Requirements

Major/Minor

The Sociology/Criminology Department is designed to advance the overall university mission by offering a value-centered approach to the social sciences alongside substantive preparation for a variety of professional endeavors. The mission of the Department is to provide for students a program combining the scientific study of social institutions and the social organization of human behavior with a critical understanding of law, human rights, social justice, social action and advocacy. The major in sociology offers a career-enhancing, liberal arts curriculum based on the study of the structure of and interactions among and within groups, institutions, and societies, providing an understanding of how individual behavior shapes and is shaped by group membership, with particular emphasis on class, race, gender and age. Students majoring in sociology are exposed to a comprehensive program of study in one of three concentrations and are prepared for professional employment in a number of occupations in the public or private sector, or for graduate study in sociology, related social sciences, social work, education, or law. To this end, three separate concentrations are offered within the sociology major.

The concentration in social analysis provides the sociological knowledge and skills to prepare graduates for further study in pursuit of a graduate degree in sociology or a related social science or applied field, or for a law degree. This concentration is also designed to provide the sociological training necessary to prepare graduates for employment in a variety of occupations and professions in the private and public sectors.

The concentration in social services provides preparation for graduate study toward a career as a professional social worker. This concentration is also designed to provide the sociological training necessary to prepare graduates for employment in occupations in social services serving communities-in-need and underrepresented populations.

The concentration in gerontology offers preparation for graduate study in the fields of gerontology or related social services. This concentration is also designed to provide the sociological training necessary to prepare graduates for employment in a range of social service and health care occupations serving the aging population.

Students in all three concentrations are also encouraged to acquire practical experience through internships and service learning opportunities. For additional information regarding the sociology program and its concentrations students should consult an advisor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

Major Requirements
Thirty-nine semester hours chosen in conference with an advisor. The specific requirements vary according to the concentration selected by the student.

Concentration in Social Analysis
Thirty-nine semester hours chosen in conference with an advisor, including:
• Twelve semester hours in foundations courses, consisting of Sociology 110, 200, 361, 362
• Nine semester hours in social theory selected from Sociology 372, 380, 382, 407, 409, or
• Criminology 406
• Eighteen additional semester hours chosen from Sociology 204, 206, 208, 210, 218, 220, 222, 225, 230, 240, 245, 250, 268, 280, 285, 286, 299, 302, 342, 350, 355, 372, 380, 382, 390, Criminology 242, 255, 265, 320 or 370

Concentration in Social Services
Thirty-nine semester hours chosen in conference with an advisor, including:
• Twelve semester hours in foundations courses consisting of Sociology 110, 200, 361, 362;
• Six semester hours of social welfare studies consisting of Sociology 225 and 245;
• Nine semester hours in social theory consisting of Sociology 380, and two courses from Sociology 372, 382, 390, 407, or 409;
• Twelve additional semester hours chosen from Sociology 208, 210, 218, 220, 230, 240, 250, 268, 280, 285, 286, 299, 342, 350, 355, Criminology 242, 255, 265, 320, or 370

Concentration in Gerontology
Thirty-six semester hours chosen in conference with an advisor, including:
• Nine semester hours in foundations courses consisting of Sociology 110, 361, 362;
• Eighteen semester hours in gerontology-related courses consisting of Sociology 208, 220, 225, and three courses selected from Sociology 210, 230, 240, 245, or 280;
• Nine semester hours in social theory consisting of Sociology 390, and two courses from Sociology 372, 380, 382, 407, or 409
Course substitutions are permitted when deemed necessary in consultation with an advisor and subject to the approval of the department chair. A minimum of six courses in the major field must be completed at Dominican. Internships are strongly recommended for students in the major.

Minor Requirements
Eighteen semester hours including Sociology 110, nine hours in sociology electives numbered below 372, and six hours in social theory selected from the following: Sociology 372, 380, 382, 390, 407 or 409
Course substitutions are permitted when deemed necessary in consultation with an advisor and subject to the approval of the department chair. A minimum of four courses in the minor field must be completed at Dominican.

Courses

110. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (3)
Introduction to the discipline of sociology as a tool for the study of human life. Through a survey of basic sociological perspectives and theories, this course examines the social institutions of everyday life in order that students become aware of the way human action and human actors shape and are shaped by their societies.
Listed also as American Studies 110.
This course will satisfy the social science core area requirement.

