Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë

College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Justice and Society Studies
O’Shaughnessy Education Center (OEC) 431, (651) 962-5630
Klein (Chair)

Sociology is the scientific study of society and social relations. A major in sociology provides knowledge and skills applicable to careers in business, education, government, law, public health, public policy, and social service. Additionally, an undergraduate degree prepares students for graduate study in sociology and other closely related fields.

Students who graduate with a major in sociology will understand the methodological and theoretical foundations of sociology and possess skills to apply this knowledge in a practical way. They will have the opportunity to specialize in crime and criminology, family and the life course, inequalities and stratification, and work and organizations. We also offer courses with comparative perspectives on global issues such as crime, gender, and religion. The sociology curriculum reflects the breadth of the discipline, its place in the liberal arts tradition, and the application of sociological theories and methods to the critical issues and problems facing societies today.

Sociology majors pursue graduate and professional degrees in sociology, as well as business, law, public health, public policy, social work, and other fields. The Department of Justice and Society faculty also provide intensive support for students who wish to engage in individual research and preparation for graduate and professional school, as well as internships and career development.

A sociology major or minor is a strong complement to studies in American culture and difference, business administration (especially human resources, management, marketing), Catholic studies, family studies, international studies, communication and journalism, geography, justice and peace studies, legal studies, political science, psychology, social sciences, social work, urban studies, and women’s studies.

Sociology majors and minors are encouraged to take advantage of HECUA, study abroad, and other special learning opportunities. Specific courses may substitute for Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë requirements. Students should consult with their academic adviser, the department chair, or a study abroad advisor in the International Education Center for program options. Also, see Academic Information & Programs in the front section of this catalog for more information.

At least 16 credits in the major must be taken at Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë. Sociology minors need a minimum of 8 credits from Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë.

Overview of the Sociology Degree

The Iota Chapter of Minnesota of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society, was chartered at the Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë of Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë in 1991. The purpose of the society is to promote an interest in the study of sociology, research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition. Membership is open to juniors and seniors who have completed at least sixteen credits in sociology registered through the university, who are officially declared majors or minors in sociology, criminal justice, the sociology concentration of social science, or social studies and who have a minimum overall grade point average in the top 35th of their class and who have maintained a 3.0 grade point average in sociology courses taken at the Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë of Å·ÃÀÎÞÂë.

See Social Work

Elementary Education with a Specialty in Social Studies (5-8)
Co-major in Social Studies (5-12) and a Co-major in Secondary Education

See Education

• SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)
• SOCI 210 Research Methods in Sociology (4 credits)
• SOCI 220 Sociological Analysis (4 credits)
• SOCI 474 Sociological Theory and Praxis: The Capstone Experience (4 credits)

Plus four credits from the following:

• SOCI 350 Social Inequality: Privilege and Power (4 credits)
• SOCI 365 Social Psychology (4 credits)
• SOCI 366 Self and Society (4 credits)

Plus:

• Twenty additional credits in Sociology (eight of which must be 300-level or higher)

Strongly recommended:

It is recommended that students take the following courses in this order:

• MATH 101 Finite Mathematics (4 credits) (or adequate substitute) in the first year
• SOCI 210 Research Methods in Sociology (4 credits)
• SOCI 220 Sociological Analysis (4 credits)

Finally, we recommend that students begin the SOCI 210/220 sequence during their sophomore year. This sequence must be completed by the end of the junior year. Students who have a double major in sociology and psychology and complete SOCI 210, PSYC 212, and DASC 120 may contact the department chair to waive SOCI 220.

• SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)

Plus at least four credits from the following:

• SOCI 210 Research Methods in Sociology (4 credits)
• SOCI 350 Social Inequality: Privilege and Power (4 credits)
• SOCI 365 Social Psychology (4 credits)
• SOCI 366 Self and Society (4 credits)

Plus twelve additional credits from the list above or below:

• SOCI 110 Social Problems (4 credits)
• SOCI 130 Homicide (4 credits)
• SOCI 220 Sociological Analysis (4 credits)
• SOCI 251 Race and Ethnicity (4 credits)
• SOCI 304 Adolescence in Society (4 credits)
• SOCI 312 Crime and Delinquency (4 credits)
• SOCI 315 Gender, Culture, and Society (4 Credits)
• SOCI 321 Marriages and Families (4 credits)
• SOCI 330 Religion in American Society (4 credits)
• SOCI 332 Urban Sociology (4 credits)
• SOCI 341 Work, Organizations, and Society (4 credits)
• *SOCI 344 Police and Society (4 credits)
• *SOCI 346 Corrections in America: Prisons, Probation, Parole (4 credit)
• SOCI 353 Global Perspectives on Gender (4 credits)
• SOCI 354 Sex in Society (4 credits)
• SOCI 380 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Religion in Society (4 credits)
• SOCI 474 Sociological Theory and Praxis: The Capstone Experience (4 credits)
• SOCI 495 Individual Study (4 credits)

*Both SOCI 344 and 346 have SOCI 200 as a prerequisite. SOCI 200 does NOT count toward the SOCI minor.