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    Undergrad | Psychology Science |

Sociology within the General Studies Major

Students may seek a general studies major focused on sociology. The description and objectives of the major in general studies may be found the general studies page. Students may also seek a minor in sociology.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in general studies and a focus in sociology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including 30 credits for the major (indicated by ); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all of the requirements for the BS in general studies with a focus in sociology. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found in the General Education Requirements.

Sociology within the General Studies Major Courses

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)

WRTG 101 /101X Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)
or MATH 107 College Algebra
or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3)
or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences (discipline must differ from first)

SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)

STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics (3)
or other suitable statistics course (see Requirements for the Major)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for the historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in interdisciplinary issues/computing

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)
or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing or speech

BMGT 392 Global Business Management (3)
(recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391/391X Advanced Expository and Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ upper-level intensive writing

SOCY 325 The Sociology of Gender (3)
or other core course (see Requirements for the Major)

SOCY 403 Intermediate Sociology Theory (3)
or other core course (see Requirements for the Major)

SOCY 410 Social Demography (3)
or other core course (see Requirements for the Major)

SOCY 423 Ethnic Minorities (3)
or other core course (see Requirements for the Major)

SOCY 443 The Family and Society (3)
or other core course (see Requirements for the Major)

SOCY 461 Industrial Sociology (3)
or other core course (see Requirements for the Major)

SOCY 462 Women in the Military (3)
or other core course (see Requirements for the Major)

ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3)
or other related course (see Requirements for the Major)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (49)

Total credits for BS in general studies (120)

Minor in Sociology

The sociology minor complements the skills the student gains in his or her major discipline by providing a study of contemporary sociological theory and research and applying it to social issues, including globalization, social inequality, diversity, health care, education, family, work, and religion.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a minor in sociology will be able to

• Discuss the role of sociology in understanding societal reality and social issues.
• Critically analyze theoretical orientations in sociology.
• Apply sociological theory and research to define and present alternatives for solving contemporary social problems.
• Communicate sociological concepts and terminology effectively.
• Discuss the relationship between the individual and society from a sociological perspective.
• Discuss micro and macro levels of sociological analysis and their roles in examining social reality.
• Use information technology to access and retrieve sociological literature.
• Apply sociological concepts to understand diversity in American society and the place of American society within a larger global context.

Requirements for the Minor

A minor in sociology requires the completion of 15 credits in sociology (any SOCY course). Students should take SOCY 100 for the first course unless already applied elsewhere in the degree.

At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor’s degree, students should refer to their major and Bachelor’s Degrees.

Last updated: 13 August 2008