USC – SHS North Campus

Soc Sci 01: Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics

First/Second Semester
A. Y. 2023 - 2024

MODULE 1
Concepts on Anthropology, Sociology
and Political Science
I. What will you learn from this module?
After studying this module, you will be able to discuss the nature, goals, and
perspectives in/of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science.

II. Let’s Check What You Already Know

Check your prior knowledge and understanding by classifying the items according to:

A. Cultural B. Political C. Social

___________1. Women suffrage

___________2. Prohibition of eating pork among our Muslim brothers and sisters
___________3. Establishment of hospitals
___________4. Construction of roads and bridges
___________5. Amendment of the constitution
___________6. Celebration of fiestas
___________7. Buying vaccine against Covid
___________8. Superstitious beliefs
___________9. Barangay ordinances
___________10. Mandated Covid vaccination

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III. Let’s Explore
Gist: The interplay of culture, society, and politics is fundamental in understanding ourselves
and the world we are in. Using different approaches in Social Science, especially Anthropology,
Sociology, and Political Science, will aid us in developing a holistic view of our culture and
society and learn to appreciate and respect other cultures.

1. There have been numerous changes and transformations in the social, political, and cultural
aspects of individuals and societies all over the world. The disciplines of Anthropology,
Sociology, and Political Science can be used as tools in order to better understand these
changes.

2. Anthropology is the study of human beings and their ancestors. It provides knowledge of the
similarities and differences between people or societies.

3. There are four (4) major fields of anthropology, namely, Physical Anthropology which
focuses on humans as biological organisms (like tracing the evolution of man ); Cultural
Anthropology which investigates the contrasting ways groups of people think, feel, and behave
(like the socio-cultural evolution of man); Biological Anthropology (most often the work of
archaeologists) tries to recover information about human cultures – often from the past – by
studying material samples, skeletal remains, and settlements; and Linguistic Anthropology
which studies the nature and differences of languages – communication systems by which
cultures are maintained and passed on to succeeding generations.

4. Anthropologists reconstruct the past through the excavated tools, weapons, and other
materials that have been made by man in the past. These things that have been uncovered by
archaeologists provide a glimpse of the early men’s way of life and the changes that have taken
place over time.

4.1. archaeological sites – any place where physical remains of past human activities
exist.

4.2. artifacts – objects made or used by people that are analyzed by archaeologists to
obtain information about the people who made and use them.

4.3. features - non-portable artifacts that are also important sources of information on
archaeological sites.

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 4.4. ecofacts – natural remains such as plant and animal remains that can help
understand diet and subsistence patterns.

4.5. context – refers to the relationship that artifacts have with each other and the
situation in which they are found.

5. The four major fields of Anthropology are not entirely separate from each other as they are
based on common anthropological perspectives on the human condition. The findings in one
field may be used by practitioners in other fields.

6. Political Science is the body of knowledge relating to the study of the state and government.
It focuses on the relationships of men in society, the relationship of men and groups to the state
itself, and the relationships of states with other states abroad (international).

7. It delves into the use of power, interest, influence, and diplomacy. The primary aim of Political
Science is citizenship education wherein the students understand and learn to appreciate their
duties and responsibilities as members of society. It develops the students to become socially
aware, active, and desirable members of the community which is necessary to build a
well-ordered society.

8. Sociology is the scientific study of patterned and shared human behavior. It focuses on the
structure and function of different aspects of society. It looks into all kinds of social interactions
such as social relationships, social organization, social structures, and social processes.

9. Sociology deals with perspectives that are important in studying the various activities of man.
It looks into the general principles behind social realities and the different changes that take
place in society. An example is how suicide is viewed. To ordinary people, suicide may be seen
as a personal choice but a sociologist would look into the different social forces that made the
person commit such an act. This shows how Sociology establishes the relationship between
private or personal experience and the wider society.

10. It is important that private and government leaders and businessmen use the results of
sociological investigations to formulate programs and policies that will maintain the stability of
society.

11. Studying Sociology develops open-mindedness as an individual learns to look at the

customs and traditions of other people without biases and become more understanding of
cultural differences, that the concept of what is good and bad is relative (depends on the norms
of conduct of the community where the act was committed).

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12. Anthropology and Sociology are used to understand the cultural and behavioral differences
and similarities of various ethnic groups. Anthropology and sociology also help explain the
tradition, customs, and beliefs of people.

13. In the study of society, culture, and politics, the students should have a clear grasp of the
basics of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science. Understanding the interconnectedness
of the three disciplines will aid them in coping with changes in society, approaching issues and
problems, and developing new perspectives on how to deal with individual and cultural
differences.

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QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

1. In your own understanding, how are Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science
connected to each other? How do they become tools for understanding culture, society,
and politics?

2. How do the three disciplines help understand yourself better? Give an example of a
personal experience.
____________________________________________________________________________

IV. References
Amper, ZH., Bersales, JE. & Nolasco MF. Knowing Our Social World: A Comprehensive
Worktext in Understanding Society, Culture, and Politics for Senior High School. Cebu City:
USC Press, 2016.

Baleña, E., Lucero, D., & Peralta, A. Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics for Senior
High School. Quezon City: Educational Resources Corporation, 2016.

Santarita, J. & Madrid, R. Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics. Quezon City: Vibal
Group, Inc., 2016.