Understanding Social Sciences and Humanities

Study Notes

A DISS is a lengthy, formal academic paper presenting original research.
It is a crucial step towards earning a postgraduate degree (Master's or Doctorate).

Investigate the social world, studying human behavior, interactions, and societies across diverse disciplines.
Disciplines include, but aren't limited to: sociology, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology, and geography.
Employ both qualitative (interviews, ethnographies) and quantitative (statistical analysis) methods to gather and analyze data.
Common themes include power dynamics, social structures, cultural norms, inequality, and social change.

Explore the cultural and intellectual facets of human experience.
Disciplines typically encompass history, literature, philosophy, art history, religious studies, and classical studies.
Utilize textual analysis, historical research, and philosophical reasoning to analyze ideas and artifacts.
Focus on meaning, interpretation, values, culture, and broader human experience.

Focuses on human societies, social interactions, and institutions.
Utilizes theoretical perspectives like functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism to understand social phenomena.
Research areas frequently include social stratification, deviance, social movements, families, and urbanization.
Employ both qualitative and quantitative methods, often involving empirical data analysis.

Seek to comprehend fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Branches include metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and political philosophy.
Use reasoning, argumentation, and critical analysis to develop theories and engage in discussions about abstract concepts.
Common concerns include truth, being, morality, justice, knowledge, and consciousness.
Philosophy frequently intertwines with other disciplines, offering critical frameworks and analytical tools.