|
|
|
|
Sociology is the study of social life, processes of social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. As a discipline sociologists investigate the nature of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious organizations; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports. In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge. [Text adapted from the ASA publication, Careers in Sociology (1995).] The American Sociological Association recently released findings based on 1700 majors responses to a national survey. The findings document what majors have learned while earning their B.A or B.S. in sociology and what careers they hope to pursue. For more information please read below - Life After a B.A. or B.S. in Sociology - or the on-line results published by the American Sociological Association by clicking here. Degree Requirements Requirements for the B.A. Degree This major requires a minimum of 33 term hours, 18 of which
must be at the advanced level. The four required courses include either SOCI
2300 or 2310, 3311, 3312 and either SOCI 4313 or 4314. Of the remaining 21
credit hours, six hours must be at the 4000 level. Students should take either
SOCI 2300 or 2310 and either SOCI 3311 or 3312 before taking a 4000-level
course. STAT 1301, 2331, or 3300 can be counted as one of the eleven classes
needed for the sociology major. Twelve term hours of foreign language are
recommended. Requirements for the B.S. Degree The B.S. degree is a more specialized program than the B.A. It provides a sound foundation for graduate study in sociology or law. The major requires 36 term hours, 18 of which must be at the advanced level. The five required courses include either SOCI 2300 or 2310, 3311, 3312, 4313, and 4314. Of the remaining 21 credit hours, nine hours must be at the 4000 level. Students should take either SOCI 2300 or 2310 and either 3311 or 3312 before taking a 4000-level course. STAT 1301, 2331, or 3300 may be counted as one of the classes within the sociology major. Twelve term hours of foreign language are recommended. Requirements for Minor in Sociology Students majoring in other departments may obtain a minor in sociology by completing either SOCI 2300 or 2310; one of the following: SOCI 3311, 3312, 4313, or 4314; one additional course at the 4000 level; and two courses at the 3000 level or above for a total of 15 hours. Please visit the University Catalog to read more
about Sociology courses offered at SMU. The Courses (SOCI) 2300. Social Problems. Selected problems of modern urban life analyzed with an emphasis on American values, the nature of “community,” and the manifest and latent functions of proposed solutions to social problems. 2310. Introduction to Sociology. The perspective and basic content of sociology, emphasizing the ways in which values and other beliefs influence social behavior. 2377. Markets and Culture. A general introduction to economic sociology, illustrating how the basic economic categories of labor, commodities, money, markets, and the economy are affected by social relations. 3301. (ANTH 3301, CFB 3301). Health, Healing, and Ethics. An examination of beliefs about health and disease in a world context. Texts plus a case history approach are used to examine medical beliefs, concepts of health, mind, and body, together with ecological and ethical issues relating to our changing populations. 3305. (CF 3310, ETST 2301). Race and Ethnicity in the United States. An interdisciplinary seminar designed to introduce students to the analysis of race and ethnicity in the United States within a global context. No prerequisites. 3311. Qualitative Research Methods. Course provides an overview of commonly used methodologies in sociology, with a focus on qualitative methods. Topics include the relationship between theory and qualitative methods, an inductive versus deductive approach, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings. Prerequisite: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310. 3312. Survey Research Methods and Data Analysis. Course provides an overview of social survey design and collection of quantitative survey data. Topics include questionnaire design, field implementation, statistical analysis of data, and presentation of findings. Lab sessions will investigate sociological data sets. Prerequisite: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310. 3320. (RELI 3310). The Social-Scientific Study of Religion. An introduction to scientific ways of thinking about the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of religious life. Attentive to major thinkers and theories dealing with religion in the disciplines of anthropology, psychology, sociology, and the social-scientific study of religion. 3330. Person vs. Society? Social-psychological examination of causes and consequences of conformity and loss of individuality; emphasis on strategies for countering pressures to conform and for achieving personal autonomy. 3340. Global Society. Provides students with a sociological orientation to the contemporary world, viewed as an evolving network of nation-states. Focusing on the global interdependence of countries, the position of societies in the world system will be related to their internal patterns of social stratification. 3345. Media Ethics and Gender. To provide a broad historical and contemporary background to the study of media, ethics, and gender images — both in the U.S. and abroad. 3351. Marriage and Family. Husband-wife and parent-child relations in the United States; traditions and alternatives. 3355. Family Conflict. Domestic violence, conflict over child custody in divorce, incest and child abuse, neglect and failure to support are topics in the changing family in America. Intergenerational issues and problems also discussed. 