Departmental Learning Goals

1. Identify the historical circumstances and social changes that contributed to the development of sociology, many of which remain central to the discipline.

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills

2. Identify current and past social theorists that have shaped the discipline theoretically and methodologically, and be able to describe, compare, and apply their ideas.

Writing skills; oral communication skills; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills

3. Identify and discuss the ideas of other social theorists who made significant contributions, but whose ideas have not conventionally been included as part of the sociological core.

Writing skills; oral communication skills; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills

4. Analyze and discuss the experiences of diverse cultures, populations and perspectives from the US and abroad.

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills

5. Distinguish between and think across different levels of analysis: micro (individual), meso (institutional) and macro (national/global/cultural).

Writing skills; research skills; oral communication skills; quantitative ability; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving skills

6. Distinguish between responsible and irresponsible generalization, and engage in the former.

Writing skills; research skills; oral communication skills; quantitative ability; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving skills

7. Think reflexively and sociologically about their own cultural biases and social location, and how these factors may shape their own sociological analysis.

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills

8. Pursue a research question through systematic sociological analysis, including theorizing, conceptualization, operationalization, measurement, and data-gathering.

Writing skills; research skills; oral communication skills; quantitative ability; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving skills

9. Apply sociological theory and analysis to contemporary social issues, problems, and policy.

Writing skills; research skills; oral communication skills; quantitative ability; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving skills

10. Read and comprehend the various methods used by sociologists to conduct research (statistical, content analysis, ethnography, textual analysis, socio-historical analysis) and appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Research skills; quantitative ability; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving skills

11. Organize ideas and research into presentations (both written and oral) that are well-argued, clear, and insightful.

Writing skills; oral communication skills