Sociology
Division III Chair: J. Burnside
Department Chair: J. Bouma
Faculty: J. Bouma, J. Burnside, and A. Woodward
Website: http://www.berea.edu/soc/
Courses: SOC Courses
Course Sequencing Table: Sociology
Entrance to the Major Information: Progression for SOC B.A.
Major/Minor Requirements: Sociology B.A.; Sociology Minor
The study of sociology provides an understanding of human social behavior and analysis of the social processes that unite as well as separate us. Sociologists study structures that organize society—such as social institutions, race, social class, and gender—as well as processes that divide us—such as crime and deviance. Both quantitative methods and qualitative methods of research are used in sociology.
Sociology courses contribute to the liberal education of students regardless of major. The major in Sociology will prepare students for graduate work in sociology, social work, applied sociology, or any field of study related to the sociological perspective. Majors are expected to develop writing and quantitative-analysis skills that enable them to carry out research in topics in which they have an interest.
Graduates of the Berea College Sociology Department are prepared for employment in a wide variety of applied sociology and social science careers.
In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the Sociology Department seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:
Sociology Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: Disciplinary Understanding
Gain an understanding of the discipline of sociology and its role in contributing to our understanding of social reality.
Learning Outcome 1.1: Application
Apply the sociological imagination, sociological principles, and concepts to social world and current events
Learning Goal 2: Theory
To appreciate the role of theory in Sociology
Learning Outcome 2.1: Theory & Sociological Knowledge
Identify and describe basic theories or theoretical orientations to contemporary issues.
Learning Outcome 2.2: Theoretical Orientations
Compare, contrast, and apply basic theoretical orientations.
Learning Goal 3: Research Methods
To appreciate the role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods in sociology.
Learning Outcome 3.1: Quantitative Data Analysis
Read, construct, and interpret frequencies, bivariate tables, and other basic descriptive statistics
Learning Outcome 3.2: Qualitative Data Analysis
Apply qualitative methods to analyze ethnographies, in-depth interviews, content analysis, or open-ended survey responses.
Learning Outcome 3.3: Research Design
Design and conduct independent research project, applying appropriate research methods
Learning Goal 4: Conceptual Interrelationships Underlying Social Inequality
Understand structural underpinnings of inequality embedded in social institutions
Learning Outcome 4.1: Identify key forms, causes, and consequences of social inequality