| What is Sociology?
Sociologists pursue a general study of human behavior in the
social setting. Sociology is the scientific study of social
interaction. Its subject matter is broad in scope, ranging from
intimate family life to large social movements, from criminal
behavior to religious activity, from unique characteristics of
specific ethnic groups to the shared norms of an entire culture,
from analysis of occupations to that of leisure. Few majors will
give you such a broad scope of material and information that has a
direct bearing on your own life in society. Above all, sociology
should be thought of as a special form of consciousness a unique
perspective for examining the social environment.
Objectives of the Major
By pursuing this field of investigation, you will be exposed to
the writings and research of many who have deep insight into human
interaction. This exposure should help you develop a trained eye and
mind and provide you with the tools to analyze social life with a
degree of precision. It is our hope that you will gain a deeper
understanding of yourself and others in a variety of social
environments.
Unique Aspects of the Major
Because of our small size and low teacher pupil ratio in the
classroom, we are able to provide students with individual attention
and guidance. In addition, we provide a comfortable degree of
flexibility with the major to fit individual needs and interests.
Besides classroom instruction, we also offer a number of special
opportunities, such as: field placement e.g., tutoring at Camp David
Gonzales (maximum security juvenile detention facility); opportunity
to double (or contract) major, thereby strengthening your academic
program; several courses in the area of anthropology, along with the
opportunity to participate in the annual international
anthropological study tour to a world area; independent research,
whereby you can obtain course credit for focusing upon a specialized
area of investigation under the direction of a professor; and the
opportunity to minor in Sociology without having to take additional
units beyond the 128 required for graduation.
Available Job Opportunities
Sociology teachers are frequently asked this question: "What
can I do with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology?"
Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students who find
themselves competing with other liberal arts majors for their jobs.
Sociology is especially applicable to careers in social research,
criminology, demography, counseling, social work, and social
psychology. Moreover, it is also appropriate for areas such as
public administration, gerontology, educational rehabilitation and
market research. A sociology degree provides a useful background for
those planning to enter law, business, medicine, community planning,
and politics.
Requirements for Admission to Graduate School
Students wanting to attend graduate school should begin their
application procedures at the beginning of their senior year. In
turn, they should expect to receive acceptance notices as early as
March or April following. It is advisable to apply to several
colleges/universities, to have a GPA of 3.0 or above and to plan to
take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), (aptitude and advanced
portions) no later than October of the senior year. (The test can
also be taken in June before the senior year.)
Course Requirements
Core Courses (18 units)
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SOC 200
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Introduction to Sociology (3)*
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SOC 250
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Introductory Statistics (4)*
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SOC 310
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Introduction to Research Methodology (4)
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SOC 391
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Sociological Theory (4)
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SOC 497
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Senior Seminar (3)
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*Satisfies general studies requirement.
Choose 1 course from 3 of the 4 areas listed below (11-12
units):
Social Inequality
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SOC 422
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Urban Development (4)
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SOC 431
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Social Stratification (4)
|
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SOC 450
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Race and Ethnic Relations (4)
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Deviance and Social Control
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SOC 421
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Deviant Behavior and Social Control (4)
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SOC 436
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Juvenile Delinquency (4)
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SOC 472
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Criminology (4)
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Social and Cultural Behavior
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SOC 411 |
Cultural and Social Anthropology (4) |
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SOC 424
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Social Psychology (4)
|
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SOC 437
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Clinical Sociology (3)
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Social Institutions
|
SOC 426
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Sociology of Religion (4)
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SOC 427
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Sociology of the Family (4)
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SOC 429
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Law and Society (4)
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In addition to the upper division courses required above,
students must take two upper division sociology courses from any of
the areas. Up to 4 units can be taken as SOC 590, SOC 595, or SOC
599.
Possible Double Majors & Complementary Courses
Sociology and Psychology
Sociology and Religion
Sociology and Communication
Sociology and Business Administration
Sociology and Biology |