200. WRITING IN THE DISCIPLINE (3)
An intensive writing course required of all sociology and criminology majors that incorporates both academic and argumentative/persuasive writing in the social sciences. Emphasized critical writing, reading and thinking, employing groundwork in theory, empirical data and both primary and secondary research relating to the subject matter of sociology and criminology.
Prerequisite: Sociology 110

204. LATIN AMERICA TODAY (3)
An examination of contemporary problems and issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, drawing on analysis and theories that address political, social and cultural institutions, economies and economic inequality and the possibilities and probabilities of social development.
Listed also as International Studies 204.
This course will satisfy the multicultural core requirement.

206. AFRICA TODAY (3)
An examination of contemporary problems and issues in Africa, drawing on analysis and theories that address political, social and cultural institutions, economies and economic inequality and the possibilities and probabilities of social development.
Listed also as African/African-American Studies 206 and International Studies 206.
This course will satisfy the multicultural core requirement.

208. LONG TERM CARE ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL POLICY (3)
An examination of selected social, economic, historical, political and legal forces influencing the delivery of both institutional and community-based long term care options for older adults.

210. SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY (3)
An examination of the institution of the family in society with an emphasis on how race, ethnicity, age and class shape the diversity of family experiences. This course will address the following issues: Is there a single definition of family? What purposes do families serve in society? What social, political, cultural, economic and legal forces affect the family? How and why is the family changing over time?

218. SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION (3)
An introduction to sociological approaches to religion and the place of religion within contemporary society. The course will be organized within three broad sections: basic concepts of the sociology of religion, including religious experience, beliefs, ritual, and organization; major debates within contemporary sociology of religion, including secularization theory; and the analysis of religion and religious change across time and place, with emphasis on contemporary developments.

220. INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY (3)
Introduction to social gerontology with a particular emphasis on a life course approach to issues unique to an aging population, including demographic trends, social issues, retirement and health care.

222. MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY
An examination of the production, construction and consumption of mass media in American society and the role that media forms and representations play in the production and reproduction of systems of inequality, culture and ideology; emphasis on the critical analysis of the ways in which class, race, ethnicity, gender, age and sexuality are shaped and reshaped in popular culture and media.
Listed also as American Studies 222 and Communication Arts and Sciences 222.
225. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE (3)
Introduction to social service systems and the major fields of practice within the profession of social work. Consideration is given to child and family welfare, health and occupational social work, juvenile delinquency intervention and/or other modes of practice in criminal justice.

230. SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
An examination of how the social existence, roles and identities of women and men are constructed, with an emphasis on the pervasive influence of gender at the individual level as well as in the very organization and working of society. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of the diversity and complexity of gendered experiences in terms of class, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and age.
This course will satisfy the social science core area requirement.

240. SELF AND SOCIETY (3)
An examination of the social science paradigms that address how human action and human actors are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others. This course emphasizes the social construction of self and the social context of everyday behavior in terms of class, race, ethnicity, gender and age and will address the following themes: the development of the social self, socialization and identity, attitude formation and change, prejudice, conformity, and the determinants of attraction.
Listed also as Communications Arts and Sciences 240.
This course will satisfy the social science core area requirement.

245. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS (3)
An examination of the major problems confronting societies in the contemporary world. Social problems to be explored include institutionalized discrimination (sexism, racism, ageism), ecology (population, energy) and/or economy (poverty, development). Consideration will be given to the nature and forms of specific social problems as well as to the social costs and consequences of their existence.
This course will satisfy the social science core area requirement.

250. URBAN SOCIOLOGY (3)
An examination of contemporary urban issues from sociological and critical theory perspectives, with an emphasis on housing and community development. The course will explore the dynamic interrelationship between urban development and class, racial and geographic disparities and the ways in which economic and social policy interact.
This course will satisfy the social science core area requirement.

268. CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
Introduction to the anthropological study of the structure and meaning of culture as a systematic basis of all human action. Consideration will be given to the structures of social relationships and belief systems that operate in different world cultures with an emphasis on the Global South.
This course will satisfy the social science core area and multicultural core requirements.

280. DISCRIMINATION AND SOCIETY (3)
An examination of the causes and effects of discrimination in society. Consideration will be given to the analysis and theories that address systemic and structural ageism, racism and sexism.
Listed also as African/African-American Studies 280.
This course will satisfy the social science core area requirement.

285. RACIAL AND MUSICAL LEGACY OF THE
DELTA (3)
An exploration of the Southern roots of American music and its relationship to the struggles over civil rights in the 20th century, through a five-day excursion to Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. Prior to the trip, students are required to meet for two workshops.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

286. SELECTED TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY (3)
A special offering on a particular area of interest in sociology, offered as available.

