Sociology
Division III Chair: J. Burnside
Program Chair: J. Bouma
Faculty: J. Bouma, J. Burnside, and A. Woodward
Website: http://www.berea.edu/soc/
Courses: SOC Courses
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 program are prepared for employment in a wide variety of applied sociology and social science careers.
The Program offers a Major in Sociology. Students interested in gaining certification to teach in the area of social studies (8-12) must double major in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification and in either Sociology, Political Science or History. For more information, see the requirements for majoring in Teaching and Curriculum with Certification under the Education Studies section of this publication.
In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the Sociology Program 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
Sociology Course Sequencing Table:
Please be aware that the table below represents current planning and is subject to change based on faculty availability and student interest. It is not meant to represent any guarantee to the student that the courses will be offered in the term in which they are currently planned.