Concentration Requirements
Social Studies 10
Social Studies 98
Thematic Courses
Social Studies 99
Economics
Statistics & Quantitative Reasoning
Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Related Courses
Senior Oral Examinations
Courses that Automatically Count in Social Studies
Social Studies is a very special undergraduate concentration in Harvard College . For four decades it has brought together outstanding teachers and intellectually engaged students who shared not only the fascination with social science research and theory but also the concerns about pressing social, political, and economic problems and challenges facing contemporary societies.
Social Studies has always been an intellectually open space where competing theoretical approaches, methodologies, and styles of research flourished. Despite this enriching diversity, there has been an underlying philosophy that provided coherence and unity to our program. From our “founding fathers” we inherited the belief that rigorous social science inquiry must combine the efforts to cross and expand narrow disciplinary boundaries. It also must be based on broad understanding of classic and contemporary social theory and on the intimate knowledge of history and culture of places we study. We also believe that there is no value-free social science. The best works and research in the social sciences have always been motivated by the pursuit of social justice and human freedom.
We invite you to join this unique intellectual enterprise and become members of the community of distinguished scholars, devoted teachers, and superb students. We set our standards and expectations very high both for ourselves and for you. If you are ready for a serious intellectual challenge and hard work this is the place for you. Welcome to Social Studies.
--Richard Tuck, Department Chair