3360. Law and Society. Designed to give students a broad overview of the history and functions of our major legal institutions and their relationship to American culture and social structure. 3363. Crime and Delinquency. Extent of the problem; causal theories; prevention and public policy. 3368 (ANTH 3368). Urban Problems: A Cross-cultural Perspective. Evolution, development, and differentiation of Western cities compared to non-Westernized cities. 3370. Minority-Dominant Relations. The nature, origins, and consequences of relationships between unequal groups; U.S. and other societies compared. 3371. Sociology of Gender. Roles of men and women in American Society; analysis of the acquisition, content, and consequences of sex roles; social movements and implications for social change. 3372. Chicanos in the Southwest. Contemporary Chicano life and culture in the Southwest; effects of racism and rapid urbanization. 3377. Organizations and Their Environment. Explores the theories and relationships between organizations and environment. Applies these theories to the analysis of real world organization activities. Prerequisite: SOCI 2377. 3383 (CF 3385). Race, Culture, and Social Policy in the Southwest. This interdisciplinary seminar introduces students to conceptualizing social problems. Focus is on the distinctive conditions defined and treated as social problems in the American Southwest. 4193, 4293, 4393. Individual Research. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or SOCI 2310 and either SOCI 3311 or 3312, and one 3000-level course. 4313. The Sociological Tradition. Introduction to ideas and theories of 19th- and early 20th- century sociologists. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4314. Contemporary Sociological Theory. Recent trends in sociological theory and research. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4321. Immigration and Population Issues. Causes and consequences of population growth and change in the United States and the world. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4335. Social Movements and Collective Behavior. Nature, causes, and consequences of crowds, riots, fads, public opinion, social movements, revolution. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4340. Sociology of Culture. This course provides an overview of the sociological study of culture and focuses on the ways language, artifacts, ideas, identities and narratives construct social reality. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4353. Political Sociology. Political movements, the impact of politics on other institutions in America, issues of power and control are discussed. Global issues of economics and political power included. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4360 Gangs in the United States: Developing Historical, Social and Theoretical Understandings of a Modern Problem. An examination of the history, development and structures of gangs in the U.S. which incorporates explanatory theories, policy and models for prevention, intervention and suppression of gang activity. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4363. The Administration of Justice. Law enforcement and criminal court systems; the ideal of justice and public policy. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4364. Correctional Systems. The history of punishment, adjustment to incarceration, and comparison of prisons for men and women. Constitutional issues of criminal punishment discussed. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4366. Deviant Behavior. Causes and consequences of deviant behavior; evaluation of leading theories. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4372. Wealth and Consumption. This course focuses on how group membership (e.g. race, social class) and societal forces (e.g. economic development) affect spending and savings patterns with particular attention paid to sociological theories of consumption. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4373. Class, Race, and Gender Inequalities. Unequal distribution of power, prestige, and opportunity within society; causes and consequences. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4374. Social Change. Review of major social change theories emphasizing: technology, modernization, social power, impact of change on individuals and institutions; possible solutions to resulting problems. Seminar format. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. 4377. Contemporary Markets and Culture. Provides an opportunity to apply knowledge acquired in core Markets and Culture classes to real world contexts. Prerequisites: SOCI 2377 and 3377. 4379. Markets and Culture Internship. Provides students the opportunity to do field work on the research and analysis of social institutions and problems. Student will intern for an agency, organization, or business, and complete a research project. Prerequisites: SOCI 2377 and 3377, and permission of program director. 4396. Individual Research for Distinction. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312, and one 3000-level course, and permission of director of undergraduate studies. 4398. Sociological Internship. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312, and permission of director of undergraduate studies. 4399. Special Topics: Sociology Seminar. Prerequisites: Either SOCI 2300 or 2310, and either SOCI 3311 or 3312. Student Research Students are encouraged to participate with faculty in doing research. SMU junior, Benjamin Briscoe is working with Professor Dalia Abdelhady on a research project entitled, "The Political Relevance of Arab-Americans." A paper from the project is to be presented at this year's 2007 Annual Meetings of the American Sociological Association in New York City.
