Social Policy and Public Service SPPS

SPPS 40 Social Policy and Public Service

Units

4

Same as SOC SCI 40

(III)

An introduction to the basic theories and principles of public policy. Students examine various influences on the development of public policy and the principle actors in the process, and learn to identify tools and techniques employed in policy making.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

SPPS 70A Race and Ethnicity

Units

4

Same as SOCIOL 63

(VII)

Focuses on racial and ethnic relations in the United States and compares them with those found in other societies. Analyzes the conditions that favor either cooperation and integration or rivalry, tension, and conflict. Appraises strategies for reducing and resolving conflicts.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

SPPS 102 Critical Investigations into Humanitarianism in Africa

Units

4

Same as POL SCI 147E

Repeatability: May be taken for credit 1 time

(VIII)

Explores the complex phenomenon of aid to Africa (emergency and development aid), and the representational, cultural, historical, and other reasons why some participants and many observers critique it. Students occasionally engage with peers and faculty in African institutions.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

SPPS H190A Honors Research Workshop

Units

4

Same as SOC SCI H190A

Restrictions: Social Science majors and Social Policy and Public Service majors only

Student develops a 10–15-page prospectus of research for the honors thesis which includes: the research question, literature review, methods of investigation, and bibliography. Student selects a faculty mentor who will supervise thesis research and writing in winter and spring.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

SPPS H190B Honors Thesis Research

Units

4

Prerequisite

SOC SCI H190A or SPPS H190A

Same as SOC SCI H190B

The student initiates and completes data collection for the honors thesis. A faculty mentor provides supervision and feedback on thesis chapters.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

SPPS H190C Honors Thesis

Units

4

Prerequisite

SOC SCI H190B or SPPS H190B. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement

Same as SOC SCI H190C

(Ib)

The student completes, with the approval of the faculty mentor, an honors thesis containing: statement of the problem, literature review, research hypotheses, methods of investigation, results, discussion, and bibliography.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

SPPS 193A Field Studies in Social Policy and Public Service

Units

4

Prerequisite

SOC SCI 70C or SOCIOL 63. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement

Same as SOC SCI 193A

Restrictions: Social Policy and Public Service majors only

Advanced training in qualitative and ethnographic research centered on community service. Students pursue field studies at nonprofit agencies (200 hours) to understand current social problems in underrepresented and underserved communities. Through field placement, students apply theory to practice.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

SPPS 193B Field Studies in Social Policy and Public Service

Units

4

Prerequisite

SOC SCI 193A

Same as SOC SCI 193B

Advanced training in qualitative and ethnographic research centered on community service. Students pursue field studies at nonprofit agencies (200 hours) to understand current social problems in underrepresented and underserved communities. Through field placement, students apply theory to practice.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

SPPS 193CW Field Studies in Social Policy and Public Service

Units

4

Prerequisite

SOC SCI 193B

Same as SOC SCI 193CW

Overlaps with SPPS 193C

Restrictions: Social Science majors only

(Ib)

Advanced training in qualitative and ethnographic research centered on community service. Students pursue field studies at nonprofit agencies (200 hours) to understand current social problems in underrepresented and under-served communities. Through field placement, students apply theory to practice.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.