Sociology

Degree

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology
CAS

Contact

Dr. Sam McReynolds

smcreynolds@une.edu

Mission

The mission of the Department of Society, Culture and Languages is to offer a broad-based liberal arts education with an emphasis on cultural, global, and political dynamics.  The department provides a combination of theoretical, scientific, and practical approaches to understanding and solving human problems. Issues of gender, race, class, and culture as well as hands on learning are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Our goal is to graduate students with marketable skills that prepare them for entry-level positions in social services or for graduate study in related areas.

Major Description

The major in sociology will provide the student with a broad-base exposure to theories and methods, as well as a wide range of current social issues. The student will also receive extensive interdisciplinary work in the fields of anthropology and psychology. These strong academic foundations will prepare the student for a wide range of academic and professional opportunities. Students from this major have chosen to continue their education in fields including, sociology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies and public health. They have also chosen to work directly with social deviance, criminal justice, as well as other areas of social service.

In addition to the traditional approaches to sociology, there are two unique elements to this program. First, students will complete an internship. This will help students explore experiential learning, applications of sociology to the real world, and undertake career explorations. Second, students will participate in a semester-long applied sociology experience. With this experience a student can choose to study abroad, work in a social service agency, or complete an intensive research project.

Overall, this program will provide students with a strong foundation for understanding today's social issues and problems. The student will also have a wide range of skills and experiences that will enhance their future educational and career opportunities as well as enable them to be a more active and aware citizen.

Transfer Credit

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of participating in our Honors Program ( http://www.une.edu/cas/programs/honors-program ) and graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member.

Curricular Requirements

  Credits
CAS Core Requirements 42-43
  Credits
Sociology Core 21
SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology 3
SOC 225 – Statistics for Social and Behavioral Science 3
SOC 270 - Classical Social Theory 3
SOC 280 - Contemporary Social Theory 3

SOC 285 - Research Methods

3
SOC 300 - Internship 3
SOC 370 - Applied Field Methods in Sociology 3
   
Sociology Electives  12
Elective 1 - Social Global Studies Course 3
Elective 2 - Social Cultural Studies Course 3
Elective 3 - 300 or 400 level elective 3
Elective 4 -  Sociology course at any level of the student's choosing. 3
Applied Sociological Experience (see study abroad and department homepage)   
Option 1 - Study Abroad 9 - 16
   
   
   
   
Option 2 - Internship  9 - 16
   
Option 3 - Capstone Thesis 9 - 16
   
Total Credits in Major  39 - 46
Open Elective Courses (needed to reach 120 credits)  variable
Minimum Total Required Credits  120

Learning Outcomes

  1. The sociological imagination.
    ​Students will be able to:
    • describe how Sociology is distinct from other social sciences.
    • apply the sociological imagination to social phenomena
  2. The role of sociological theory.
    ​Students should be able to:
    • describe the role of theory in building sociological knowledge.
    • compare and contrast the different theoretical perspectives.
    • apply these theories to social conditions.
  3. The nature of evidence in sociology.
    ​Students should be able to:
    • identify the basic methodological approaches in building sociological knowledge.
    • compare and contrast various research methodologies.
    • design and complete a written research project.
    • critically assess published research.
  4. Data analysis.
    ​Students should be able to:
    • understand the role of data analysis in building sociological knowledge and testing theory.
    • use computer software for statistical analysis.
    • understand appropriate statistical techniques.
    • draw valid conclusions from the data analysis.
  5. How cultural and social structures operate.
    ​Students should be able to:
    • describe different social institutions and their various influences on the individual.
    • explain how the aforementioned institutions are interrelated.
    • evaluate them using sociological theory.
  6. The diversity of human societies.
    ​Students should be able to:
    • describe the significance of variation by race, class, gender, religion and age.
    • explain patterns and variations using sociological theory.
    •  justify policy recommendations to address social inequalities.
  7. Communicate sociology effectively.
    ​Students should be able to:
    • produce well written papers that clearly express sociological knowledge.
    • clearly express sociological knowledge in verbal presentations.
    • demonstrate critical thinking.

Minor

A student with a major in another department may minor in Sociology with the permission of the Society, Culture adn Languages Department Chair. Eighteen hours of approved course work is required for the Minor in Sociology as follows:

  Credits
Required Courses for Minor 18
SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology 3
Three 3-credit Sociology courses at the 200 level or higher 9
One 3-credit Sociology course at the 300 level or higher 3
One 3-credit Sociology course at any level of the student's choosing. 3

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2014-2015 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication May 30, 2014.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.