Brockport / Catalogs / 2013-14 / Programs / Sociology Major (BA/BS)

Sociology Major

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Sociology Major

Description

Sociologists study the organization of our collective life, ranging from intimate couples to entire societies and their interconnections (e.g., the global economy). They focus on the patterned social relationships (social structure) and shared ways of life (culture) that give these groups form. Recognizing that our lives are embedded in structural and cultural contexts, sociology provides a more holistic understanding of a vast range of social phenomena including relationships and interaction among people, the nature of and connections among social institutions (e.g., the economy, family, school), social change and stability, and, especially, social inequality.
By placing the individual in his or her social context, sociologists grasp that individual "personal troubles and concerns" (e.g., someone loses a job) often are "social issues and problems" (e.g., massive economic dislocation) that need thorough investigation and public dialogue (C. Wright Mills, 1959: 186). Systematic research methods coupled with rigorous conceptual frameworks guide sociological investigation.

Both scientific and humanistic in its subject matter, perspectives, ethodologies, and aims, sociology is a classic, liberal-arts discipline. Its broad-based approach can be an important asset for students trying to understand better today’s changing, diverse social world. Students gain significant insights into social dynamics, but most importantly, they learn more about themselves and others. Research and statistical skills, combined with a traditional, liberal-arts emphasis on effective speaking, writing, and critical thinking, prepare sociology students for success in graduate school or careers in social service, nonprofit, and business fields, among others. Sociology majors are encouraged to enroll in internships to help explore and attain their career goals.

What can I do with a Sociology major?

Admission to the Program

Anyone can declare this major.

Program Requirements

Students in the sociology major pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, and must complete its requirements.

In addition to the course requirements below, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Earn a "C" or higher grade in SOC 200, SOC 300, and SOC 310.

Core Courses

  • SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
  • One of the following (must be met at Brockport)
    • SOC 210 Social Problems
    • SOC 220 Social Psychology
    • SOC 230 Social Institutions
  • One of the following
    • SOC 200 Social Statistics*
    • SOC 300 Sociological Theory
    • SOC 310 Methods of Sociological Research
  • 18 credits of electives in sociology courses

*NOTE: Students who substitute another statistics course for SOC 200 Social Statistics must take 21 credits of sociology electives.

Total Number of Credits: 33

Course Descriptions

Department of Sociology

Department Chair: Julie Ford
Location: Brown 108
Visit Website
Email: ssmithso@brockport.edu
Phone: (585) 395-2619
Fax: (585) 395-5085

Related Programs

Other Undergraduate Programs


    
Faculty & Staff

    


Steven  Bentley Ph.D
 (Columbia University)  
Lecturer
Melody L Boyd Ph.D
 (Temple University)  
Assistant Professor
Tristan S Bridges Ph.D
 (University Of Virginia-Main Campus)  
Assistant Professor
Denise  Copelton Ph.D
 (SUNY At Binghamton)  
Associate Professor
Brian  Fletcher Ph.D
 (SUNY At Binghamton)  
Adjunct Lecturer
Julie M Ford Ph.D
 (CUNY Graduate School And University Center)  
Associate Professor + Chair
Amy  Guptill Ph.D
 (Cornell University)  
Associate Professor
Eric  Kaldor Ph.D
 (Rutgers University-New Brunswick)  
Assistant Professor
Meghan  Murphy MA
 (University Of Massachusetts-Boston)  
Adjunct Lecturer
Rebekah  Orr MA
 (Syracuse University)  
Adjunct Lecturer
Sue A Smithson BS
 (SUNY College At Brockport)  
Keyboard Specialist 1
Elliot B Weininger Ph.D
 (CUNY Graduate School And University Center)  
Associate Professor