Sociology
Pafford 217 • 678-839-6505
http://www.westga.edu/~soccrim/
Professor:
J. McCandless (Dean, College of Social Sciences)
Associate Professor:
P. Luken (Interim Chair)
Assistant Professors:
P. Hunt, N. Noori (Director of Graduate Studies)
Limited Term Instructors:
V. Merlini, T. Parsons, W. Tripp, C. Wolfe, V. Wood
Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior. Through the use of both research and theories, sociologists develop understandings of complex forms of human behavior. Students in the BS degree program in Sociology learn about the very fabric of social relations through courses in inequality, aging, gender, deviance, globalization, social psychology, race and ethnicity, the environment, the media and more. The Sociology program seeks to provide students with mastery of basic academic subject matter along with the learning skills necessary for enrichment and continued success in academic and workplace environments. Upon graduation students are prepared for advanced graduate and professional school education and for entrance into the job market in business, government, non-profit organizations, and social services work. Internships are available to provide onsite, practical experience. Students are encouraged to pursue independent research, collaborate with professors on their research, and present their work during UWG's Social Science Research Day and at annual conferences, such as the Georgia Sociological Association and the Southeastern Undergraduate Sociology Symposium. The Sociology Club provides students with fun and support, career information, opportunities for community service, speakers, and other activities. Students who qualify are also invited to join the national sociology honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing the B.S. degree with a major in Sociology should:
- Be able to communicate (orally and in writing) how sociology contributes to an understanding of social reality
- Understand theoretical and methodological approaches to description and interpretation
- Understand basic concepts, perspectives, and their interpretive applications
- Understand the nature of culture and social structure
- Understand the reciprocal relationship between the individual and society
- Understand the diversity of American society
- Demonstrate an ability to think critically
- Show specific knowledge in one subfield of sociology
