The Sociology Major | Degree Requirements | Course Descriptions
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Programs Offered
Sociology, Psychology/Sociology, Urban Ministry, Minor in Criminal Justice

Degree Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Program Objectives

1. To provide the student with an understanding of how society impacts the beliefs and behaviors of people and their social institutions.
2. To obtain an understanding of how the scientific method is applied to the study of human behavior from a social science perspective.
3. To acquire some of the basic skills in collecting and analyzing data.
4. To establish a theoretical framework for evaluating and understanding some of the social institutions, processes, and problems of American society.
5. To examine the interface between Christianity and sociology.

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Degree Requirements

In addition to the Liberal Arts Core, Sociology majors are required to complete the Sociology core and may choose one of four tracks offered. Courses with an asterisk (*) may also be used to fill the Liberal Arts Core requirements in Social Science.

Sociology Core
SO 110 Introduction to Sociology
SO 212 Human Diversity
SO 311 Social Problems
SO 351 Methods of Social Research
SO 401 Sociological Theory
PS251 Statistics for the Social Sciences (fulfills requirement for math option)

The following courses are recommended for all majors:
IN 210 Peoples and Cultures of the World*
IN 299 Special Topics in Cultural Studies* OR
IN 220 International Studies Travel Seminar

Track #1: Sociology Major
This track is designed for those students who are planning on careers and/or graduate school in the field of sociology. This track covers the basic areas of sociology and allows the student flexibility to choose areas of interest within the field of sociology.

Requirements include:
Sociology Core
SO313 Social Psychology OR
SO314 Group Psychology

Variable A minimum of two Sociology electives (6 credit hours)

Track #2: Dual Major: Sociology and Psychology
This track is designed for those students who are planning on careers and/or graduate school in the field of sociology and/or psychology. This program provides the student with a broad perspective of both fields while emphasizing scientific research skills and is especially designed for those who plan to do graduate studies in research in either sociology or
psychology.

Requirements include:
Sociology Core
IN 210 Peoples and Cultures of the World*
IN 299 Special Topics in Cultural Studies* OR
IN 220 International Studies Travel Seminar
PLUS the following courses for a Psychology Major:
PS110 Introduction to Psychology*
PS240 Lifespan Development*
PS251 Statistics for the Social Sciences*
PS313 Social Psychology
PS331 Theories of Personality
PS352 Junior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
PS372 Abnormal Psychology
PS430 Field Experience
PS453 Senior Psychology Seminar I (1.5 credit hours)
Plus six credit hours of Psychology electives, which may include PS314, 315, 350, 392, 432, 451, 452, 472

Track #3: Urban Ministry - Dual Major in Sociology and Religion
This track is designed for those students who are planning careers in urban ministry and/or graduate work in the area of sociology and/or religion. This program helps prepare the student for a career in urban ministry, for graduate work at a seminary, or for graduate work in the field of sociology. This program is most appropriate for those who are interested in becoming urban ministers, missionaries, or sociologists of religion.

Requirements include:
Sociology Core and Religion (Pre-Seminary) Track
The Religion (Pre-Seminary) track is required.
SO242 Sociology of Religion
SO341 Urban Sociology
Note: SO315 Urban Experience may be substituted
SO485 Sociology Practicum
Note: Students can opt to do either a Religion or Sociology  internship/practicum.

Track #4: Criminal Justice
This track is designed for those students who are planning to follow careers and/or graduate school in the criminal justice system. This program provides the student with a broad, yet comprehensive foundation for service within the vast professional area of criminal justice.

Requirements include:
Sociology Core
SO313 Social Psychology OR
SO314 Group Psychology
CJ180 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJ251 Criminology
Variable A minimum of two Criminal Justice electives (6 credit hours), one of which may be a practicum

Sociology Minor
Students wishing a minor in Sociology must take SO110 Introduction to Sociology and four other Sociology or Criminal Justice courses. Students wishing to minor in Criminal Justice must take CJ180 and four Criminal Justice electives.

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Course Descriptions

SO110 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
A study of human behavior that focuses on how society affects the individual and how the individual affects society. The course introduces the student to terms, concepts, and scientific methods used in sociological research. As an introductory course, a wide variety of subjects are examined (e.g. culture, religion, education, family, deviance, social change).

