Social Sciences

Studies of human society and of individual relationships in and to society.

Sub-headings:

Anthropology

Study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of human beings.

Archaeology

The systematic recovery and study of material evidence, such as graves, buildings, and tools, remaining from past human lives and cultures.

Social Customs, Traditions, and Folklore

Traditions are used by societies all over the world to pass on cultural knowledge. They can be oral traditions and stories, social manners and etiquette, ceremonies and holidays, or material traditions.

Education

Schooling and instruction, the provision of knowledge or training in a particular area or for a particular purpose.

Ethnicity, Culture, and Race

Of or relating to sizable groups of people sharing a common and distinctive racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage.

Gender & Sexuality

Sexual identity, especially in relation to society or culture; matters involving or characteristic of sex, sexuality, or the sexes.

Geography

Information on the earth, its features, the distribution of life, and political boundaries.

History

The telling, generally chronological, of human events, usually including an explicit interpretation of those events.

History of Social Sciences

Links to study the global movement of people groups, cultures, customs, and ideas.

People by Age Group

Resources for and about people grouped by age into children and youth, teens, Gen X, adults and seniors.

Political Science

The art or science of governing, especially of a political entity, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs.

Psychology

The science that deals with human mental processes and behavior.

Social Issues and Social Welfare

The relationship and responsibilities of societies, especially political entities, to their members.

Social Sciences Blogs

Social Sciences News

News and journal articles and abstracts about the Social Sciences.

Sociology

The study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society.

Resources in this category:

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences
http://www.amacad.org/

Founded during the American Revolution by prominent individuals who wanted to establish the philosophical foundations of the new nation's government and institutions, The American Academy of Arts and Sciences sees as its mission the development of intellectual thought as an avenue of promoting public interest and social progress. It is a learned elite society whose purpose is to honor those who distinguish themselves in science, scholarship, and public affairs and to develop programs and studies that reflect the background of its membership and are relevant to the current evolving needs of society. The Academy's members are elected and have honored themselves in their fields of endeavor. It consists of 3300 Fellows and 550 Foreign Honorary members. The site points to all the institutional programs and membership and lists relevant outside links. It also includes an on-line archive of its major publication, DAEDALUS: The Journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

International Society for Anthrozoology
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAB/ISAZ.htm

"ISAZ was founded in 1991 as a supportive organization for the study of human-animal interactions. ISAZ has a world-wide membership of professionals and students who are actively engaged in research directed towards increasing understanding of relationships between people and animals."

This site contains ISAZ annual conference materials,and links to related sites such as "Association of Pet Behaviour Councillors, Behaviour (animal), Behaviour (human), Electronic Zoo, NetVet."

National Coalition of Independent Scholars
http://www.ncis.org/

"A nonprofit (501(c)3) organization created in 1989 to facilitate the work of independent scholars." Includes the links of scholastic electronic resources in all disciplines. Very useful for reference.

National Council for the Social Studies
http://www.socialstudies.org/

³Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. With members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 69 foreign countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. Organized into a network of more than 110 affiliated state, local, and regional councils and associated groups, the NCSS membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.² NCSS web page has link to obtain membership information. The web site contains news, meetings, publication, and conference information.

National Initiative for a Networked Cultural Heritage
http://www-ninch.cni.org/

"The National Initiative for a Networked Cultural Heritage (NINCH) is a broad coalition of arts, humanities and social science organizations formed to assure the fullest possible participation of the cultural sector in the new digitally networked environment." Contains Members only pages

The Royal Society of Canada
http://www.rsc.ca/

"The Royal Society of Canada is the senior national body of distinguished Canadian scientists and scholars. Its primary objective is to promote learning and research in the natural and social sciences and in the humanities. The Society consists of approximately 1500 'Fellows': men and women from across the country who are selected by their peers for outstanding contributions to the arts and sciences." The site, with its information about membership, programs, and publications, is available in English or French.

Social Science Research Council
http://www.ssrc.org/

"Founded in 1923, the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, nongovernmental, not-for-profit, international association devoted to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences. It does this through a wide variety of interdisciplinary workshops and conferences, fellowships and grants, summer training institutes, scholarly exchanges, and publications." Scholars from from the U.S. and abroad that specialize in disciplines such as anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology, statistics, and other social sciences work collaboratively to advance the value, quality and effectiveness of social science. Since the organization is "free from the constraints of policies imposed by government or other institutions, the Council is free to promote training, attention to research opportunities, and application of promising methodological innovations that may not receive adequate attention in university, disciplinary, area studies, or policy analysis institutions.."

Toastmasters International
http://www.toastmasters.org/

"Whether you're a professional, student, stay-at-home parent, or retiree, Toastmasters is the best way to improve your communication skills. Toastmasters can help you lose the fear of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path you've chosen. You'll be a better listener. You'll easily lead teams and conduct meetings." This site contains information for members, information about the history and organization of Toastmasters, a directory for finding clubs in your area, and speaking tips.