91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ

91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ
91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ

Sociology Department

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Sociology major, a student will have demonstrated a command of the theoretical and methodological approaches of contemporary sociology, the ability to complete a sustained research project, and the ability to present their work in writing and in discussion. Majors will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate command of the theoretical and methodological approaches of contemporary sociology:
    • Identify and formulate questions appropriate to contemporary sociology, and locate these questions in their broader context;
    • Analyze, discuss, and evaluate the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of existing scholarship in the field of sociology and related social science disciplines;
    • Compare and assess quantitative and qualitative approaches to sociological data analysis and acquisition; 
    • Demonstrate competency in introductory statistical analysis and data manipulation
    • Assess impact of existing research on the field
    • Articulate future possible avenues for research that build on existing work
  2. Execute and defend a sustained independent research project:
    • Choose and define a research topic from the field, and independently investigate that topic with the support of an advisor;
    • Develop and pursue a rigorous method appropriate to the research topic;
    • Demonstrate broad knowledge of their research area and contextualize this research within it;
    • Collect and analyze data;
    • Produce a well-written, referenced and thorough document that contributes to a subfield in sociology
  3. Communicate work done
    • Write a clear and coherent document that is substantially longer than a traditional term paper or project and formatted in a style appropriate to the approach
    • Orally present, discuss and defend work done

The primary assessment tool for learning in the major at 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and the level of student achievement in the major area is the senior thesis; the junior qualifying examination, which assesses a student's readiness for thesis, provides a second assessment tool. For more information, see our description of the thesis, the major and Junior Qualifying Exam, and the academic program.