Life After a B.A. or B.S. in Sociology What kind of job can I get? Students who graduate with a B.A. or B.S. in sociology and enter the job market directly will find themselves competing with other liberal arts students, but with an advantage--knowledge of key social factors and a firm grasp on research design and methods. Although few occupations include "sociologist" in their title at the bachelor's level, the sociological perspective is excellent preparation for a wide variety of occupations. You should look for an entry-level job, gain experience through internships, and watch for opportunities of specialized training or advanced education. Sociology majors who are interested in criminal justice gravitate toward careers in law enforcement, legal professions, or social welfare agencies. Those who are interested in the sociology of work and occupations may pursue careers in human resources management (personnel) and industrial relations. Courses in economic and political sociology, cultural diversity, racial and ethnic relations, and social conflict can lead to positions in international business. Students who especially enjoy research design, statistics, and data analysis seek positions in marketing, public relations, and organizational research. During the job search, B.A./B.S. sociology graduates are able to stress their exposure to a wide variety of classes offered in the curriculum, the oral and written communication skills acquired in the classroom, analytical skills developed in upper-level courses that offer opportunities for original ideas to develop, computer literacy and knowledge of statistics and research design developed in the methods sequence, and any internship or study abroad experiences the student has engaged in. Is graduate school an option? A degree in sociology also is excellent preparation for future graduate work in order to become a sociology professor, researcher, or applied sociologist. While in academia, sociologists can instruct students, conduct research, and publish their work. Sociology courses are offered in more than 3,000 colleges. A sociology major also provides a useful background for those planning to enter graduate work in law, business, medicine, community planning, architecture, and politics. In many professional schools, sociology courses are part of the requirements.
Why should I do an internship? Sociology majors can enhance their educational experience by doing an internship for course credit. As part of the internship process student would meet regularly with a sociology faculty member to maximize relevancy to the student’s interests and goals. Alternatively, a student can do a paid internship instead of course credit. Both of these experiences are beneficial in determining the kind of job you want as well as making you more competitive the labor market. Internships are available through the department and the Hegi Family Career Development Center. Why spend a semester in a foreign country? Study abroad provides you with an opportunity to learn about a different culture, language, and people and have fun while doing it. SMU supports a student’s decision to study abroad by making sure that graduation requirements are met within the required time-frame. SMU’s Study Abroad Program offers a chance to experience college life in different countries with yearlong, semester, or summer programs at locations around the globe. For example, sociology students have enjoyed SMU-in-Australia, SMU-in-Copenhagen, SMU-in-Paris SMU-in-Suzhou (China) and SMU-in-Xalapa (Mexico). The Department Distinction Program Students wishing to work for distinction in sociology should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies as soon as possible in the junior year. Students will be expected to engage in original research (based on a topic covered in a 3000 or 4000-level course) and write a journal-length article under the supervision of a faculty member while enrolled in SOCI 4396. At the end of the semester, the supervising faculty will make a recommendation to departmental faculty regarding distinction. The department committee will then evaluate the merits of the paper and determine if distinction will be awarded. Either a B.A. or B.S. student can attempt distinction in Sociology. Walter and Helen Watson Prize in Sociology Each year the sociology department awards the Watson Prize in Sociology to an exceptional junior or senior sociology major. Students are selected based on their grade point average and a paper competition. Previous Winners 1994-1995: Larissa Church and Taylor Cole 1995-1996: Melissa M. Long 1996-1997: Donna Carlene Ware and Kristen Lacey Harris 1997-1998: Cherlyn N. Haynes and Scott Langley 1998-1999: Sabrina Elizabeth Saltzman 1999-2000: Melissa D. Whaley 2000-2001: Arianna Pabich 2002-2003: Tiffany D. Jenson 2003-2004: Tanny U. Graham 2004-2005: Bradley P. Wilson and Eric Michael Castro 2005-2006: Charlotte King 2006-2007: Brandon Jackson
