The Sociology major offers students an in-depth look at contemporary human society, its culture and social institutions. The course work in the major brings together the disciplines of anthropology, with its cross-cultural perspectives; sociology, with its emphasis on American institutions and social issues; and social work and social policy, with its focus on intervention and social problems. A selection of diversified courses linked together by a number of important themes is offered.
The larger focus is on the relation between social forces and the individual. Sociology courses examine customs, norms, roles, and the overall organization of contemporary society. Within this context the following themes emerge:
- The social facts and problems associated with inequality, emphasizing age, gender, race, ethnicity, and social class;
- Social groups and institutions from family to bureaucracy, emphasizing health care, education, and social policy;
- Methods of social change for individuals and groups confronting social change, conflict, and differences in wealth and power.
For the sociology course offerings, 1000-level courses provide a comprehensive descriptive overview at the introductory level, 2000-level courses provide an in-depth specialized study of a particular case, area, or social phenomenon and introduce theoretical perspectives, and 3000-level courses analyze case materials applying theory critically in specific cases and consider the consequences of various theories on social policy and strategies for social change.
A 1000-level sociology course is required as a prerequisite for any 2000-level sociology course and any 2000-level sociology course is a prerequisite for any 3000-level sociology course. Any student who has grounds to request a waiver of this requirement may do so by contacting the sociology area coordinator for a decision. This request must be made prior to enrolling in the upper-level sociology course.
Prerequisite:
| Course # |
Course Name |
Credits |
| SOC 1000 |
Perspectives on Society and Culture |
3 |
| or |
|
|
| SOC 1600 |
Social Problems |
|
| or |
|
|
| ANTH 1020 |
Introduction to Anthropology |
|
Requirements for Sociology Major:
| SOC 2600 |
Methods in Social Research |
3 |
| SOC 3900 |
Senior Seminar:
Selected Topics in Sociological Theories |
3 |
Electives:
Twenty-one sociology credits at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000- level from any of the SOC courses listed under Sociology (No more than three credits of SOC 3450 may be applied toward this twenty-one credit requirement.) Students must take at least six of these twenty-one credits at the 3000- or 4000-level.
Requirement in Related Area: (must be taken before CJ/SOC 2600 Research Methods)
Students are encouraged to develop individualized courses in field work or independent study as part of their elective program:
| SOC 3450 |
Experiential Learning (Internships)
(1-9 crs., 3 of which may count as an elective in the major) |
3 |
| SOC 4000 |
Independent Research |
3 |
| SOC 4100 |
Independent Readings |
3 |
Additionally, students may select one of two concentrations within sociology and complete twelve credits of the twenty-one credit elective course work in that concentration.