Sociology
Mission
The sociology major is designed to help
students develop an understanding of how individuals are influenced by the
social contexts in which they live. Courses provide students with training in
the fundamental areas of sociological theory and research, and simultaneously
cultivate critical thinking and communication skills. Our curriculum also has a
strong focus on issues of social inequality, thereby fostering an appreciation
for human diversity, a sense of global awareness, and a commitment to community
service. This unique set of skills and knowledge not only makes students an
asset to employers in an increasingly diverse society, but also provides
students with the personal insights that enrich their own lives. Graduates may
pursue careers in fields as varied as human services, business, education, and
social research, or continue their studies in graduate school.
Goals
- Students will be able to apply the
sociological imagination to explain the link between individual experience and
larger social forces.
- Students will demonstrate an
understanding of major sociological theories and an ability to apply them to
practical examples.
- Students will be able to design and
execute an original research project as well as critically evaluate the
research of others.
- Students will be able to think
critically about social issues and policies.
- Students will be able to effectively
communicate their ideas orally and in writing.
- Students will recognize and appreciate
the diversity and inequality of American society as well as place of American
society in the global community.
- Students will demonstrate and value
responsible citizenship by providing service and leadership in their
communities.
Policy
Due
to the interdisciplinary nature of the criminal justice degree, students may
not major in both criminal justice and sociology.
Sociology Major (Bachelor of Arts or
Science)
- core curriculum and mission seminars – see
the core curriculum section of this catalog
- sociology core – SOCL
125, 265, 310, 320, 338, 353, 430, 465
- sociology electives – 18
credits chosen from CRMJ 150, 351, 364, MGMT 395, 448, PSYC 110, 223 (if not
taken as a support course), 250, RLST 370, SOCL 110, 149, 150, 210, 223 (if not
taken as a support course), 244, 245, 249, 250, 286, 288, 328, 330, 332, 333, 344,
345, 349, 351, 354, 364, 366, 370, 395, 448, 456, 486, 487 (up to nine
credits), 488, SOWK 210, 328, 332, 333, 366, 456
- support course – MATH
130 or PSYC 223 or SOCL 223
- final degree requirements – see
the degree requirements section of this catalog for specific requirements of
the Bachelor of Arts degree and the Bachelor of Science degree as well as final
graduation requirements
The total credits of
the core and major requirements are 45. The
core curriculum and mission seminars require 38-52 credits. Transfer
course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.
Social Justice Concentration
Students may choose
to complete a social justice concentration by taking the following courses as
their sociology electives: diversity, SOCL 310, 320, 353; policy, SOWK 341, 441;
social change leadership, RLST260, SOCL 354.
Sociology minor
- SOCL 125; 15 credits of SOCL, at least
nine credits at the 300 level or above
Students
may include up to three credits of 149, 249, 349, or 487. A minimum of 12
credits may not be credits used to fulfill a student’s major.
The total credits of the
minor requirements are 18. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions
could modify these credit totals.