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

(30 credits plus 12 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 1101	Introduction to Sociology	3
CSOCL 2101	Contemporary US Society	3
CSOCL 3445	Sociological Lens on Systemic Inequities	3
CSOCL 3500	Social Theory	3
CSOCS 3444	Research Methods in the Social Sciences	3
CSOCS 4444	Senior Capstone Seminar: Current Issues in Social Science	3

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

CEDUC 3550	Disability Studies	4
CPLCY 3552	Social Policy	3
CPOLS 2401	Drug Wars	3
CPOLS 3302	Environmental Politics and Policy	3
CPOLS 3450	HBO's The Wire: The Politics of U.S. Urban Inequality	3
CSOCL 1404	Social Problems	3
CSOCL 2115	Politicizing Sex, Gender & Race: Transnational Perspectives	3
CSOCL 2119	Race and Ethnic Relations	3
CSOCL 2402	Sociology of Family	3
CSOCL 2406	Health, Illness, and Society	3
CSOCL 2501	Japan: Identities and Expressions	3
CSOCL 2601	Contemporary Immigration: Migration, Incorporation & Family Lives	3
CSOCL 3016	Social Issues in Aging	3
CSOCL 3551	Activism and Change in Communities	3
CSOCL 3820	Girlhood, Identity, and Girl Culture	6
CSOCS 1441	Children and Society	3
CSWRK 2401	Allyship for Disability Justice	3

III. Experiential Component (12 Credits)

Pre-Internship Seminar (3 credits)

Take one of the following

CHMSR 1551	Foundations and Systems in the Helping Professions	3
CEDUC 1352	Teaching, Learning and Social Responsibility	4
CGLST 1200	Global Issues and Challenges	3
CMGMT 1451	Introduction to Business Management	4

Internship Seminars (9 credits)

CSOCS 3401	Social Science Internship and Seminar I	3
CSOCS 4401	Social Science Internship and Seminar II	6