SEMINAR IN SOCIOLOGY

The Sociology Program also provides a Seminar in Sociology (SOC 470). This is a systematic overview of sociology through a general survey of various subdisciplines in the field with an emphasis on recent research, theory, issues, and developments.

Goals of this course are for students to gain a broader understanding of the field of sociology through instruction on the integration of theory, methods, practical research, exposure to professional opportunities with a sociology degree, as well as a summary recap of the course of study offered by the program through creating a learning community of graduating seniors.

Objectives in this course include integrating previous course work through reading assignments, and research activities that result in a senior thesis. This will require critical evaluation and application of theory, methods, statistics, and concepts used in sociology. This will be accomplished through several objectives:

• Learn to evaluate the logic of argument and use of evidence in literature.
• Learn to apply theories and concepts to empirical observations.
• Learn to apply knowledge acquired in the past to current interests.
• Learn to produce materials for an audience that conveys information and ideas.
• Learn to identify implications of research for policy, community practice, and/or political activism.
• Learn methods of presenting one’s work and professional credentials to an audience.

In this class students and professors engage in lecture, group discussions, independent research projects, and the creation of a final product of work that represents the apex of the student’s studies in sociology. The course also contains information about professionalization in sociology, careers outside the discipline, and, finally, an overall assessment of learning in the sociology major.