Alpha Kappa Delta Alpha Kappa Delta is a non-secret, democratic, international society of scholars dedicated to the ideal of Athropon Katamanthanein Diakonesein or “to investigate humanity for the purpose of service.” AKD seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement of the human condition. AKD was founded at the University of Southern California in 1920 and became affiliated with the Association of College Honor Societies in 1967. Why should you join AKD? The Society sponsors student paper contests, provides funds for student travel to regional sociological meetings, membership comes with a one year subscription to Sociological Inquiry, plus civil service employees received a two-step boost in pay grade if they list AKD membership on their applications. For more information go to their web pages at http://www.alpha-kappa-delta.org The Club is:
2006-2007 Sociology Club Officers President Kristyn Cobstill
Fall Semester 2006: Achievements
Spring Semester 2007:
Upcoming Events For more information and pictures visit our News and Events page. On-Campus Resources and Opportunities
Central University Library Homepage: http://www.smu.edu/cul/ Study Abroad: http://www.smu.edu/studyabroad/ Hegi Family Career Center: http://www.smu.edu/career/ Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center: http://www.smu.edu/alec/home.html A-LEC Writing Center: http://www.smu.edu/alec/wc.html
To Learn More about the Disciplines
American Sociological Association: http://www.asanet.org/ American Society of Criminology: http://www.asc41.com/ Contexts: Understanding People in Their Social Worlds: http://www.contextsmagazine.org/ The Sociology Starting Point: http://www.global-college.com/mydegree/ The SocioWeb: http://www.socioweb.com/ SocioSite: http://www.sociosite.net/index.php
Career Resources
Center of Non-Profit Management, Dallas Texas. Their listing for Texas: http://www.cnmdallas.org
General Resources
Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/ New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/
To Find Statistics for Use in Classes
Federal Statistics at a Glance (Fed Stats): http://www.fedstats.gov/ National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): http://nces.ed.gov/ Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ U.S. Bureau of Justice Crime Statistics: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/ U.S. Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov/ The Gallup Poll for Public Opinion Research: http://www.galluppoll.com/ United Nations Social Indicators Data: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/socind/ The World Bank for Data and Research: http://econ.worldbank.org
Resources for Writing Class Papers
How do I reference documents in my papers and format my bibliography? http://www.asanet.org/page.ww?name=Quick+Style+Guide§ion=Sociology+Depts
How do I write a “sociological paper”? From the University of North Carolina Writing Center--Writing for Sociology http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/sociology.html
To Download Publicly Available Data for Use in Classes
Southern Methodist University is a member of the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research. The ICPSR is the largest social science data archive in the world. Through our membership, SMU faculty and students have ready access to hundreds of datasets on topics that cover virtually all social science interests. These datasets are an invaluable resource for both teaching and research. Students also are eligible to attend the ICPSR summer program in quantitative methods. If you would like more information pertaining to this resource, contact one of your sociology professors and they will direct you as to what to next. For now you can browse the database to determine if the data you need is available.
ICPSR—Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/ General Social Survey Codebook and Calculate Data Immediately: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/GSS/
Links for On-Line Media
PBS: http://www.pbs.org Frontline: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/ Back to top |
|
Copyright © 2006
Department of Sociology
|