299. SERVICE LEARNING (1)
Taken in conjunction with a regularly scheduled sociology course, this one credit-hour option involves community service and guided reflection.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

302. SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT (3)
An examination of the connections between developing and developed nations. Students will explore contemporary global issues through historical analysis and sociological theories and perspectives to seek an understanding of why some countries are wealthy while others are poor.
Listed also as International Studies 302.
This course will satisfy the multicultural core requirement.

320. GENDER AND VIOLENCE (3)
Listed also as Criminology 320.

342. EL SALVADOR, HUMAN RIGHTS, GLOBALIZATION (3)
Listed also as Study Abroad 299.

350. WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT (3)
An examination of the changing roles, statuses, opportunities, and options for women living in developing countries in the Global South. Consideration will be given to the different ways gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, sexuality, religion, and culture shape the lives of women around the world. Students will search for similarities and differences among and between diverse communities of women and themselves.
Listed also as International Studies 350.
This course will satisfy the multicultural core requirement.

355. THIRD WORLD STUDIES SEMINAR (3)
Seminar and conference-for-credit that examines the issues and problems of developing nations in the Global South and in “third world” communities in Diaspora. The conference presents inter-disciplinary approaches to research and policy with an emphasis on poverty and debt, health care, social services, population, education, and technological and cultural change.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor
Listed also as International Studies 355.
This course will satisfy the multicultural core requirement.

361. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL STATISTICS (3)
Introduction to statistical methods most often used in the social sciences and social service professions to analyze and evaluate data. The course emphasizes data analysis (statistical methods used to explore, organize and describe data), data production (sampling and research design), and statistical inference (understanding probability, interpreting statistical outcomes, selecting appropriate statistics for the analysis of various research questions and data, and making generalizations about populations from samples).
Prerequisites: Sociology 110, Mathematics 130 or equivalent, and sophomore standing, or consent of instructor

362. RESEARCH METHODS (3)
An examination of the methodological craft of the five most common types of social science method: experiment, survey, fieldwork, interview, and unobtrusive research. Students will be exposed to the basic techniques of both qualitative and quantitative research and analysis.
Prerequisites: Sociology 110 and junior standing, or consent of instructor

372. LAW AND SOCIETY (3)
Listed also as Criminology 372

380. SOCIAL INEQUALITY (3)
A critical examination of social theories and empirical analysis of class, wealth, income, age, race and gender inequality, and stratification. Consideration will be given to classical and contemporary sociological theories, historical and comparative analyses of the structure of inequality, the U.S. class structure, and global perspectives on poverty, wealth, welfare and social mobility.
Prerequisites: Sociology 110 and junior standing, or consent of instructor

382. SOCIAL CHANGE (3)
A critical examination of social theories and empirical analysis of social change in a comparative context. Consideration will be given to the fields of collective behavior and social movements, political sociology and political economy with an emphasis on global interrelationships and social action at cultural, institutional, and individual levels.
Prerequisites: Sociology 110 and junior standing, or consent of instructor

390. HEALTH, SOCIETY AND AGING (3)
A critical examination of social theories and empirical analysis of health concerns specific to aging. Consideration will be given to life course, conflict, functionalist and symbolic interactionist theories, among others, to understand the micro and macro forces that drive the changes and adaptations that individuals make as they age.
Prerequisites: Sociology 110, 220 and junior standing, or consent of instructor

407. CLASSICAL SOCIAL THEORY (3)
A critical examination of the origins of social theory from its sources in philosophy through the Chicago school of the early twentieth century. Special emphasis will be placed on the legacy of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber as well as Harriet Martineau, W.E.B. DuBois and Jane Addams.
Prerequisites: Sociology 110 and junior standing, or consent of instructor

409. CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL THEORY (3)
A critical examination of social theory from the Chicago school to the present. Consideration will be given to interactionist, ethnomethodological, structuralist, critical, feminist, rational choice and postmodern perspectives, with special emphasis on the legacy of Robert Merton, C. Wright Mills, and Erving Goffman as well as Dorothy Smith, Anthony Giddens, and Patricia Hill Collins.
Prerequisites: Sociology 110 and junior standing, or consent of instructor

451. INDEPENDENT STUDY (2-8)
An opportunity to do independent research or study under faculty supervision.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

455. INTERNSHIP (2-8)
Internships in a variety of agencies and organizations involved with the delivery of social services, health care administration, social justice advocacy, and/or research and policy analysis are available under faculty supervision. Student participants enhance their research proficiency while gaining valuable work experience in an area of their interest.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of instructor

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OR CREATIVE INVESTIGATION (1-3)
Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Senior Thesis Independent Research or Creative Investigation is a course in which students collaborate with faculty
mentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. This directed undergraduate research or creative investigation culminates in a conference presentation, journal article or other creative/scholarly project.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

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