

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This introduction to our world’s diverse cultures explores how people live, think and interact within their societies. From this foundation, students see how practices, economic systems, power structures and social organizations form, contemplate their own purpose and traditions, and grow into adept global citizens.

Learn More About the Anthropology Minor

Go beyond a linear, progressive string of dates and events to the attitudes, cultural shifts and societal changes molding our current world and propelling it forward.

Along with offering broad ancient, world, European and American viewpoints, Clarkson’s approach to history illustrates why our students are needed and the importance of what they’ll do, whether that’s environmental conservation, designing sustainable technologies or proposing healthcare policy.

You have a theory — now what? Getting your ideas out there is just the start. To engage and spur action, you need to present the what and how of your thought process and convey the significance of your discovery.

Whether defending science or the human condition, philosophers are masters of rhetoric, inquiry and reasoning — skills that make you a more convincing communicator, leader and problem-solver in any industry.

Understanding the structures that shape society and its laws serves you well in business, engineering, legal, healthcare and many more careers. Clarkson’s political science minor starts with an introduction to U.S. and global governing institutions, their practices and their rules before focusing on their role in policy development and legislation.

Why do people behave the way they do? Sociology pursues this question through research investigating outside and internal factors — among them, identity, politics and group dynamics — and how they sway behaviors and decisions.