SO212 Human Diversity (3 credits)
A study of the various subgroups which make up the American society. This course attempts to understand these subgroups in terms of their sociopolitical heritage, life-styles, social identities, and social circumstances. A wide variety of subgroups such as racial, ethnic, cultural, life-styles, physical/mental ability, and age populations in the American society are examined.

SO242 Sociology of Religion (3 credits)
A comparative and analytical study of organized religion as a social institution. Conversion, church growth, belief and practices of major American faiths, types of church structure, secularization, function, and conflict of religion in society are examined.

CJ180 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)
An introduction to the various elements of the criminal justice system in the United States (e.g., courts, corrections, police, probation, parole), as well as addressing some of the critical issues that will shape the system in the years to come.

CJ251 Criminology (3 credits)
A social scientific study of crime and criminal behavior in society, including an examination of the historical and modern theories of crime, as well as an analysis of the methods and research to cope with these problems.

CJ261 Social Deviance (3 credits)
Examines the structures and processes underlying social deviance. Various theoretical perspectives are examined as well as current research. Some major topics are: social definitions of deviance, social reaction to deviant behavior, and deviant subcultures.

SO311 Social Problems (3 credits)
Social problems defined as consequences of social organization and social functioning which are generally deemed to be undesirable, unintended, and unwanted. Focus is placed on the theoretical, methodological, and substantive issues in the sociological study of social problems. Such problems studied are: poverty, inequality, deviant behavior, hunger, and
environmental concerns.

SO312 Marriage and Family Relations (3 credits)
Explores contemporary marriage and family relations in our changing society. Utilizing a developmental framework, it focuses on the tasks that individuals, couples, and families must accomplish at different points during the family life cycle and the crises with which they may be challenged. Students are introduced to the kinds of skills and support that assist people as they form and maintain the most important relationships.

SO313 Social Psychology (3 credits)
The study of the individual behaving in group interaction. Social behavior involved in prejudice, conformity, aggression, leadership, affiliation, and communication is investigated and related to contemporary social issues of our society.
Prerequisite: PS110

SO314 Group Psychology (3 credits)
Small group interaction from theoretical and experimental perspectives. This course covers group structure and process, with special attention to leadership and roles. Course includes an interpersonal group experience each week.
Prerequisite: PS110

SO315 Urban Experience (3 credits)
An interdisciplinary approach to understanding the dynamics and challenges of urban life and ministry. Readings and lectures from varied theoretical perspectives (theological, psychological, social economic) will be combined with exposure to inner-city ministry models through site visits and field experience. This experience may include travel. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

SO321 Globalization (3 credits)
Examines the globalization from the perspective of politics, history, sociology, and theology.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

SO341 Urban Sociology (3 credits)
An examination of the development and trends of cities. Some major themes are: ecology, social processes, patterns of growth and change, group organization, institutions, community planning, and urban redevelopment. Special emphasis is placed on Boston and its surrounding area.

SO351 Methods of Social Research (3 credits)
The development of research skills with emphasis on social research as a scientific inquiry and problem-solving tool in explaining human social behavior. Students learn how to formulate problems for research and implement appropriate research methods.
Prerequisite: PS251 or permission of instructor

SO392 Special Topics in Sociology (3 credits)
Exploration of topics of particular interest within Sociology.

SO401 Sociological Theory (3 credits)
Consideration of the contributions to modern sociological thought by the principal sociologists from 1850 to the present.

SO451 Quantitative Research and Data Analysis (3 credits)
An introduction to the concepts and procedures employed in quantitative research in the social sciences. Several data analyses (from univariate to multivariate analyses) are explored with the use of the computer (both mini and micro). Two statistical packages, SAS and Mini-tabs, are introduced to the student.
Prerequisite: PS251

SO485 Sociology Practicum (3 credits)
Supervised field experience in a setting appropriate to student’s own career goals.

SO490 Independent Study (3 credits)
Opened to qualified juniors and seniors who want to concentrate in an area of study independently.

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Sociology Department
Eastern Nazarene College | 23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, Massachusetts 02170