Mission and Goals of the Sociology Major

It is the task of sociology to examine society critically and develop an understanding of the social structures and dynamics that shape the individual's participation in, and connection to, society. At the core of sociology are the substantive concepts of social structure, social dynamics, and the social self. A major goal of the sociology major is to develop an understanding of the theories, methods, and ethical considerations involved in investigating social structure and dynamics, and the historical record of sociology's development and efforts to understand society scientifically. It is also a goal of the major to promote knowledge of the different levels for analyzing social structure and dynamics and how these different analytical levels fit together to make the total society. The sociology major curriculum is designed so that at the completion of the major students will have sufficient knowledge of sociology to be able to communicate and apply it in practical, occupational settings; pursue graduate work in the discipline; and use sociology to inform analysis of social policy and participate in society as informed citizens.

Note on Public Sociology and Curricular Revisions: The Sociology Program is in the process of shifting to an emphasis on Public Sociology. By the 2010-2011 academic year, these revisions should be fully incorporated into the curriculum. Please check back frequently to learn more about these exciting new changes.

 

Specific Objectives of the Sociology Major

The sociology major curriculum is structured so students will obtain:

1. Sufficient familiarity with the methods and techniques of social research to be able to apply them in a concrete setting, and also to evaluate critically their use by other social scientists.

2. Recognition of the practical and ethical issues involved with the scientific study of social phenomena.

3. Knowledge of the different sociological theories and the ability to use theory to conceptualize a problem and select and organize relevant social facts.

4. Awareness of the historical record of sociology's development and efforts to understand society scientifically.

5. Understanding of the three analytical levels of social structure (macro, meso, micro) and the ability to:

a. identify and describe different ways that large groups and societies structure social action (macro);

b. identify and describe the basic institutions of society and the different ways that they are structured to shape behavior (meso);

c. explain the reciprocal relation between individuals and society and how social selves emerge from social groups and interaction (micro).

6. Ability to express and communicate sociological knowledge to others.

7. Recognition of how sociology can inform analysis of social policy and is applied in the academic, public, and private sectors.