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.

Prerequisites

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

Transition from Option to Major

Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is transitioning its Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior (SEB) option within the Interdisciplinary Studies major to a major in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior. Students who are admitted for Autumn Quarter, 2010, and subsequent quarters must declare the major and complete the major requirements.   Students who declare the SEB option prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010, may choose to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an option in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior or may declare the major and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior. The requirements for the option and the major are the same, but please note course delistings below.

SEB Option Requirements

  • BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*
    (5 credits)
  • SEB Option Core (5 credits)
  • BIS 315, BIS 312 or BIS 410
    (5 credits)
  • SEB Option Courses (30 credits)
  • Senior Seminar (5 credits)
  • Additional IAS Coursework
    (20 credits)
  • General Electives (20 credits)

TOTAL= 90 Credits

SEB Major Requirements

  • BIS 300 Interdisciplinary Inquiry*
    (5 credits)
  • SEB Option Core (5 credits)
  • BIS 315, BIS 312 or BIS 410
    (5 credits)
  • SEB Option Courses (30 credits)
  • Senior Seminar (5 credits)
  • Additional IAS Coursework
    (20 credits)
  • General Electives (20 credits)

TOTAL= 90 Credits

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

Delisted Courses

Beginning Autumn Quarter, 2010, some courses will NOT count for either the SEB major or the SEB option.   If taken prior to Autumn Quarter, 2010, the courses will count for the SEB option, but will NOT count if the student decides to declare the major. Click here to view the delisted courses.

Areas of Knowledge

Within the above-listed 90 credits, a minimum of ten (10) credits must overlap with Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW). They must be taken in IAS courses at the 200, 300, or 400 levels. Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge.

200-level Coursework

Up to 35 credits of 200-level coursework taken at UWB may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.

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

Kari Lerum (faculty coordinator), Leslie AshbaughColin DanbyKathleen DeLaurentiMike Gillespie, Susan Harewood, Ron Krabill, Keith Nitta, Suzan Parker, Elizabeth Thomas, Bill Seaburg, Wadiya Udell

All Society Ethics and Human Behavior (SEB) Courses

SEB Courses

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