DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

Major in Sociology

Course Descriptions

Chair: Alessandro Bonanno (936) 294-1488;

Faculty: David Bailey, Walter Bennett, Douglas Constance, Furjen Deng, Karen Douglas Manges, Lee Miller

Information: Ms. Ronda Harris (936) 294-1512 ; AB1 311

Website: www.shsu.edu/~soc_www/

Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. The subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from organized crime to religious cults, from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from the sociology of the environment to the sociology of sports. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is tapped by those who craft policies and create programs.

Mission

The Department of Sociology is committed to the study of society in its various aspects and trajectories. It provides high quality instruction to, and opportunities for, students to develop skills and tools that will allow them to understand the functioning of society and the strategies and techniques required to address social issues.

Academic Programs

• BA in Sociology
• BS in Sociology

Highlights

• The Sociology Department is considered one of the prominent departments for the study of Globalization in the nation
• Members of the Sociology Department regularly publish in important scientific journals
• Members of the Sociology Department occupy leadership positions in professional organizations domestically and internationally

Suggested Minors

• Psychology
• Political Science
• Criminal Justice
• English
• History
• Speech Communication

Career Opportunities

Sociology graduates find successful employment in the private sector (management, human resources, public relations), public sectors (Federal, State and Local Government agencies) and in non-profit organizations (NGOs) particularly in the areas of social services and analysis of social trends.

Student Organizations and Activities

Students in the Sociology Club are introduced to the profession of Sociology through activities including research opportunities, volunteer work, organization of special events, participation in professional meetings, and programs highlighting speakers of note in the many interest areas of Sociology. The Sociology Club also actively supports the Sociology Scholarship fund.

Internships and Study Abroad

Students with an interest in Sociology may take courses abroad through the SHSU Field School in Italy. Further information is available at the website: www.shsu.edu/~soc_www/italy/. Internship possibilities include work with the City of Huntsville and social services organizations throughout the area.

Scholarships

The department offers the Sociology Scholarship. For information contact the department or visit the departmental website.

Program Specific Requirements

Students must successful complete SOC 261 before taking additional sociological courses with the exception of SOC 168; and SOC 462. In order to graduate with a Sociology major or minor, students must successfully complete all the Sociology requirements with a 2.5 GPA.

Curriculum

Students receive instruction in classical and contemporary sociological theory, qualitative and quantitative techniques of sociological investigation, and major substantive areas in the field. The primary objective of the curriculum is to provide students with the scientific tools to understand the functioning of society, study social phenomena, and acquire the necessary skills to enter the global labor market. The department focuses on the study of the Globalization of the Economy and Society. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and extra-curricular activities designed to foster critical sociological thinking and knowledge of today’s world.

Instruction in general sociology is complemented by specialization in three substantive areas. Students can select to concentrate their undergraduate curriculum in Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; or Inequality and Society. Change, Economy and Society explores the relationships between society and the economy, patterns of change in the global society, the environment, social movements, and the organization of urban and rural societies. Culture and Social Institutions focuses on culture, social institutions such as the family and religion, and courses which analyze the most relevant social problems in today’s society. Inequality and Society examines social inequality, gender and inequality, age and inequality, race and ethnic inequality, and complex organizations.

Core Courses and Areas of Specialization

Core Courses: SOC 261, 366, 383, 386, 499

Areas Of Specialization:

• Change, Economy and Society: SOC 336, 337, 376, 384, 392
• Culture and Social Institutions: SOC 264, 266, 365, 378, 381, 462, 468
• Inequality and Society: SOC 168, 333, 335, 364, 465, 477

Required Courses for Major

The Sociology Bachelor of Arts major requires a total of 30 hours in Sociology and should be distributed as follows:

Required courses: SOC 261, 366, 383, 386, 499 15 hrs.

Students are expected to select the following from the three areas of specialization (Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; and Inequality and Society):

Two courses in each of two of these areas of specialization 12 hrs.
One course from the third area of specialization. 3 hrs.

The Sociology Bachelor of Science major requires a total of 36 hours in Sociology and should
be distributed as follows:

Required courses: SOC 261, 366, 383, 386, 499 15 hrs.

Students are expected to select the following from the three areas of specialization (Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; and Inequality and Society):

Two courses in each of these areas of specialization 18 hrs.
One course from the student’s choice of specialization 3 hrs.

Required Sociology Courses for Minors

The Sociology Minor requires a total of 18 hours in Sociology and should be distributed as follows:

Required courses: SOC 261, 366, 383, 386 12 hrs.

Students are expected to select the following from the three areas of specialization (Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; and Inequality and Society):

Two courses from among these areas of specialization 6 hrs.

Major in Sociology
Bachelor of Arts

* A minimum of 42 advanced hours is required for the B.A. and B.S. Sociology Degrees.

Major in Sociology
Bachelor of Science

* A minimum of 42 advanced hours is required for the B.A. and B.S. Sociology Degrees.

Course Descriptions:

• Sociology (SOC)