Curriculum

Sociologists study people, the interaction between people, and the patterned structure of relationships which result. The analytical approach which is appropriate to the understanding of such social phenomena rests upon the use of the scientific model. Consequently, the faculty represents a variety of complementary research interests and areas of expertise. This makes available to students both a wide selection of the topical areas within the field and an exposure to differing presuppositions.

In addition to a major in sociology, the department offers an interdisciplinary major in sociology-political science, in cooperation with the department of political science. See under political science for a description of this major and the career opportunities associated with it. A student may not earn both a sociology-political science major and a major in sociology or political science.

Required for a major:

Plan I.

• 101 Introduction to Sociology 4 hours
• 301 Research Methodology 3 hours
• 350 Social Statistics 4 hours
• and five additional courses in the discipline (one of which must be a seminar)
• and two social science courses outside the major.

Students who contemplate graduate study should participate in research opportunities with the faculty and acquire competence in the use of the computer as a tool to facilitate analysis.

Plan II (teaching).

Same as general major requirements. See education department for secondary education minor requirements.

Required for a minor:

• 101 Introduction to Sociology 4 hours
• 301 Research Methodology 3 hours
• and three additional courses (one of which must be numbered above 350)

Required for a second teaching area:

Twenty-four hours in sociology including 101 Introduction to Sociology (4 hours) and 301 Research Methodology (3 hours), or completion of a 30-hour major in another social science plus 15 hours in sociology.

Writing requirement:

Sociology majors fulfill the requirement by completing 301 Research Methodology (3 hours).