Overview of the structure and processes of social life; impact of social forces on individuals and groups; interdependence of society and the individual; social significance of social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality; emphasis on critical analysis of social inequalities and injustice.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05, GE-08
Diverse Cultures:
Purple
A critical description and analysis of selected social problems, as well as the social problems process through which problems are socially constructed and defined. A social constructionist approach examines how people and social systems define and react to social problems. Emphasis on the sociological perspective, critical thinking, roots of social inequality, and exploration of solutions and alternatives to existing social problems.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-05, GE-7A
Diverse Cultures:
Purple
Major Common Core
Develop knowledge and application of statistical concepts and methods to facilitate research in social sciences disciplines. Students learn to work with quantitative databases obtained from census, social surveys, and experiments. Develop data analysis skills and use of statistical software programs. Practice data interpretations and statistical decision-making as used in everyday government, non-profit/for-profit, healthcare, academic and research organizations.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-04
This course reviews the fundamentals of social research methods. Students will learn about process of designing research studies and key methods of social science research; they will develop skills to read social science research articles and understand research findings. Students will also develop and practice research skills.
Prerequisites:
none
Sociological Theory focuses on the application of theory to understanding the causes of contemporary and historical social problems. The course will introduce students to the connection between theory and research, the contribution of theory to understanding people¿s personal experience, and the role of theory to explain social struggle. Students will be exposed to some of the most notable social theorists, including Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. Students will also learn diverse theoretical perspectives from African-American, Latina/Latino, Asian, and Indigenous social theorists, who have been historically excluded.
Prerequisites:
none
Major Restricted Electives
Theoretical Electives - Choose 4 Credit(s). Take One Course
This course explores theories of sociological social psychology, especially emphasizing the creation of reality, self and identity, emotions, social order, and how inequalities are produced and experienced in everyday life.
Prerequisites:
none
Within the pluralistic culture of the United States, sociology promotes knowledge about multi-cultural groups. With rapid globalization, sociology reveals how the sociological imagination extends beyond the United States. The principle goal of the course is to help students to develop a broader, more informed understanding of the past and present social forces that have created and sustained a global society composed of various class, racial and ethnic groups. The goal of this course is for students to develop an appreciation of the ways in which various theoretical perspectives lead to different understandings of the structures and practices of group relations.
Prerequisites:
none
Diverse Cultures:
Purple
Research Capstone Electives - Choose 4 Credit(s). Take One Course
Seminar and workshop on the principles and techniques of survey research, including but not limited to understanding survey resarch and designing questionaires; students wil work directly on a survey research project and present project findings.. Prerequisite: SOC 301W or similar research methods course with instructor permission.
Prerequisites:
none
Seminar and workshop on the principles and techniques of qualitative research, including but not limited to interviews and participant observation; students design and conduct original qualitative research projects, write and present analyses. Prerequisite: SOC 301W or similar research methods course with instructor permission.
Prerequisites:
none
This course will focus on ways that sociological concepts and research skills can be applied in practice settings to address human concerns and promote social justice. Students learn how sociological skills can be used to identify, investigate, and implement solutions to problems of social organization, social process, and social change. Through the course of the semester students will engage in experiential and/or project based learning, and collaborate in identifying and executing research in service of addressing a community problem or supporting a community organization.
Prerequisites:
SOC 301W or equivalent; Senior Standing.
Career Connections - Choose 4 Credit(s). May retake different workshop for credit
Workshop topics vary as announced in class schedule. These workshops will be based on skill-building and career connections for sociology majors. May be retaken for credit.
Prerequisites:
none
The internship in sociology is designed to provide opportunity to apply classroom learning, to practice and enhance skills, to experience professional socialization, and to explore a career. It also serves as a vehicle for the student to become more aware of personal strengths and identify areas in which further growth is needed.
Prerequisites:
Consent
Major Unrestricted Electives
Take 3 Courses - Choose 11 - 12 Credit(s). At least 2 courses (or 8 credits) must be taken at 300-499 level; Courses cannot double count in the major
Prerequisites:
none
Minor
Any minor or certificate is required.
Policies
Any minor or certificate is required.
Combined BS/MA Program: Undergraduate students in our Sociology program interested in pursuing a master's degree may be granted permission to double count up to 12 credits for both the undergraduate and the graduate program. To apply for this option, students must have completed their sophomore year, have and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and declare their intent to complete the graduate program following the completion of the baccalaureate degree. If accepted, students must obtain special permission to register for double counted courses and will receive graduate student credit when the undergraduate degree has been conferred and they have been fully admitted into one of our graduate programs. Please contact the Department Graduate Coordinator for detailed information.
