UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE · UNITED STATES
Evolutionary Sociology
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
9 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Comparative SociologyFocus on human societies in a global context
- Big HistoryIntegrates biological, cultural, and social evolution
- World-Systems TheoryExamines global social change and interconnectedness
- Interdisciplinary ApproachDraws from sociology, ecology, biology, and anthropology
This reading and lecture course explores big history and the evolution of social complexity, focusing on both insect and human societies. It examines the emergence of complexity and hierarchy in human world-systems within the broader context of the biosphere and geosphere. The course draws on biological and cultural evolution, comparing patterns of conflict and cooperation in various species to understand human societal development. Key topics include systematic comparisons of different human world-systems, evolutionary transformations, and theories of social evolution. Students will analyze stateless, state-based, and modern capitalist systems, as well as sedentary foraging societies like the indigenous Chumash of Southern California. The dynamics of rise and fall in chiefdoms, states, empires, and hegemons will be contrasted with similar cycles in insect and animal systems. Globalization, deglobalization, and the future of human society are also considered.
Curriculum
The course is structured around weekly readings and lectures covering evolutionary sociology, world-systems, and comparative societal development. Key themes include the evolution of social complexity, ecological influences, and historical transformations of human societies.
- Winter 2017
- Introduction and overview of the course
- History, biological and cultural evolution. World-systems as the contexts for explaining Sociocultural evolution.
- Evolution of the biosphere and the biological evolution of humans
- Ecology
- More Ecology
- Social Insects
- Emergence of Cultural Evolution
- The Comparative World-Systems Approach
- Hunter-gatherer world-systems
- Hunter-gatherer world-systems
- Hunter-gatherer world-systems
- Horticulture, the Rise of states and the emergence of the central systems
- The Europe-centered system and the rise of the modern system
- Emergence of a global system
- Birth of the Modern World
- The Age of Extremes
- After Globalization
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Evolutionary Sociology programme about?
- This programme explores big history and the evolution of social complexity, comparing insect and human societies. It examines the emergence of complexity and hierarchy in human world-systems within the broader context of the biosphere and geosphere, drawing on biological and cultural evolution.
- What are the entry requirements for this programme?
- Specific entry requirements for this reading and lecture course are not detailed on the programme page. Prospective students should consult the University of California, Riverside's general admissions requirements.
- How much does the Evolutionary Sociology programme cost for international students?
- International student tuition and fees are assessed quarterly. For current undergraduate or graduate rates, please refer to the University of California, Riverside's official Tuition & Fees page, as these are subject to change and vary by program and residency status.
- What is the duration of the programme?
- The programme structure is described in terms of weekly readings and lectures, with modules listed for Winter 2017. Specific programme duration is not explicitly stated.
- What are the career prospects after studying Evolutionary Sociology?
- While specific career outcomes are not detailed, a background in Sociology and evolutionary studies can prepare students for various analytical and research-oriented roles.
- How can I apply to the Evolutionary Sociology programme?
- To apply, explore programs on the UCR website, check specific academic and English language requirements, complete the application through the UC Admissions portal, and submit all required supporting documents.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University of California, Riverside's official Tuition & Fees page for current undergraduate or graduate rates, as these are subject to change and vary by program and residency status.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University of California, Riverside's official Tuition & Fees page for current undergraduate or graduate rates, as these are subject to change and vary by program and residency status.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program or supporting pages. Prospective students should consult the university's financial aid and student services resources for estimated living expenses in the Riverside area.
Tuition and fees are assessed quarterly. Late payments may incur administrative fees. Information on course-specific fees, part-time waivers, and refunds is available on the Registrar's website. For payment options and financial aid, consult Student Business Services and Financial Aid offices.
How to apply
1. Explore ProgramsVisit the UCR website to explore available undergraduate and graduate majors and programs.
2. Check Admissions RequirementsReview the specific academic and English language requirements for your chosen program.
3. Complete ApplicationSubmit your application through the UC Admissions portal for undergraduate studies or the UCR Graduate Admissions portal for graduate programs.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsProvide all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (if applicable).
5. Apply for Financial AidIf needed, apply for financial aid through the university's financial aid office. Details are available on the UCR Financial Aid website.
Scholarships
Bangasser Medical Student Scholarship$2,500
Frequently asked questions
What is the Evolutionary Sociology programme about?
+
This programme explores big history and the evolution of social complexity, comparing insect and human societies. It examines the emergence of complexity and hierarchy in human world-systems within the broader context of the biosphere and geosphere, drawing on biological and cultural evolution.
What are the entry requirements for this programme?
+
Specific entry requirements for this reading and lecture course are not detailed on the programme page. Prospective students should consult the University of California, Riverside's general admissions requirements.
How much does the Evolutionary Sociology programme cost for international students?
+
International student tuition and fees are assessed quarterly. For current undergraduate or graduate rates, please refer to the University of California, Riverside's official Tuition & Fees page, as these are subject to change and vary by program and residency status.
What is the duration of the programme?
+
The programme structure is described in terms of weekly readings and lectures, with modules listed for Winter 2017. Specific programme duration is not explicitly stated.
What are the career prospects after studying Evolutionary Sociology?
+
While specific career outcomes are not detailed, a background in Sociology and evolutionary studies can prepare students for various analytical and research-oriented roles.
How can I apply to the Evolutionary Sociology programme?
+
To apply, explore programs on the UCR website, check specific academic and English language requirements, complete the application through the UC Admissions portal, and submit all required supporting documents.