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Subject list
Social Sciences
Explore the Forces Shaping Our World
Welcome to the Social Sciences at Rochester Independent College — a dynamic and thought-provoking hub where curiosity meets critical inquiry. Here, we don’t just study society; we question it, challenge it, and imagine how to improve it. Whether you’re drawn to the mechanics of global markets, the structures of political power, or the subtle forces that shape social behaviour, our courses equip you with the tools to make sense of — and influence — the world around you.
GBEO
The winners of the Great British Economics Olympiad 2025!
The social sciences offer equal promise for improving human welfare; our lives can be greatly improved through a deeper understanding of individual and collective behavior. But to realize this promise, the social sciences, like the natural sciences, need to match their institutional structures to today's intellectual challenges.
In Business, we go far beyond balance sheets. You’ll explore how companies thrive in a competitive, fast-changing global economy—while also questioning how they can do so ethically and sustainably. From analysing Unilever’s green business strategy to designing your own socially responsible startup, you'll tackle real-world challenges that blend innovation, ethics, and impact. Our curriculum connects you to the creative industries, entrepreneurship, and the social responsibilities of modern business leaders.
Economics at RIC is where analytical rigour meets real-world relevance. You’ll explore everything from inequality and trade deficits to behavioural economics and the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis. With thinkers like Amartya Sen, Richard Thaler, and John Rawls as our intellectual guides, you’ll develop a sharp eye for how economic decisions shape—and are shaped by—political ideologies and social priorities. You'll leave understanding not just how the economy works, but how it ought to work.
Global Perspectives is a course for future problem-solvers and changemakers. Here, you’ll tackle the most urgent questions facing humanity—climate change, global conflict, health crises, inequality—and learn to view them from multiple cultural, political, and philosophical angles. Through independent research and collaborative debate, you'll sharpen your ability to evaluate evidence, think critically, and develop your own voice on global issues.
Politics at RIC invites you to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes in government. Is power truly in the hands of the people, or are we dancing to someone else’s tune? From Westminster to Washington, you'll explore institutions, ideologies, and the epic battles between liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and feminism. With a curriculum grounded in current affairs—Brexit, Trump, race relations, and more—you’ll learn to decode the present and shape the future.
Sociology is your backstage pass to society itself. Why do we follow rules? What happens when we break them? From education and inequality to media influence, surveillance, and criminal justice, sociology at RIC pulls back the curtain on the invisible forces that shape our everyday lives. You'll explore everything from fashion trends to punishment philosophies, always questioning the status quo and developing a deep, critical understanding of human behaviour.
Across all Social Sciences at RIC, you’ll engage in lively debates, original research, and real-world applications. Our teaching encourages independent thought, rigorous analysis, and a passion for justice, innovation, and truth. Whether you're looking to become a policymaker, entrepreneur, sociologist, or simply a more informed and empowered global citizen—this is where your journey begins.
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