Sociology
Dr. Stephen M. Krason, chair
Dr. Anne Hendershott
Aims
Sociology is the scientific study of how societies function and change. Students examine the familial, marital, religious, economic, and political institutional forces that influence the lives of people in various societies and cultures. This major program, with its blending of the liberal arts, gives its students a rich, holistic view of collective, social behavior. Students should be able to integrate the knowledge of this discipline into their intellectual and spiritual lives.
The Sociology Major is an appropriate preparation for eventual administrative positions in social service agencies, businesses, and hospitals, and for helping professions such as criminology, administration of justice, probation work, civil service, and regional and urban planning. Opportunities also exist for positions in child development and care for the aged. The Sociology Major is a solid foundation for students who intend to pursue a graduate degree either in sociology or any of the related fields cited previously.
Assessment Learning Goals
- Students will examine the familial, marital, religious, and economic and political institutional forces that influence the lives of people in various societies and cultures.
- Students will understand how sociology and liberal arts courses are blended to provide a rich, holistic view of collective social behavior.
- Students will demonstrate that they have integrated knowledge of this discipline into their intellectual and spiritual lives.
- Students will be prepared to understand what is involved in administrative positions for social service agencies, hospitals, and businesses.
- Students will have an understanding of the criminal justice and regional and urban planning settings and with populations such as children and the aged.
- Students will be prepared for graduate education in sociology or a related field.
- Students will be introduced to research methods and will demonstrate an ability to apply research concepts and skills
Sociology Course Descriptions