2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Sociology and Social Change - Bachelor of Arts (30 Credits)

(30 credits plus 10 credits of experiential learning)

The major in Sociology and Social Change provides students with a strong foundation in understanding social life and the organization of society. Sociologists study the social relationships between individuals and the larger relationships between social groups and societies. The sociological perspective focuses on how social relationships, social groups, and social structures affect individuals in their daily lives and how they affect the organization and operation of society. Our Sociology and Social Change major has a unique focus on social change, investigating ways to improve social problems and the social world, especially from the perspective of social justice and equality. It is a practical major with a particular emphasis on social action and engagement in the world to improve social life and social conditions.

Sociologists develop theories about human behavior, social organization, and social change based on evidence and research, using scientific methods including surveys, ethnography, experimentation, interviewing, and statistical analysis. With a strong focus on research and internships in the community, the Sociology and Social Change major prepares students for graduate school, and for work in social policy, law and advocacy; community organizations; government agencies; social work; international organizations; business; public health; and public administration.

Students will be able to:

  • explain how social relationships, social groups, and social structures affect individuals and how they affect the organization and operation of society.

  • critically analyze the intersecting effects of race, class, gender, sexuality, age, and globalization on social life and social structures.

  • employ sociological theories to develop analyses of human behavior, social organization, and social change.

  • frame sociological questions from the perspective of social justice and equality, and design empirical research that leads to creative solutions.

  • effectively present knowledge acquired from sociological analyses on social life and social conditions in both written and oral forms.

Please note: a minimum grade of “C” is required in the internship seminars and the capstone course to progress in the major.

Degree Requirements

I. Required Core (18 Credits)

CSOCL 1101Introduction to Sociology

3

CSOCL 2101Contemporary US Society

3

CSOCL 3445Race, Class and Gender

3

CSOCL 3500Social Theory

3

CSOCS 3444Research Methods in the Social Sciences

3

CSOCS 4444Senior Capstone Seminar: Current Issues in Social Science

3

II. Electives - Choose 4 courses, at least one at the 3000 level or above (12 Credits)

CPLCY 3552Social Policy

3

CPLCY 4441Global Child and Family Policy

3

CPOLS 2401Drug Wars

3

CPOLS 3302Environmental Politics and Policy

3

CPOLS 3450HBO's The Wire: The Politics of U.S. Urban Inequality

3

CSOCL 1404Social Problems

3

CSOCL 2113Children in Global Perspective

3

CSOCL 2115Politicizing Sex, Gender & Race: Transnational Perspectives

3

CSOCL 2119Race and Ethnic Relations

3

CSOCL 2402Sociology of Family

3

CSOCL 2406Health, Illness, and Society

3

CSOCL 3016Social Issues in Aging

3

CSOCL 3121Women, Men and Work

3

CSOCL 3412Culture and Society of the Middle East

3

CSOCL 3436Cities and Urban Life

3

CSOCL 3551Activism and Change in Communities

3

CSOCL 3820Girlhood, Identity, and Girl Culture

6

CSOCL 4089Practicum in Curriculum and Procedures

1-4

CSOCL 4130Gender and Globalization

3

CSOCS 1441Children and Society

3

CSOCS 3550Disability Studies

3

CSWRK 2401Allyship for Disability Justice

3

III. Internship/Fieldwork (10 Credits)

CSOCS 2401Social Sciences Pre-Internship Seminar

1

CSOCS 3401Social Science Internship and Seminar I

3

CSOCS 4401Social Science Internship and Seminar II

6

The pre-internship seminar requirement may be fulfilled through any 1000-level field-based course (e.g. CHMSR 1551; CEDUC 1352; CGLST 1200; CMGMT 1451).