Students majoring in Sociology should study and demonstrate understanding of the following:
The sociological imagination.
Students should be able to:
a. describe how Sociology is distinct from other social sciences.
b. apply the sociological imagination to social facts (e.g., an increase in divorce rates, or racial differences in standardized test scores).
The role of sociological theory.
Students should be able to:
a. describe the role of theory in building sociological knowledge.
b. compare and contrast the different theoretical perspectives.
c. apply these theories to social conditions.
The nature of evidence in sociology.
Students should be able to:
a. identify the basic methodological approaches in building sociological knowledge.
b. compare and contrast various research methodologies.
c. design and complete a written research project.
d. critically assess published research.
Data analysis.
Students should be able to:
a. understand the role of data analysis in building sociological knowledge and testing theory.
b. use computer software for statistical analysis.
c. understand appropriate statistical techniques.
d. draw valid conclusions from the data analysis.
How cultural and social structures operate.
Students should be able to:
a. describe different social institutions and their various influences on the individual.
b. explain how the aforementioned institutions are interrelated.
c. evaluate them using sociological theory.
The diversity of human societies.
Students should be able to:
a. describe the significance of variation by race, class, gender, religion and age.
b. explain patterns and variations using sociological theory.
c. justify policy recommendations to address social inequalities.
Communicate sociology effectively.
Students should be able to:
a. produce well written papers that clearly express sociological knowledge.
b. clearly express sociological knowledge in verbal presentations.
c. demonstrate critical thinking.
