Seeking to change the world, people historically have organized themselves in political and social groups or campaigns. At UMass, it is not different. You will learn about how students engage in various forms of activism, protest, and actions to transform the reality we live in. Therefore, this course will help you identify academic and career pathways you can follow, as well as the forms to experience UMass politically and socially.

Seeking to change the world, people historically have organized themselves in political and social groups or campaigns. At UMass, it is not different. You will learn about how students engage in various forms of activism, protest, and actions to transform the reality we live in. Therefore, this course will help you identify academic and career pathways you can follow, as well as the forms to experience UMass politically and socially.

Doordash, Uber, Lyft, TaskRabbit, and more. At one point or another, most of us have used these apps to ask for a ride, have food delivered, or have a task completed. The rise of these app- and web-based digital platforms has given rise to what sociologists and economists call the platform economy. In this class, we will explore the platform economy using a sociological approach to explore questions such as: what is the platform economy and how has it impacted the broader global economy? Why has there been a rise in the usage of app-based services?

"Don't Panic!" is a saying that applies to all areas of "Life, the Universe and Everything." This phrase will be a touchstone for this first-year seminar course where we will discuss how to make the most of your university education while also thinking collaboratively about some of the problems in the world around us. We will develop a basic understanding of how economics is applied across various fields and think critically about the solutions and policy that economists provide. For instance, we will learn how economists think about problems of environmental justice.

"Don't Panic!" is a saying that applies to all areas of "Life, the Universe and Everything." This phrase will be a touchstone for this first-year seminar course where we will discuss how to make the most of your university education while also thinking collaboratively about some of the problems in the world around us. We will develop a basic understanding of how economics is applied across various fields and think critically about the solutions and policy that economists provide. For instance, we will learn how economists think about problems of environmental justice.

In addition to helping you navigate your first year we will also explore globalization, a buzzword that has become increasingly prominent throughout the social sciences. But what do scholars, pundits, and politicians really mean when they refer to globalization? What are the trends and effects that define a more global world? Do the last 40-50 years of "globalizing" represent something new and distinct or just an increase in the scale and scope of past processes?

In addition to helping you navigate your first year we will also explore globalization, a buzzword that has become increasingly prominent throughout the social sciences. But what do scholars, pundits, and politicians really mean when they refer to globalization? What are the trends and effects that define a more global world? Do the last 40-50 years of "globalizing" represent something new and distinct or just an increase in the scale and scope of past processes?

In addition to helping you navigate your first year we will also explore globalization, a buzzword that has become increasingly prominent throughout the social sciences. But what do scholars, pundits, and politicians really mean when they refer to globalization? What are the trends and effects that define a more global world? Do the last 40-50 years of "globalizing" represent something new and distinct or just an increase in the scale and scope of past processes?

How does human society function? What is work? What is power? This class serves as a light introduction to the social and behavioral sciences, specifically looking at political power, labor, and social change in foundational primary source texts. The course is a First-Year Seminar, designed to help new students develop healthy habits and academic skills for college success. Students will learn about useful campus resources, have a space to talk about the college life adjustment, and develop critical analytical skills

This seminar will address how data science and computing can be used to address social issues. Some hands-on programming will be included, but no experience is necessary!