Sociology

The Department of Sociology is committed to the principles of a liberal education and to assisting students in learning to "utilize the sociological imagination" in order to define, analyze, and understand human behavior. The Sociology faculty brings the intellectual traditions of our discipline to the LaGrange curriculum and we teach students the various skills needed to conduct theoretically sound, methodologically rigorous, and multifaceted analyses of human behavior and group processes. The faculty encourages students to critically evaluate their community, to effectively communicate with fellow community members, and to propose creative ways to establish a better society. These goals are reflected in the Department’s course offerings. Sociology majors demonstrate an understanding and mastery of:

• the difference between micro- and macro-level groups and processes, and the interconnections among them;
• the importance and necessity of theory in the process of learning;
• the strengths and weaknesses of various research methods, and the appropriateness of each for various research questions;
• the opportunities as well as constraints that are imposed on us by social structures. 

Student accomplishments are assessed according to the requirements for each course and by completing a Senior Seminar.

• Agencies and organizations look to sociologists for their unique ability to define the
  crucial dimensions of a problem, isolate the most critical variables that affect it, and
  collaborate with others to craft a viable course of action.
• Sociologists hold positions in virtually every employment setting, including:
  • Federal, state, and local government
  • International agencies
  • Social service agencies, non-profit organizations
  • Corporations, think tanks, and small businesses
  • Consulting firms
  • Universities and colleges
• Sociologists help frame problems within a larger social science context, building on a strong foundation of concepts and theories. They combine their broad understanding of race, gender, sexuality, social class, cultural diversity, and age with insights into how organizational and social systems work. This makes sociologists uniquely valuable as objective researchers and innovative change agents.
• Sociologists contribute to the contemporary workforce, bringing sophisticated skills and knowledge of research design to the most challenging problems. Sociologists receive broad training in basic social research, program evaluation, or policy analysis. Some conduct basic research, while others apply research-based knowledge to help organizations rethink existing programs and strategies or plan for the future.
• "Quantitative" sociologists bring expertise in survey design, statistical analysis, and management of large scale data bases. "Qualitative" sociologists have been trained in intensive interviewing, focus group research, community research, conflict analysis, policy analysis, and social impact analysis. Both are adept at interpreting data and deriving implications of research for policy and program development. Familiarity with the latest computer programs and management of data bases rank high among sociologist' skills, including:
  • Quantitative and qualitative methodologies
  • Data analysis
  • Social impact assessment
  • Program evaluation
  • Focus group research
  • Mediation and arbitration
  • And other applied skills
• Sociologists use statistical analysis software to interpret complicated findings. They prepare reports to governing bodies, employees, the general public, or the media, using clear, accessible language. Sociologists offer expertise in substantive areas, adding depth to research, planning, and development projects. Expertise in a specific subject may be of crucial importance to an employer.

IN ADDITION TO COMPLETING THE ETHOS REQUIREMENTS, STUDENTS PURSUING A MAJOR IN SOCIOLOGY MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING MAJOR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

Sociology majors are required to complete the following courses, totaling 33 (five (5) required and six (6) electives) semester hours. All courses for the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Under no circumstances will a "D" grade count toward the major.

The only exception is as follows:
One grade of "C-" will be allowed to count toward the major so long as it does not occur with any of the following five required courses:

• SOCI 1000 Introduction to Sociology
• SOCI 3900 Methods I: Introduction to Methodology
• SOCI 3950 Methods II: Understanding Data Analysis
• SOCI 4000 or 4475 Theory I or Theory II
• SOCI 4950 Presenting Social Analysis (Senior Seminar)

Major Electives (18 hours)

Students may complete their major by selecting SIX (6) other courses from the following list: