Courses in this category emphasize the connection between human behavior and social, political, and economic institutions, and they promote an understanding of how societies and social subgroups operate. Students are encouraged to apply critical thinking techniques as they evaluate the way individuals act and have acted in response to their societies. The courses ensure opportunities for students to develop and communicate an understanding of the perspectives and methods of inquiry used in the social and behavioral sciences. This area of emphasis provides students with lower-division major preparation for many disciplines within the social sciences, including criminal justice, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, and history. Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to develop communication, critical thinking, and intellectual skills that effectively prepare him/her for lifelong learning and for advanced study in a wide range of majors at the university level.