Development of a Social Sciences Laboratory to Improve Undergraduate Curricula

该提案要求将陶森州立大学的一间教室改造成社会科学实验室所需的计算设备和软件。该实验室将包括20台80386/SX工作站、两台打印机、投影设备、一个局域网以及系统和应用软件。该实验室将允许学生动手学习社会科学研究中使用的统计和模拟技术。目前学校没有这样的设施。在政治学方面，该实验室将支持统计学、系统动力学和博弈论的研究方法课程，以及国际关系（使用ICONS模拟）和公共政策的应用课程。在社会学和人类学方面，实验室将支持社会学专业的研究方法课程，并为人口统计学和人类学的学生提供重要的工具。所提出的软件既为新计算机用户提供了必要的用户友好界面，又为更高级的课程提供了所需的计算能力。该实验室将由具有计算机应用和研究方法教学经验的教师提供支持，并得到大学鼓励和扩大学生接触社会科学研究的承诺的支持。

This proposal requests the computing equipment and software necessary to convert a classroom at Towson State University into a Social Sciences Laboratory. The lab will consist of twenty 80386/SX work-stations, two printers, projection equipment, a local area network, and system and application software.The laboratory will permit hands-on learning by students in statistical and simulation techniques used in social science research. Currently there is no such facility on campus. In political science, the laboratory will support research methods courses in statistics, system dynamics, and game theory as well as applied courses in international relations (using the ICONS simulation) and public policy. In sociology and anthropology, the laboratory will support research methods courses required by sociology majors and provide vital tools for students in demography and anthropology.The proposed software provides both the user- friendly interface necessary for new computer users and the computing power needed for more advanced courses. The lab will be supported by faculty with experience in teaching computer applications and research methods and by the commitment of the University to encourage and expand student exposure to research in the social sciences.