|
|
|
      
|
|
Sociology
Degree: Bachelor of Arts Contact: Gene Fisher Office: 724 Thompson Phone: 545-4056 Web site: www.umass.edu/sociol Head of Department: Professor Randall Stokes. Chief Undergraduate Adviser: Gene Fisher. Professors Anderson, Anderton, Chilton, Clawson, Demerath, Faulkner, Gerstel, Harris, Hewitt, Lewis, Platt, Sutton, Tausky, Tessler; Associate Professors Fisher, Hurn, Irvine, Mehta, Model; Assistant Professors Babb, Brandon, Misra, Royster, Zussman; Instructor Lao-Montes. The Field Sociology studies virtually every aspect of human society: the family, gender, race and ethnic relations, aging, education, work, population, and many others. Its principle goal as a discipline is to understand the workings of human society and to explain social behavior. Although sociologists do study what are commonly regarded as social problems-crime, drug addiction, and poverty, for example-they also examine fundamental social processes present in any society: social change, conflict, and inequality. Sociology is less concerned with finding practical solutions to social problems than with achieving a fundamental understanding of the social world. The Major Students interested in the major are encouraged to contact the department directly, or to visit our Website at www.umass.edu/sociol. The Sociology major requires a minimum of 30 credits, including the following: One introductory Sociology course (chosen from SOCIOL 102 through 120). This is required for progressing to other courses for the major. Note: Only one course at the 100 level will count toward major requirements. Sociology majors may count no more than two such courses toward their University graduation requirements. 201 Theories and Perspectives 210 or 211 Data Collection and Analysis 301 Writing in Sociology At least four Sociology courses at the 200 level or above in one of the following areas of concentration: Social Research and Data Analysis; Criminal Justice; Social Services; Social Inequality and Diversity; and Culture, Organizations, and Institutions. Courses required by each concentration are found in the department's Guide to Undergraduate Studies, available in the Undergraduate Office, 722 Thompson, and on the department Web page. Students should consult with the departmental Chief Undergraduate Advisor upon entering the major, in selecting an area of concentration or to develop an individualized concentration (which must receive approval). At least two other Sociology courses at the 200 level or above. Note: A maximum of five courses transferred from other institutions may be accepted toward satisfaction of major requirements. Most students consult the Chief Undergraduate Adviser for academic issues but any students who prefer can be assigned a faculty adviser of their preference upon becoming a major. Available in the undergraduate office is a guide to undergraduate studies. It includes a list of all sociology courses; all sociology faculty with their telephone numbers, offices and research interests; descriptions of our internship and honors programs; and descriptions of special programs in Criminal Justice, Population Studies, and Pre-Social Work/Social Welfare. Career Opportunities Sociology is a liberal arts major that provides an opportunity to study society objectively and systematically. It is designed to serve as the centerpiece of a broad liberal education. Although the major does not constitute occupational or professional training, the concentrations provide an excellent background for entry into a variety of occupations and careers. Students interested in employment in a government or state agency that administers social services, for example, might be interested in the department's course offerings related to social services. Courses related to criminal justice are useful preparation for a career in law enforcement or as a probation or corrections officer. Those thinking of a career in research, whether in government or private industry, can gain important knowledge and skills in courses in social research and analysis. Concentrating on courses related to social inequality and diversity may also appeal to those interested in social service careers, as well as to those interested in fostering social change. Courses in cultural organizations and institutions offer exposure to an array of contemporary issues and social institutions, and may appeal to students with a wide variety of career interests. The Sociology major affords preparation for graduate school in many fields as well as for employment in the public or private sectors. The Minor Requirements: At least 15 credits in sociology Only one 100-level course can be applied to the Sociology minor. All courses applied toward the minor must be taken on a graded basis. At least three 3-credit Sociology courses at this University must be among the courses applied toward the minor. | |
|
|