Sociology Major
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of the common culture.
While the humanities and the arts also frequently examine and reflect on the social world, sociology is distinct because it is a social
science. It uses theoretical frameworks and scientific methods of research to investigate the social world and test hypotheses with empirical data. Sociological methods include systematic observation, in-depth interviews and ethnography, conversational analysis, content analysis of both written and visual documents, survey research, and statistical analysis. The results of sociological investigations help in the development of new theories and inform social policy, programs, and laws.
*This text is an excerpt from
21st Century Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts with a major in sociology
Required courses:
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology| An introduction to the sociological perspective with a focus on how individual behavior is shaped by the social context. The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life are examined from a perspective known as the "sociological imagination". Topics range from the influence of culture on human behavior, the development of the self, group dynamics, deviance, population, and social inequality. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 2 (Social Science). 3 credits. |
| This laboratory course builds skills in basic data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of statistical information. The course reviews how to interpret both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The skills acquired in this lab are employed in research methods to aide students in the design, analysis, and presentation of their research project. Prerequisite: SOC 110, plus 9 credits of Sociology at the 200 or above level, or permission. 1 credit. |
| Experiential-based course covering fundamental concepts and problems in social science research. Topics include ethics or research on human behavior, design, measurement, sampling, and interviewing and questionnaire construction. There is an emphasis on four research methods: available data, survey research, experiments, and field research. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: SOC 110, plus 9 credits of 200-level or above sociology or permission. 3 credits. |
| This course covers a critical examination of selected classical and contemporary theorists, including Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Parsons, Foucault, Bourdieu and Giddens. Classical, modern, post-modern and globalization theories will be covered. A meta-analytical approach will be used, looking at the social construction of theory. Prerequisite: SOC 110 and 6 credits in sociology at the 200-level or above, or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. |
| A critical analysis of selected themes and issues in contemporary sociology. Topics may vary. This course is conducted as a seminar requiring extensive student participation. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: SOC 110 plus SOC 311, 321, or 331 and 9 additional credits in sociology. This course is for senior Sociology majors and criminal justice majors only (or permission). 3 credits. |
21 additional credits in sociology excluding internships, with a minimum of six credits completed at the 300-level.
Sociology majors may chose to pursue concentrations in criminal justice and family studies.