Sociology at Bluffton College
The objectives of the Sociology major are to teach the student the nature and functions of the social order and the social process essential to personality development. By studying our complex and changing society in depth, individuals can better accept, modify or oppose social forces in the light of their own values. The Sociology major seeks to:
1) prepare the student for a career in areas involving human relations. While some Sociology courses can be helpful in any vocation, students planning their life work primarily around interaction with people might consider taking Sociology courses or majoring in the field. Vocational possibilities include a wide variety, both public and private, of social service- and social work-related environments from criminal justice to family and child welfare agencies, teaching, vocations related to the church, personnel, probation and parole, human resources, administration in business or government, social research, race relations and other social action. In some of these vocations employment may be found upon graduation from college. For others, more specialized training in graduate school is strongly urged;
2) provide information on means of social action for those whose conscience calls them to work for social justice and peaceful resolution of conflict in families and communities - local, national, international. This knowledge is of special value for those interested in civic leadership, voluntary service and church institutions; and
3) provide students opportunity to prepare for an academic career in a graduate sociology program.
Major (35 hours
minimum)
Required:
SOC 152 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOC 264 Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 362 Methods of Social Research 1 (3)
SOC 363 Methods of Social Research 2 (3)
SOC 466 Sociology Seminar (2)Remaining 21 hours in the department or cognate disciplines may include:
CRJ 201 Introduction to the Juvenile Justice (3)
CRJ 275 Criminology (3)
FCS 100 Human Ecology (2)
PSY 184 General Statistics (3)
PSY 258 Social Psychology (3)
SOC 162 Anthropology (3)
SOC 208 Sociology of the Family (3)
SOC 230 Organizational Behavior (2-year sequence with EBA 230) (3)
SOC 242 Social Problems & Public Policy (3)
SWK 264 Human Behavior and Social Environment 2 (3)
SOC 320 Family Violence (3)
SOC 325 Race and Ethnicity in American Society: History and Current Realities (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Religion (3)
SOC 385 Sociology Practicum (2-3)
SOC 390 Independent Study (1-3)
Minor (20 hours minimum)
SOC 152 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOC 264 Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 362 Methods of Social Research 1 (3)
SOC 466 Sociology Seminar (2)
Remaining electives (minimum 9 hours, 3 courses) from sociology or cognate disciplines.
Courses
SOC 152 Introduction to Sociology (3)
What sociologists do and how they think; the study of the interaction of individuals and
groups with their physical and social environment; consideration of basic concepts,
theories and major principles of explanation used by sociologists.
SOC 264 Sociological Theory (3)
An examination of basic intellectual traditions and paradigm regarding society, including
normative beliefs and values, as well as scientific theories of social relations and
culture from the 18th century to the present. Emphasis on selected early and contemporary
theorists. Prerequisite: SOC 152.
SOC 325 Race and Ethnicity in American Society: History and Current Realities (3)
A course studying the data, causes and social patterns of differences due to race and
minority status as well as the means available to achieve a less-prejudiced social order.
Interdisciplinary sources will be used. Prerequisite: SOC 152.
SOC 335 Sociology of Religion (3)
Social and cultural interpretations of religious institutions and the relation of the
social order, the changing situation of religious belief and experience, cultic
expression, ecclesiastical organization, professional and lay religious roles, ethical
behavior and impact of religious institutions and belief on public life. Prerequisite:
SOC 152 or PSY 110.
SOC 362 Methods of Social Research 1 (3)
The nature of the scientific method and research as applied to the analysis and interpretation of both quantitative and qualitative data. An introduction to the basic techniques of social research as well as statistics and the interpretation of research results. Use of computer-based data analysis techniques. Prerequisite: SOC 152 or completion of the introductory course in one of the social science disciplines.
SOC 363 Methods of Social Research 2 (3)
Building upon the background and skills presented in SOC 362, this course involves the development of a social research project, data collection and preparation of research results. It allows students to design and conduct their own independent research, culminating in a required presentation of research findings. Prerequisite: SOC 362.
SOC 390 Independent Study (1-3)
By arrangement.