Sociology, BA

Program Description

Sociology focuses on social relations: how people relate to each other as individuals, in families, or in groups; how they communicate in business and governmental situations; and how their behavior is judged as socially acceptable, deviant, illegal, or immoral. The Bachelor of Arts program in sociology trains students to observe and measure these interactions, predict outcomes, and determine how we can develop programs to change behavior for the good of individuals and society.

Sociology graduates typically find careers that involve dealing directly with people. Graduates work for large businesses and organizations, perform community service, and work in public relations. Sociologists teach and conduct research.

Program Learning Objectives

In this program, students will learn to:

Analyze personal experience and the social world utilizing sociological theories and research methodologies.
Identify the forms, consequences, and impacts of social inequality in modern society.
Articulate the agents, mechanisms, and dynamics of social change.
Analyze information and data, interpret them, and communicate the findings in oral and/or written form in preparation for post-graduate careers and/or graduate study.
Shepherd discussions of social innovation and social change through application of theories, methods, and knowledge to real world settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of the program can:

Analyze personal experience and the social world utilizing sociological theories and research methodologies.
Identify the dimensions (or forms), causes, and consequences of social inequality in modern society.
Articulate the agents, mechanisms, and dynamics of social change.
Analyze information and data, interpret them, and communicate the findings in oral and/or written form.
Participate in applied learning opportunities that inspire positive social engagement, innovation, or change.

Sociology Honors Program

Sociology encourages qualified students to conduct independent research through the program’s honors program. Students are eligible for the program if they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.5 in sociology. Departmental honors are awarded at graduation. Through SOC 4080 , students must complete an honors project under the guidance of an honors advisor.

For More Information

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 3 Hours

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 6 Hours

Required

SOC 2000 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hour(s): 3

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Elective Courses: 6 Hours

Required - LA 1020 - First Year Seminar

LA 1020 - First-Year Seminar in Liberal Arts Credit Hour(s): 3

II. Program Requirements: 33 Hours

Required Sociology Core Courses: 9 Hours

SOC 3500 - Sociological Theory Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3410 - Introduction to Research Methods Credit Hour(s): 3
(Choose 1 course below) Credits / Units: 3 hours
SOC 3400 - Sociological Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3100 - Quantitative Methods in Political Science Credit Hour(s): 3

Inequality Electives: 9 Hours

(Choose 3 courses)

SOC 3600 - Social Inequality Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3610 - Sociology of Gender Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3620 - Race and Ethnicity Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 4600 - Sociology of Sexuality Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 4650 - Global Sexualities and Human Rights Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 4670 - Disability: Power, Politics, Privilege Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 4710 - Victimology Credit Hour(s): 3

Sociology Electives: 15 Hours

III. Related Requirements: 12 Hours

Related Social Science Courses
Four 3000+ level courses in a discipline (or disciplines) other than Sociology.

IV. College Requirements: 18-22 Hours

Foreign Language: 12-16 Hours

Through 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language: Spanish, French, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, American Sign Language or other. Students taking American Sign Language should be advised that ASL 1010, 1020, 2010, and 2020 meet for (4) rather than (3) credit hours each.

Methods of Inquiry: 6 hours

PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3
Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3100 - Quantitative Methods in Political Science Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3410 - Introduction to Research Methods Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3400 - Sociological Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
COM 3490 - Survey of Communication Research Credit Hour(s): 3
WGS 3700 - Research Methods in Liberal Arts Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 15-19 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.