Social Science Definitions

Sociology

The science of society, social institutions, and social relationships; specifically: the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings.

Philosophy

________: The study of the theoretical basis of a particular set of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc.

Archaeology

________: The scientific study of material remains (such as fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments) of past human life and activities.

Religion

________: An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god, a group of gods, or the supernatural.

Anthropology

________: The science of human beings, especially the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture.

Political Science

________: A social science that deals with systems of government and the analysis of political activity and behavior.

Definition of Terms

History & Social Science

History

The study of past events, particularly in human affairs

Social Science

A discipline focused on a particular aspect of human society, such as economics or political science, that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society including the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of that society

Anthropology

The science of human beings, especially the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture

Archaeology

The scientific study of material remains (such as fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments) of past human life and activities

Religion

An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god, a group of gods, or the supernatural

Philosophy

The study of the theoretical basis of a particular set of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc

Economics

A social science which studies human behavior as a relationship between the use of scarce resources (such as labor and land) and the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services

Geography

The study of the earth, its features, and the distribution of life on the earth, including human life and the effects of human activity

Physical Geography

The branch of geography that encompasses the study of the natural features and phenomena on the Earth

Human Geography

The branch of geography that deals with the study of how human society is influenced by the Earths surface and environment and how, in turn, human activities impact the planet

Political Science

A social science that deals with systems of government and the analysis of political activity and behavior