Sociology, B.A.

Sociology Mission Statement
The mission of the Sociology program at Westminster College is to help students understand and practice the scientific study of human behavior as it is interpreted and experienced in groups. The systematic approach that sociology requires liberates students from individualistic mindsets and helps them to understand themselves and their society in new ways. Thus the sociological perspective is profoundly transformative. Our enterprise contributes to the larger vision and goals of the liberal arts with its emphasis on logical reasoning, critical reflection, clear written and oral communication, skilled group work, appreciation of pluralism and diversity, viewing of self and society from alternate perspectives, application of knowledge to solving social problems and cultivation of identity as both a local and global citizen. We achieve these learning goals using a variety of pedagogies informed by best practices in the scholarship of teaching and learning and focused on active engagement inside the classroom and in the larger society. As dedicated scholars ourselves, we enjoy modeling the process of discovery as we guide students in experiencing its satisfactions.

Learning Outcomes
Students majoring in Sociology will be able to:

Knowledge Goals

1. Articulate a sociological perspective on social issues
2. Understand and apply core sociological concepts
3. Apply knowledge to solving social problems
4. Understand, apply and evaluate classical and contemporary sociological theories
5. Understand, apply and evaluate major qualitative and quantitative research methods in sociology
6. Explain the concept of value-freedom and arguments about its merits and attainability
7. Explain how historical change and continuity, as well as cultural context, influence individual, group, and/or institutional behavior
8. Evaluate the dynamic role of individuals on group and/or institutional processes

Skills Goals

1. Make comparative analyses across cultures and societies
2. Locate and effectively use disciplinary information literacy resources
3. Interpret data presented in charts, tables and graphs
4. View social phenomena from alternate perspectives
   • Demonstrate competency in recognizing the implications of meso and macro social forces on individuals
   • Demonstrate competency in understanding privileges, disadvantages and experiences of people in social statuses very unlike their own
   • Demonstrate the ability to apply two or more theoretical perspectives to a single social situation or process
5. Summarize and critique academic journal articles in Sociology
6. Conduct both original and archival research on a sociological subject, using quantitative and qualitative methods and abiding by the ASA Code of Ethics
7. Demonstrate basic competency in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)
8. Correctly use the American Sociological Association documentation format
9. Apply sociological perspectives, concepts and theories to co-curricular activities, service learning and internships

Value/Attitudinal Goals

1. Understand themselves in new, sociologically-informed ways
2. Understand their society in new, sociologically-informed ways
3. Appreciate pluralism and diversity
4. Refine moral and ethical commitments to their local citizens
5. Refine moral and ethical commitments to their global citizens

Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior as interpreted and experienced in groups. These groups range from face-to-face interactions to institutions including the family, religious communities, and health care to indigenous, developing and post-industrial societies embedded in globalization processes. The program emphasizes multicultural and global perspectives and material to broaden the outlook of students. The broadly based curriculum in the major allows the student to follow particular interests in depth, as well as to gain an overview of the discipline. The aim of the major is a general introduction to the dominant sociological theories, substantive areas, and methods of inquiry, with students acquiring competency in important analytical and technical skills.

A major in sociology helps to prepare students for both further study and immediate employment. Work or study might be in sociology, law, social work, counseling, or other related areas. The major in sociology with a social policy concentration helps to prepare students for careers in helping professions and public service.

Students may not double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies.  Students may minor in Criminal Justice Studies with no more than two overlapping courses.