Sociology (SOCY)College of Behavioral and Social Sciences2108 Art/Sociology Building, 301-405-6389 www.bsos.umd.edu/socy Chair: R. Vanneman (Prof & Chair) Professors: P. Collins, S. Desai, W. Falk, K. Finsterbusch, R. Korzeniewicz, M. Millkie, H. Presser, S. Presser, G. Ritzer, J. Robinson, D. Segal Associate Professors: F. Chen, J. Kahn, M. Kestnbaum, J. Lucas, A. Neustadtl, J. Pease Assistant Professors: M. Kleykamp, K. Marsh, J. Park, C. Prell, R. Ray Lecturers: L. Moghadam Professors Emeriti: R. Clignet, E. Dager, J. Hage, R. Henkel, R. Hirzel, J. Hunt, L. Hunt, K. Kammeyer, L. Landry, J. Lengermann, B. Meeker, M. Segal The Major Sociology is the scientific study of society and its institutions, organizations, and groups. By observing the broad range of activities in society, and exploring topics such as social class, race, gender, deviance, family, religion, the work place, and demographic trends, sociologists provide important information and perspectives on our social order and the causes and impacts of social change. Sociology provides important information useful both to personal life and public policy decisions. Sociology is among the broadest of the social sciences and is characterized by considerable pluralism in theoretical and methodological approaches, substantive specializations, and in units of analysis. Students major in Sociology for a variety of reasons. Some emphasize sociology's relevance to understanding a broad range of social issues that interest them out of intellectual curiosity, personal life relevance, or usefulness for ameliorative social change efforts. Other majors emphasize acquisition of sociological knowledge and skills useful in a variety of career paths where understanding societal problems and trends, group dynamics, and personnel issues are critical. For a small core of majors the purpose of the undergraduate program is preparation and training for admissions to graduate programs and eventual careers as sociologists in teaching and research and/or policy development. Majors may also use sociology as a basis for graduate study in related fields, including law, social work, public policy, and human resource management. Courses offered by this department may be found under the acronym: SOCY. Program Objectives The overall goals of the program are:
a) general sociological knowledge and understanding of our society; Program Learning Outcomes Having completed the degree program, students should have acquired the following knowledge and skills:
Requirements for the Major As part of the 120 credits and other requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree, sociology majors must complete a minimum of 38 credits in Sociology and 12 credits in supporting courses outside of Sociology. All these credits must be completed with a minimum grade of 'C-' or better in each course. The 38 credits in Sociology must include the following:
*Special Topics courses, may be repeatable - see note below. Students should note the following in reference to Sociology requirements:
f) each course counted as meeting sociology or supporting course requirements must be passed with a grade of C- or better. Other Requirements for the Major Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in MATH111 and all major requirements. Students must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average across all courses used to satisfy the major requirements. Advising Regular advising is strongly recommended for all majors. Advising is particularly important for those majors who are considering going on to graduate school. Majors are reminded of the importance of taking the four basic required courses (SOCY 100, 201, 202, 203) as soon as possible because these are prerequisites for some upper level work. Degree audits are required of all majors at 60 and 90 credits. Further information on course work, internships, the department honors program, careers, and other topics may be obtained from the Sociology Undergraduate Advisor, 2108 Art/Sociology Building, 301-405-6389. Internships Although internships are not a requirement for the major, students may wish to consider the internship program offered by the department or through the Experiential Learning unit of the University Career Center located in Hornbake Library. Majors may receive up to six credits in SOCY386 when an internship/volunteer position is combined with an academic project. A prerequisite of 12 credit hours in Sociology course work is required. Sociology internship credit does not count toward meeting requirements for the major. Honors Program The Sociology Honors Program seeks to encourage and recognize superior scholarship by providing an opportunity for interested, capable, and energetic undergraduate students to engage in study in an area of the student's interest under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. The honors program is based upon tutorial study and independent research. Students who have an overall cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3, a cumulative average of 3.5 in Sociology courses, and who have taken at least nine credits in Sociology may apply. Transfer students with equivalent academic records at other accredited institutions are also eligible. Admission to the program will be based upon academic performance and the judgment of the Undergraduate Committee whether the applicant has sufficient maturity and interest to complete successfully the requirements for graduation with Honors. Further information on the honors program is available from the Sociology Undergraduate Office. Student Societies and Professional Organizations The Sociology Collective, open to all Sociology majors, is organized by a group of interested undergraduates to fill student needs within the Sociology community. The Collective provides information about topics of interest, including department activities, career planning, and relevant changes within the university, and strives to enhance the sense of community within the department. Representatives of the Collective participate in many faculty committees within the department and thereby provide the undergraduate perspective on policy issues. Alpha Kappa Delta is the National Honor Society for Sociology majors. Membership is based on Sociology GPA (3.3 minimum) and overall GPA (3.3 minimum). Students may apply after they have completed 18 hours of Sociology course work. Application for membership may be made in the Sociology Undergraduate office and are accepted in both fall and spring semesters. Scholarships and Financial Assistance The Tara Lynn Resnick Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding female Sociology undergraduate student. This scholarship carries an award of $500 that may be used toward educational expenses for the following Fall semester. Applications are accepted during the Spring semester. Female students who have earned 60 credits and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply.
The Parker-Fuller Scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate Sociology major in their senior year of study on the basis of need. It provides an annual award of $1,000. Applications for this scholarship are accepted during the Spring semester. |