Social Thought and Political Economy
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The Field
This challenging interdisciplinary undergraduate program draws courses from a variety of departments in the humanities and social sciences, including Afro-American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, History, Judaic and Near Eastern Studies, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Women’s Studies. Students engage in a critical examination of society and develop critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. They confront fundamental questions often ignored or neglected by traditional academic thought. Many of the issues explored involve relations between individuals and society. Committed to multiculturalism and racial and ethic diversity, STPEC deals with issues such as freedom and the state; power relations; structural inequality in the economy; work and work relations; the relationship of Western to non-Western cultures; the intersection of class, race, gender, and sexuality; and theories of social change.
The Major
Requirements for STPEC majors are both flexible and highly directed. Students develop an individualized course of study while they acquire a foundation in areas of concern to the STPEC program. Courses are chosen from a list of recommended courses drawn up each semester and available at the STPEC office in E27A Machmer. Students must take two introductory courses selected from the course list, one in social theory and one in political economy, before they will be admitted to STPEC’s Junior Seminar 1. Once admitted, students must complete at least 40 credits within the STPEC Program.
The Future
Since STPEC is an interdisciplinary program, career opportunities vary according to the focus of each student’s program of study. Many graduates go to law school or to graduate school in fields such as American studies, anthropology, education, economics, history, international relations, labor studies, political theory, social work, and urban planning. Others pursue careers in social service work, teaching, community service, grassroots and labor union organizing, political advocacy, alternative publishing houses and journals, government service, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Internships and Study Abroad
As STPEC students acquire an understanding of social relationships, they frequently develop a need to put their knowledge to work. The program encourages students to involve themselves in practice as well as theory through internships, by playing a role in university and community affairs (see Community Service Learning), and by assuming an active responsibility for the shape of their own education within STPEC. The program also encourages students to spend one or two semesters studying abroad and, with program approval, to use courses taken abroad to satisfy STPEC requirements. Go to the International Programs Office for details.
More information: Social Thought and Political Economy Program; 413.545.0043
