Social Sciences

Sociology

Sociology is concerned with the nature and workings of human group life. Courses are built around selected group functions, social institutions, and social problems with the objective of providing: 1) an understanding of the concepts of the major sociological paradigms; 2) the ability to apply theories derived from these paradigms in concrete situations; 3) comprehension of the variety and complexity of human social interaction in both large and small social contexts; 4) development of methodological and statistical skills in the acquisition, organization, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative data. Students may complete courses of study for a number of purposes, including general education; subject matter specialization for teaching at the secondary level; employment in public or private service; and preparation for graduate study in sociology, anthropology, social work, theology, law, and other disciplines.

Students majoring in Sociology may choose a generalized major emphasizing breadth in elective course work; or students may choose to complete the required “core” courses and select a concentration in Social Justice or Social Work.

Sociology Major

Students will complete ten courses plus a capstone:

Core:
Required:

  • Soc 101 Introduction to Sociology
  • Soc 210 Statistics for Social Science
  • Soc 320 Sociological Theory
  • Soc 321 Methods of Social Research
  • Soc 323 Methods of Social Research II

Electives:

  • Choose five additional sociology or anthropology courses.

Capstone:

  • SCJ 347 Field Experience and Seminar

Students choosing a sociology major with a concentration will take the same five core courses above plus the capstone, and will add five more courses, including both concentration requirements and concentration electives replacing the Sociology Major electives.

Social Justice Concentration

In addition to the five required core courses plus capstone listed above, students completing the social justice concentration must also take:

Required:

  • SCJ 340Race and Ethnic Relations
  • Soc 311 Women: The Struggle for Equality
  • Soc 360 Social Movements

Electives - Choose two courses from the following:

  • Anth 310 Indians of the Americas
  • Hist 211 African American History
  • PoSc 265 Latino Politics in the U.S.
  • Rel 222 Theories of the Oppressed
  • Eng 236 American Minority Literature & Culture
  • SW 343 Social Welfare Policy
  • Phil 211 Feminist Ethics

Social Work Concentration

In addition to the five required core courses listed above, plus the capstone, students completing the social work concentration must also take:

Required Concentration:

  • Soc 252 Standards of Professional Behavior
  • SW 343 Social Welfare Policy

Electives - Choose three courses from the following:

  • SW 301 Counseling Strategies I
  • SW 342 Human Behavior in the Social Environment
  • SCJ 341 Family Crisis Intervention

Sociology Minor

Students will complete five courses as follows:

Required:

  • Soc 101 Introduction to Sociology
  • Soc 204 Modern Social Problems

Electives - Choose three courses from the following subjects:

  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Social Work

Last Updated: 11/18/11