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Sociology


Bachelor of Arts

Sociology Department Website

Social justice and equality are the key elements to a peaceful and stable society. But our world is often plagued by the persistence of centuries-old problems such as racism, poverty, war, oppression, enslavement, political economic underdevelopment, crime, human exploitation, and environmental degradation. Sociology is a field of study that analyzes these social problems and phenomena, and how they continue to affect groups and societies. It also examines how social issues arise and how they have been addressed. Sociology allows us to discuss realistic solutions to these problems and issues, and why or how these options have failed or succeeded. Through the understanding of the dynamic relationships between social structure and human behavior, scholars of sociology have provided theories and approaches to explain social issues, social change, and social problems.

What can you do with a BA in Sociology? Employers look for people with the skills that an undergraduate education in sociology provides:

  • As a broad discipline, sociology cuts across many areas of the social sciences. Thus a degree in sociology prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in public administration, politics, social and health services, criminal justice, business, education, counseling, social research journalism, public relations, and various other needs, especially those that require analytical skills and working with people from all social backgrounds;
  • Knowledge and skills in sociological theories and research methods provide sociology students with the preparation for wide option of post-graduate work. A BA in Sociology is an extremely useful major for the preparation of graduate studies in sociology and other social science disciplines, as well as for law school;
  • Globalization has impacted nearly every aspect of people’s lives around the world. The growth of both business and non-profit organizations at the national and international levels requires the recruitment of personnel who understand world affairs and appreciate diversity. A BA in sociology that focuses on global affairs would prepare sociology students with the capabilities needed in such organizations.
  • At La Roche College, a minimum of 120 credits is required for degree, the last 30 of which must be earned at the College. To graduate with a Sociology major, the following course work is required:

  • 33 required sociology credits selected from each of the categories below.
  • 15 Sociology elective credits selected from categories C, D and/or E as shown below. Sociology electives can also be taken in the form of individualized courses for juniors and seniors from the following: SOCL4051 and 4052, Sociology Internship I and II; SOCL4056, Directed Research; and/or SOCL4057, Independent Study.
  • MATH1040, Probability and Statistics, is a prerequisite for the SOCL3011 Research Methods course. (3 credits).
  • 32 General Elective credits, at least 11 credits of which must be taken outside of sociology.
  • 40 College Core Curriculum credits (see http://www.laroche.edu/academics/core.asp to find out more).

    A. Required Introductory Courses -- Select 6 credits

    SOCL1021 Race, Class, Gender: An Introduction to Sociology
    SOCL1023 Global Social Problems
    SOCL1034 Race & Ethnicity
     

    B. Required: Core Sociology -- 9 credits

    SOCL2040 Foundations of Social Thought
    SOCL3011 Research Methods
    SOCL4055 Senior Seminar in Sociology
     

    C. Required Courses: Social Organization -- select 6 credits

    SOCL2038 Wealth, Power & Prestige
    SOCL3026 Women in American Society
    SOCL3027 Family Relations
    SOCL3031 Sociology of Religion
    SOCL3039 Politics and Society
    SOCL3040 Ethnic Conflict
    SOCL3050 Education & Society
     

    D. Required: Global Sociology -- select 6 credits

    SOCL2022 Sports & Globalization
    SOCL2045 Islam in the World
    SOCL2070 Culture & Human Societies
    SOCL3025 Social Change & Development
    SOCL3041 Cities & Globalization
    SOCL3051 Development in Southeast Asia
    SOCL3081 Environment & Society
    SOCL3082 Social Movements & Resistance
     

    E. Required: Social Process and Services -- select 6 credits

    SOCL2030 Juvenile Delinquency
    SOCL2061 Social Gerontology
    SOCL2062 Human Services in Modern Society
    SOCL3008 Sociology of Work & Occupations
    SOCL3020 Death & Dying
    SOCL3029 Social Psychology
    SOCL3030 Theories of Criminal Deviance
    SOCL3037 Victims of Abuse and Neglect