Society, Ethics and Human Behavior (SEB)

How do social institutions and practices shape human experience? How do individuals contribute to social stability and change?

SEB addresses these questions through a critical examination of the perspectives and tools used to understand human behavior, social institutions, and social policies. SEB combines an exploration of the ethical dimensions of individual and social action with analyses across multiple disciplines including sociology, psychology, media and cultural studies, anthropology, ethics, and political philosophy. The SEB faculty is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage in empirical research and project-based learning experiences in and beyond the classroom.

Graduating SEB students are ideally prepared to pursue professional careers or advanced study in a wide variety of fields, such as social work, education, public policy, law, media and cultural studies, and human resources. SEB also educates students to assume more active leadership roles within their communities, families, and workplaces. For more information about career possibilities or pursuing graduate school please click here.

Prerequisites

While there are no official requirements, students choosing this major will find it helpful to have completed college coursework in psychology, sociology, statistics, and philosophy.

SEB Major Requirements

  • BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*(5 credits)
  • SEB Core (5 credits)
  • BIS 315, BIS 312 or BIS 410 (5 credits)
  • SEB Courses (30 credits)
  • Portfolio Capstone (3 credits)
  • Additional IAS Coursework (20 credits)
  • General Electives (22 credits)

TOTAL= 90 Credits

*Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
  • The 70 major credits must be completed in MATRICULATED STATUS.

Admitted Prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010?

Students admitted prior to Autumn Quarter 2010 who are interested in pursuing the major rather than the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an option may choose to do so. Some courses have been delisted and will not count toward the major. They will count toward the option ONLY IF TAKEN PRIOR to AUTUMN QUARTER, 2010. If taken AUTUMN QUARTER, 2010 OR LATER, they will not count toward the option. Click here for more information.

Areas of Knowledge

Within the above-listed 90 credits, students must complete 10 credits of each Area of Knowledge in courses offered by UW Bothell. The Areas of Knowledge are: Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.

Lower Division Credit Policy

Up to 35 credits of lower division (100-200 level) coursework taken at UW Bothell may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.

Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior Learning Objectives:

The Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior curriculum advances the four core IAS learning objectives. Students taking courses and/or majoring in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior:

1) Understand how social institutions work (e.g., family, criminal justice, religion, media, education, business).

2) Understand the connections between social institutions and social change.

3) Identify how social position (e.g., race, sex/gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, age, nationality, disability) influence individual life outcomes.

4) Develop and employ evidence-based research strategies.

5) Develop creative and collaborative approaches for addressing social problems.

Society, Ethics and Human Behavior Core & Affiliate Faculty and Staff

Leslie Ashbaugh (faculty coordinator), Colin DanbyKathleen DeLaurenti, Kris Kellejian, Ron Krabill, Kari Lerum, Keith NittaSuzan Parker, Elizabeth Thomas, Bill Seaburg, Andrea Stone, and Wadiya Udell.

One of the best things about UW Bothell is the superb faculty. My experience [at UW Bothell] has...opened my eyes to a bigger world and given me the tools to choose to do something valuable with my education and my life. Thank you UW Bothell for changing my life. Angela Johnson Class of 2006
I just love that moment that occurs at about the 7th or 8th week into the quarter when suddenly everyone in the class knows each other and trusts each other enough that class discussions go to a deeper level than they had previously, and you walk out of class eager for the discussion to continue because it’s been so rich and satisfying. Debra Bryant Class of 2006