 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
SociologyBachelor of Arts Jonathan Laskowitz, Associate Professor and Chair Students pursuing a degree in sociology in the School of Humanities and Sciences explore the complex dynamics that exist between individuals, their collective identity, and actions in groups, and the social codes and behavioral patterns of larger local, national, and global human structures. How do societies change? What makes social order possible? What are the sources of conflict in society? How is power exercised and how is ideology used to control people? How do people organize to create change? How do racial and ethnic prejudices develop and become entrenched in society? How do we define human sexuality and sexual norms? How has the family unit evolved over time? These are the kinds of questions students grapple with in courses in the sociology major at Ithaca College. In the process, they come to a deeper understanding of their own values and societal roles, and begin to see how they can effect changes in individual behaviors and in society at large. Faculty in the sociology department work closely with students to help them develop skills in writing and analysis, computer usage, and research methods. Students develop their own interests through internships in real-world settings and through close collaboration with faculty in independent study projects. In addition, the department offers a social work program -- an applied program leading to a minor in social work. Prerequisite courses in the minor include psychology, sociology, economics, and public policy and welfare. Practice-oriented courses, such as Social Welfare and Social Work, have a fieldwork component to provide practical experience. Sociology majors receive broad training in the discipline and in a concentration in one of six major subfields described below. Requirements for the Major in Sociology -- B.A.General requirements -- The requirements for the sociology major are 21 prescribed credits in general and fundamental studies and statistics; 21 elective credits, including one "focused studies" sequence or concentration; and 78 credits in open electives. Majors must take no fewer than 9 credits at level 4 in sociology, At least 3 credits of level 4 must be a departmental course numbered 331-40100 to 331-46900, excluding 331-46300 and no more than 3 credits from coursework related to being a teaching assistant in 331-48000, 331-48100, and 331-48200, and no more than 3 credits of internship credit from 331-49000 to 331-49800 toward the level 4 requirement. For graduation, 120 credits are required as follows: Credits in the major
Courses in Foundations of Sociological Inquiry (choose two)
Credits outside sociology
Students must also complete one of the concentrations listed below. The concentration may include courses from either the 18 credits of required sociology courses or the 21 credits of sociology electives.
Foundations of Sociological InquiryThis cluster of courses, listed above, provides background in broad institutional structures and societal processes. It also introduces students to the more specialized areas of study embraced by the concentrations. Focused Studies (Concentrations)Criminal and juvenile justice studiesStudents consider theories and data on crime, juvenile delinquency, deviance, the law, policing, and forms of punishment. In examining these phenomena, they become familiar with the ways in which individuals and institutions are shaped by historical, political, and economic forces, and they learn much about our social order and their lives within it. Students who graduate with this concentration often go on to study and practice law, enter programs for a master's degree in criminal justice planning, work in law enforcement at the local, state, or federal level, work with at-risk youth, or become counselors and therapists.
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Clinical sociologyCourses in this concentration help students examine the relation between "personal problems" and the larger societal structure. Students learn about theories behind counseling, intervention strategies, effective listening skills, and helping relationships. The clinical sociology concentration and the minor in social work prepare students for entry-level positions in human services or for immediate placement in graduate schools of social work. Many students who graduate in this field become professionals in educational or mental health settings. Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Gender studiesStudents pursuing this concentration look at how male and female humans come to be defined as men and women, and examine the socially constructed relationships between them. Courses focus on the history and current aspects of gender inequality as manifested in sexuality and interpersonal relationships, health care, work, and the family. Gender is explored with an emphasis on race, class, and sexual orientation. This in-depth analysis of an issue of growing concern throughout our society leads to opportunities for graduate study or career paths in business or human services.
Select two from the following
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Race and ethnic relationsIn this concentration, students engage in the formal analysis of policies, laws, and social movements related to race and ethnic issues. They investigate racial and cultural diversity in the United States and in other societies, including patterns of racial and ethnic stratification. Many students focusing on this area become involved in activities aimed at overcoming inequalities in our society. The study of race and ethnic relations forms a strong foundation for many careers and graduate programs in our global society.
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Select one from the following
Sociology of family and relationshipsThis concentration provides students with a critical look at the nature of the family and relationships in historical, cross-cultural, and sociological contexts. Students investigate specific economic, political, psychological, and demographic factors that both affect and are affected by changing family and relationship arrangements. By focusing on these particular issues, students prepare themselves for graduate study and work with families, either in the field of domestic violence or as counselors in other human service areas.
Select two from the following
Select one from the following
Social institutions and organizationsThis concentration is designed for students interested in health care systems, education, the workplace, or religious institutions. Students investigate how power and ideology affect those who act in institutions and organizations, either as authority figures or as clients. They also explore the nature of bureaucracy and how it affects us all in a bureaucratized society. Sociology majors who concentrate in this area are prepared to pursue additional training and careers in a wide range of fields, including health education or administration, health advocacy, teaching, labor relations, and business.
Select three from the following (At least one course must be at level 2, and at least one course must be at the level 3.)
Select one from the following
Social Work ProgramThe social work program is an applied program leading to an 18-credit minor in social work. The sequence includes prerequisite courses in psychology, sociology, and economics, and then background courses in public policy and the economic aspects of public welfare. The first practice-oriented course is Social Welfare and Social Work, which has a fieldwork component. This is followed by Methods of Social Work and a 3-credit supervised fieldwork course. Additional electives round out the concentration. The minor provides academic and practical experience as preparation for employment or for graduate studies. Details are available from the coordinator of the social work program. Requirements for the minor in social workPrerequisites
Requirements
Individualized Study OpportunitiesField research experiences are provided in many departmental courses and can be pursued as independent study or internship projects. Field placements are available in a variety of local settings, including the Ithaca Youth Bureau, Southside Community Center, Tompkins County Social Services, Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Prisoners Legal Services Offender Aid and Restoration, and Tompkins County Probation Department. Independent study experience is arranged between the professor and student. Some more recent examples of this option include projects on eco-justice in Ithaca, community control and development, women and alcohol, economic opportunity centers, intimacy and children, solar-age construction, alternative communities, organizational analysis of local banks and insurance companies, studies in student life, and ethnic conflict in the Virgin Islands. InternshipsInternships are designed to provide students with a supervised and structured experience. Often these can be arranged by students and specific agencies in communities around the country. The sociology department believes that internships provide an opportunity to obtain work experience, and to analyze the social and political context of the specific agency. An example is the Tompkins County Probation Department internship.
|
|
A. Ozolins, Office of Publications, 21. October, 2002 |