School of Social Sciences

Departments
Anthropology - is a discipline that examines human beings and their cultures. These cultures may be found at
the broadest levels of civilization, but also in more specific contexts such as among doctors, artists, computer
specialists, and elite decision makers. The Anthropology Department at Rice specializes in social and cultural
anthropology and archaeology. In social and cultural anthropology, students focus on the cultural roots of
reality in the study of elites, gender, art, science, and medicine. Archaeology allows students to explore human
prehistory through evidence of past human activities and excavations, notably in Africa. Anthropology offers
both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Economics - is the science which studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
At the heart of the discipline is the relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses.
The Economics Department at Rice specializes in microeconomic theory (how individuals make economic
decisions), macroeconomics (how society makes economic decisions), applied economics (in health, tax,
energy, labor, banking, finance), and econometrics (statistical theory and applications). Economics offers both
undergraduate and graduate programs, including a major in Mathematical Economic Analysis.

Political Science - is the science which studies the acquisition and application of power (the ability to impose
one's will even in the face of opposition from others). This study of power includes the nature of government,
international conflicts and organizations, political behavior, and public policies. The Department of Political
Science at Rice specializes in American politics (U.S. government, elections, and citizens’ behavior),
comparative politics (governments in other countries), and international relations (conflict and cooperation in
the world). Political Science offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Psychology - involves the scientific study of mental processes and human behavior. Psychologists study such
phenomena as perception, cognition, memory, language, emotion, personality, behavior, and interpersonal
relations. The Psychology Department at Rice specializes in cognition (perceiving, remembering, learning,
verbalizing), neuroscience (the mapping of patterns of the brain), human factors/human-computer interaction
(computer-based tasks and learning), industrial organization (human behavior at work), training (knowledge
acquisition), social psychology (attitudes and social interaction), and perception (sensory processes).
Psychology offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Sociology - is the academic study of society and human social interaction. It focuses on how and why people
are organized in society, either as individuals or as members of families, groups, associations, or institutions.
The Department of Sociology at Rice specializes in race and ethnic stratification (differences in income, health
care, and education based on race and ethnic background), gender (women’s groups and communication),
religion (its influence on individuals’ and elites’ decision making), health (access to care, differences in health
problems across groups, drug use) and demographic change (including migration and other population shifts
over time in the U.S. generally and Houston specifically). Sociology offers both undergraduate and
postdoctoral programs.

Interdisciplinary Programs
Cognitive Sciences- Researchers in this field which combines psychology, linguistics, and philosophy seek to
understand such mental phenomena as perception, thought, memory, the acquisition and use of language,
learning, concept formation, and consciousness. Some investigators focus on relationships between brain
structures and behavior, while others work with computer simulation and at more abstract levels.
Interdisciplinary Programs (continued)
Managerial Studies-This major in Managerial Studies is an interdepartmental, nonprofessional program
designed to provide undergraduates with an understanding of the environment in which businesses and other
organizations exist today. Tools employed by management in the commitment of its financial and human
resources are also studied.

Policy Studies -This interdisciplinary major focuses on policy issues that are of public interest. Students in
policy studies evaluate and analyze both the determinants and the effects of policy decisions, gaining an
understanding of the policy-making process and acquiring an intellectual base for policy-making skills. The
course of study addresses theoretical issues as well as applied and prescriptive policy questions. Areas of study
include: energy policy studies, environmental policy, government policy and management, health care
management, international affairs, law and justice, managerial and business policy, and urban and social
change.

Gateway - This program is designed to help students transition from the academic world to the real world. It
consists of three components: The first is course credit for participating in an internship; the second is an
international experience through Social Sciences International Ambassador Program; the third is a research
experience through SSURE (Social Sciences Undergraduate Research Enterprise). All three components allow
students to experience life outside the classroom and help students answer the question: What do I do with my
degree in social sciences?

Institutes and Centers

The Douglas S. Harlan Program in State Elections, Campaigns, and Politics- focuses on politics and policy
making in the American States.

The Hobby Center for the Study of Texas- seeks to advance the understanding of demographic, economic,
geographic, and social conditions in Texas and other states.

The Institute for Urban Research - engages in public outreach that advances understanding of pressing urban
issues and fosters the development of more humane and sustainable cities. In addition, the Institute is home to
the Houston Area Survey which, since 1982, has annually been tracking the continuities and changes in
demographic patterns, life experiences, attitudes, and beliefs among successive representative samples of
Harris County residents.

Shell Center for Sustainability - funds research on issues of economic and environmental sustainability—
continued economic growth guided by concerns on environmental hazards and limited natural resources. The
center also has the important function of fostering awareness of sustainability issues among our students by
providing opportunities to learn about how diverse elements of society may contribute to the sustainability of
our planet.
Social Sciences Research Institute (SSRI) - is a research funding entity for Rice social sciences faculty and
graduate students. It provides seed funds and other awards to promote cutting-edge research in the social
sciences.

http://socialsciences.rice.edu
713-348-4824