College Catalog

Sociology

Description:

Do you want to create a better world? Are you fascinated by such topics as race, social class, gender, globalization, the environment, education, social work, or social change?

These subjects and others that deal with social relationships, culture, and the nature of society comprise the discipline of sociology. As a broad and eclectic field of inquiry, sociology uses many different approaches, ranging from cultural and historical studies to survey research.

The sociology major at Purchase College is designed to give students maximum exposure to the breadth of the field. A choice of four concentrations—Sociology (self-design); Local and Global Communities and Social Change; Social and Health Advocacy; and Education and Society—allows students to focus on a particular area of interest. The program also offers a minor in sociology.

The sociology program is based on social action. It offers opportunities for a broad general education in the liberal arts as well as preparation for work in a range of fields and for further professional training in the discipline or in a variety of other areas. Graduates have earned advanced degrees in sociology, education, law, journalism, public administration, social work, hospital administration, and other disciplines.

What can you do with a degree in sociology? Opportunities exist in both the private and public sectors in the fields of social advocacy, social work, human service, education, business, law, criminal justice, social science research, and community relations. For more detailed information about career opportunities, visit the American Sociological Association.

Requirements:

In addition to meeting  General Education requirements and other degree requirements,  all sociology majors must must complete one of the following concentrations (40–45 credits):

  1. Sociology (self-design)
  2. Health Advocacy and Social Work
  3. Local and Global Communities and Social Change
  4. Education and Society

  Concentration 1: Sociology (40–43 credits; self-design)

*Effective Fall 2025 for new students entering, SOC3015/Proseminar in Sociology is no longer a requirement.

  1. SOC 1500/Introduction to Sociology: 3 credits
  2. SOC 3405/Research Methods: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  3. SOC 3850/Sociological Theory: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  4. At least four sociology electives, chosen from Group A, B, and C (at least one in each group): 13–16 credits
  5. One internship, study-abroad opportunity, or community-action independent study, chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor: 4 credits
  6. SOC 3885/Sociology Junior Seminar: 4 credits [SPR JR only]
  7. SPJ 4990/Senior Project I: 4 credits
  8. SPJ 4991/Senior Project II: 4 credits

 

  Concentration 2: Health Advocacy and Social Work (45–46 credits)

*Effective Fall 2025 for new students entering: SOC 3015/ProSeminar in Sociology is no longer a requirement.

  1. SOC 1500/Introduction to Sociology: 3 credits
  2. SOC 3405/Research Methods: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  3. SOC 3850/Sociological Theory: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  4. One internship*, study-abroad opportunity, or community-action independent study, chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor: 4 credits
  5. SOC 3885/Sociology Junior Seminar: 4 credits [SPR JR only]
  6. SPJ 4990/Senior Project I: 4 credits
  7. SPJ 4991/Senior Project II: 4 credits
  8. Three courses from the following list (12 credits):

  9. Two of the following courses (6–7 credits):
    SOC 2020/Human Sexuality
    SOC 2140/Race and Ethnicity
    SOC 2210/Sociology of Gender
    SOC 3441/Class, Power, Privilege
    SOC 3455/Conflict Management and Mediation
    SOC 3585/Communities, Ethnicities, and Exclusion

*For students considering graduate school in social work, two internships in human services locations are recommended. Advisors can assist with course planning for a career in social work.

  Concentration 3: Local and Global Communities & Social Change (40–42 credits)

* Effective Fall 2025 for new students entering: SOC 3015/ProSeminar in Sociology is no longer a requirement.

  1. SOC 1500/Introduction to Sociology: 3 credits
  2. SOC 3405/Research Methods: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  3. SOC 3850/Sociological Theory: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  4. One internship, study-abroad opportunity, or community-action independent study, chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor: 4 credits
  5. SOC 3885/Sociology Junior Seminar: 4 credits [SPR JR only]
  6. SPJ 4990/Senior Project I: 4 credits
  7. SPJ 4991/Senior Project II: 4 credits
  8. Three of the following courses (10-12 credits):

  9. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    SOC 2140/Race and Ethnicity
    SOC 2210/Sociology of Gender
    SOC 3441/Class, Power, Privilege
    SOC 4025/Critical Race Theory

  Concentration 4: Education and Society (44–46 credits)

* Effective Fall 2025 for new students entering: SOC 3015/ProSeminar in Sociology is no longer a requirement.

  1. SOC 1500/Introduction to Sociology: 3 credits
  2. SOC 3405/Research Methods: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  3. SOC 3850/Sociological Theory: 4 credits [FALL JR only]
  4. One internship, study-abroad opportunity, or community-action independent study, chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor: 4 credits
  5. SOC 3885/Sociology Junior Seminar: 4 credits [SPR JR only]
  6. SPJ 4990/Senior Project I: 4 credits
  7. SPJ 4991/Senior Project II: 4 credits
  8. Three courses from the following list (11–12 credits):

  9. Two of the following courses (6–7 credits):
    HIS 3466/To Enjoy Our Freedom: African American History Since 1865
    HIS 3635/Race, Ethnicity, and Identity in the U.S
    SOC 2140/Race and Ethnicity
    SOC 2210/Sociology of Gender
    SOC 3441/Class, Power, Privilege
    SOC 4025/Critical Race Theory

Note: An additional writing course is recommended for students in Concentration 4. Refer to The Senior Project for additional information.

Minor requirements:

The minor in sociology is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the discipline and to introduce them to some of the major subfields.

Students interested in the minor in sociology should consult with a member of the sociology faculty, then submit a completed Declaration of Minor form. 

Academic Requirements for the Minor in Sociology

Five courses, as follows:

  • SOC 1500/Introduction to Sociology
  • Plus four elective courses in sociology, chosen in consultation the sociology faculty. PSY 2170/Social Psychology can count as one of the electives.

Faculty

  • Lecturer, Sociology

    BA Hartwick College
    PhD in progress at University at Albany, SUNY

  • Assistant Professor of Practice, Sociology
    • BS, Stephens College
    • MPH, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
    • PhD, University of California, San Francisco
  • Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies
    • BA, Tufts University
    • MPH, University of California, Berkeley
    • PhD, University of California, San Francisco
  • Associate Professor of Sociology
    • BA, Prescott College
    • MA, PhD, Drew University
  • Professor of Sociology
    • BA, MA, University of New Orleans
    • PhD, New School for Social Research
  • Associate Professor of Sociology
    • BA, Colorado College
    • MA, PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Courses

Official Catalog: Published September 27, 2024


Course Frequencies

Since actual course offerings vary from semester to semester, students should consult the myHeliotrope course schedule to determine whether a particular course is offered in a given semester.

Information Changes

In preparing the College Catalog, every effort is made to provide pertinent and accurate information. However, information contained in the catalog is subject to change, and Purchase College assumes no liability for catalog errors or omissions. Updates and new academic policies or programs will appear in the college’s information notices and will be noted in the online catalog.

It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information (particularly degree and major requirements) through frequent reference to current materials and consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, chair or director, and related offices (e.g., enrollment services, advising center).

Notwithstanding anything contained in the catalog, Purchase College expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and to change or modify any academic or other policy.