Sociology
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 University, a minimum of 120 credits is required for degree, the last 30 of which must be earned at the University. To graduate with a Sociology major, the following course work is required:
- 12 credits of major requirements
- 24 credits of major electives, must include 15 credits at 3000 level. 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).
- 47 General Elective credits, at least 11 credits of which must be taken outside of sociology.
- 37 University Core Curriculum credits (see http://www.laroche.edu/academics/core.asp to find out more).
Summary of Requirements
Core Sociology: 9 credits
SOCL2040FOUNDATION OF SOCIAL THOUGHT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The course examines sociological theories, with emphasis on the works of Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and G.H. Mead and other major contributions to sociological thought.
SOCL3011RESEARCH METHODS (INST3011)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course examines major research methods. The student will be exposed to the development and evaluation of research design and conclusions, conducting of research, preparation of research papers and ethics in research. The emphasis will be on survey methods, participant observation and ethnographic research. Cross-listed with INST3011
PREREQUISITES:
MATH1040 or CRIM2012
SOCL4055SENIOR SEMINAR (INST4055)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A course designed to assist students in culminating and synthesizing their study of sociology on the undergraduate level through independent readings, research and class discussion. Required for sociology majors. Cross-listed with INST4055
PREREQUISITES:
SR Status & permission of department chair
Major Electives: Select 24 Credits
SOCL2022SPORTS AND GLOBALIZATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Using sociological theories and concepts, this course analyzes how society defines and organizes sports. This course also looks at how sports as a (local and globalized) social activity influences important aspects of our lives such as family, education, politics, the economy, media, and religion. It also examines how sports participation affects our ideas about, among other things, gender, class, ethnicity, conformity, and violence.
SOCL2030JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (CRIM2030)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will offer an analysis of Juvenile Delinquency and the juvenile justice system. It will examine the theories of the causes of juvenile crime and the processes of the juvenile justice system. Cross-listed with CRIM2030
SOCL2038WEALTH, POWER, AND PRESTIGE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The course presents a study of the causes and consequences of political, economic and social inequality. The systematic ranking of individuals and aggregates is analyzed. Institutional and non-institutional determinants of inequality are examined so as to understand the distribution of wealth, status and prestige in society.
SOCL2045ISLAM IN THE WORLD (HIST2045/POLI2045)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course, the basic beliefs of Islam are reviewed, along with a brief history of Islam's overall development and its impact on the world and on various civilizations in different global regions. Islam's internal sects are analyzed, and its political impact on current politics in the world is explored. The role of U.S. foreign policy in dealing with the recent rise of Islam is also analyzed. Cross-listed with HIST/POLI2045
SOCL2061SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A general introduction to social gerontology with emphasis upon the normal aspects of aging. Review of current hypotheses and findings concerning the aging processes are addressed.
SOCL2062HUMAN SERVICES IN MODERN SOCIETY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A study of the role of social services in contemporary society. This course is designed to assist students in exploring theories, practices and careers in the helping professions.
SOCL2070CULTURE AND HUMAN SOCIETIES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Sociological study of what we mean by culture is taken and critically applied to the discussion of global-historical transformations in human social development, from the period of simple societies to the present age of complex, industrial, and globalized societies.
SOCL3008SOCIOLOGY OF WORK AND OCCUPATIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Work and occupations are examined in historical and contemporary contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the characteristics of professions and the attempts of occupations to professionalize. Focus will be on the macro level (the effects of advancements in technology, bureaucratization and unionization on the division of labor), the microlevel (job satisfaction and alienation), and on the interface between macro and micro levels (do individuals of equal ability have equal access to prestige careers regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or other attributes).
SOCL3020DEATH AND DYING (PSYC3020)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is a topical overview of some of the diverse areas of inquiry grouped under the general heading death and dying. The basic purpose of this course is to help students understand grief, loss, dying, and death-both as an objective fact and as it relates to their own personal experiences-and to apply this understanding to their common experiences. The social, cultural, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual dimensions of death and dying will be examined from an interdisciplinary, but mostly social psychological and sociological perspective with the goal of enhancing the meaning of life and living. Cross-listed with PSYC3020.
SOCL3025
Credits (Min/Max): /
SOCL3026WOMEN IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is an introduction to the field of women's studies that focuses on the significance of gender in shaping the culture, society, and influence of the United States. Drawing upon a diverse set of theories, methods, and approaches from the social sciences, this course focuses primarily on the interrelated dynamics of gender at both the individual and societal levels in the United States, although we will view this country from both a comparative and an international perspective, showing how gender-related social and cultural phenomena vary across countries. Among the topics covered are cultural norms and values, socialization, interpersonal behavior, strategies of power and influence, gender-based violence, sexuality and reproduction, and social institutions such as the family, workplaces, government, education, religion and the media.
SOCL3027FAMILY RELATIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A sociological analysis of the family with emphasis on historical trends and contemporary family life in the United States. The study includes family relationships and functions, family disorganization and change, with an overview of the family as a major social institution.
SOCL3029SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC3029)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course addresses the scientific study of human behavior, cognition and emotion as it is shaped by the psychosocial environment. Topics include social cognition, group dynamics, interpersonal attraction, conformity, aggression, prejudice, persuasion, and helping behavior. Cross-listed with PSYC3029
PREREQUISITES:
PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H
SOCL3030THEORIES OF CRIMIMAL DEVIANCE (CRIM3030)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An examination of the etiology and major theories of criminality, with special reference to the rational choice, routine activity, biological and psychosocial theories of deviance. This course will examine criminal deviance by analyzing both criminal and victim populations, with particular emphasis on crime typology and the analysis of criminal behavior. The responses of the Criminal Justice System and private security experts to criminal behavior from situational crime prevention techniques to correctional treatment methods are explored and discussed. Cross-listed with CRIM3030
SOCL3031RELIGION AND SOCIETY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
An analytical presentation of religion as a social institution emphasizing the function of religion in society and its relationship to the conflict and change that characterize modern American life.
SOCL3037VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course addresses the social and psychological conditions, which give rise to the physical abuse of children and adults. The principal focus is an examination of child abuse and neglect, battered spouses, victims of rape and assault and victims in institutions. The effects on the individual and possible societal responses are also explored.
SOCL3039POLITICS AND SOCIETY (POLI3039)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The course is designed to familiarize the student with the social bases of political power. Politics is viewed as a process in relation to the social and economic structures, which influence its direction. A consideration of the effects which politics has on these structures is also offered. A detailed analysis of the primacy of politics in the 20th century is included. Cross-listed with POLI3039
SOCL3040ETHNIC CONFLICT (POLI3040)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course we examine why ethnic groups sometimes get along very well, but other times engage in conflict. We query: What are the political and social origins of ethnic conflicts in various parts of the world? Do ethnic conflicts differ in different world regions? What national and international policies encourage ethnic conflict? How can we encourage ethnic groups to pursue peaceful accommodations? Cross-listed with POLI3040
SOCL3041CITIES AND GLOBALIZATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course examines the social dynamics of urbanization, urban social structure, and urban development. It analyzes, through various theories of urban sociology, the city as a form of social organization and as centers of economic and political processes. It also looks at how globalization has impacted various cities around the world in terms of their growths and declines.
SOCL3050EDUCATION AND SOCIETY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is a critical analysis of education as a social institution. It looks at the interactive relations between education and the social dimensions of class, race, ethnicity, and gender, both in the US and in selected countries around the world.
SOCL3051DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (HIST/POLI3051)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course looks at the history of social, political and economic development of Southeast Asia, excluding Indochina, and focusing primarily on Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It will discuss the contingent and dependent nature of development of these countries under the larger framework of global capitalism, and how such development affects the national historical experiences of these countries. Cross-listed with HIST/POLI3025
SOCL3081ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is designed to provide an approach to study and analyze the interactions between society and the environment, and the political economic impacts of environmental problems. Focus will be on both the social causes of and social responses to various environmental problems, at the local, national, and global levels.
SOCL3082SOCIAL MOVEMENT AND RESISTANCE (POLI3082)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course examines the origin, growth, and dynamics of social movements as forms of social protest and resistance against state and global injustices. Discussions include case studies of various social and political groups, non-government organizations, and liberation and revolutionary movements in the US and throughout the world. Cross-listed with POLI3082
Required Introductory Courses : Select 3 credits
SOCL1021RACE, CLASS AND GENDER: INTRO TOSOCIOLOGY (SLSO)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is an introduction to the study of society through the critical analysis of social relations, behavior, and organization. It is designed to facilitate students to develop a broad knowledge of how social structures and human behavior influence each other, as well as to identify the issues that arise from such interactions. In order for students to critically analyze contemporary social issues and problems, such discussions will focus along the dimensions of race, class, and gender. No prior knowledge of sociology is expected.
SOCL1023GLOBAL SOCIAL PROBLEMS (SLSO1007)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is a study of current social problems that take place across the globe. It emphasizes the application of sociological concepts to the critical analysis of social issues and problems in contemporary societies throughout the world, including the US. Cross-listed with SLSO1007
SOCL1034RACE AND ETHNICITY (SLSO)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A study of the social relationships of racial, ethnic, religious and other minority groups with emphasis on personal, cultural and social development.