Download Sociology - California State University, East Bay

Mission Statement
B.A. in Sociology Program
The mission of the B.A. program in Sociology and Social Services is to
provide a stimulating and nurturing learning atmosphere for a highly diverse
group of students. The program seeks to have students develop and express a
love of learning and a respect for a wide range of intellectual perspectives,
including a variety of theories and scientific methodologies. We are dedicated to
providing students with tools and opportunities to critically examine social life,
including the full range of social problems. Students learn specifically about the
workings of social institutions, patterns of group life, social change, and the social
causes and consequences of human behavior. Students who choose the option
in social services will learn basic principles and practices in applying this
perspective to support individuals, families and groups, or for going on to do
graduate study in social work, public administration or counseling.
Students will increase their appreciation of the value of all human beings
and a commitment to an inclusive and just society that addresses the needs of all
groups of people. In acquiring a deep understanding of the structure of groups,
organizations, and societies -- and human interaction within these contexts, our
students develop their capacity for more personally rewarding and socially
responsible participation and leadership in their families, their work, their
communities, society as a whole.
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes for BA in Sociology
A. GOALS RELATED TO SKILLS –
1. To be able to think critically
OUTCOMES:
1.1) Be able to present opposing viewpoints and alternative
hypotheses on various issues.
1.2) Be able to identify basic premises in particular
arguments.
1.3) Be able to recognize underlying assumptions in
theoretical orientations or arguments.
1.4) Be able to move easily from remembering through
analysis and application to synthesis and evaluation.
1.5) Be able to examine one’s own cultural practices, beliefs,
and values
2. To be able to have basic computer skills necessary to find,
communicate, create and apply sociological knowledge and
information.
OUTCOMES:
2.1) Be able to use computerized and on-line data bases to
find published research.
2.2) Be able to use the internet, e-mail, and Web pages to
communicate to other and to find information.
2.3) Be able to use standard software packages, such as
SPSS, to analyze data.
3. To be able to a) write and b) speak effectively in order to communicate
effectively with persons whom they encounter in their work, civil
obligation, and personal life.
OUTCOMES:
3a.1) Be able to write a clear and concise report of the
findings from sociological data analysis
3a.2) Be able to write a clear and concise sociological
analysis and account of a social event, topic, issue, or
problem.
3b.1) Be able to discuss the results of a sociological
research process in an articulate manner.
B. GOALS RELATED TO UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIOLOGICAL
PERSPECTIVE
4. To have an appreciation for the discipline of sociology and its role in
contributing to our understanding of social reality.
OUTCOMES:
4.1) Be able to describe how sociology differs from and is
similar to other social sciences and give examples of
these differences.
4.2) Be aware of the effects of domestic and global forces
on social institutions on one’s life, and on the lives of
other individuals and groups.
4.3) Be able to identify what is meant by social institutions
and be able to recognize their impact on human
nature or groups.
4.4) Be able to distinguish between data and ideology.
5. Have an appreciation for what C. Wright Mills called “The Sociological
Imagination.”
OUTCOMES:
5.1) Be able to know how one’s biography relates to the
time in history in which one lives, as well as to the
social structure in which one finds him/her self.
5.2) Be able to see who has vested interests in a particular
social order.
6. Have an appreciation for how social structures operate.
OUTCOMES;
6.1) Be able to demonstrate how institutions interact in
their effects on each other and on individuals.
6.2)
Be able to demonstrate how factors such as
population or urbanization affect social structures and
individuals.
6.3) Be able to demonstrate how culture and social
structure vary across time and space.
6.4) Be familiar with the processes by which prejudice and
discrimination are created and perpetuated.
7. Have an appreciation for the reciprocal relationships between
individuals and society.
OUTCOMES:
7.1) Be able to explain how the self develops
sociologically.
7.2) Be able to explain how societal and structural factors
influence individual behavior and the self’s
development.
7.3) Be able to explain how social interaction and the self
influences society and social structure.
7.4) Be able to distinguish sociological approaches to
analyzing the self from psychological, economic, and
other approaches.
C. GOALS RELATED TO UNDERSTANDING SOCIOLOGICAL CORE
CONCEPTS AND THEORIES
8. To be able to know the basic concepts in sociology and their
fundamental theoretical interrelations.
OUTCOMES:
8.1) Be able to define, give examples, and demonstrate the
relevance of culture, socialization, stratification, social
structure, institutions, and differentiations by
race/ethnicity, gender, age, and social class.
9. To understand a) the role of theory in sociology, and b) how to apply
key concepts of sociological inquiry in social analysis.
OUTCOMES:
9.a.1) Be able to define theory and describe its role in
building sociological knowledge.
9.a.2) Be able to recognize the historical basis for systems
of thought or understanding, i.e., to show the
connection between classical and contemporary
theory.
9.a.3) Be able to compare and contrast basic theoretical
orientations (conflict; structural-functionalist;
interactionist; etc.).
9.a.4) Be able to show how theories reflect the context in
which they are developed.
9.a.5) Be able to describe and apply basic theories or
theoretical orientations.
9.b.1) For some given social phenomena, students will be
able to construct a reasoned argument based on a
theoretical perspective.
9.b.2) For some given social phenomena, students will be
able to articulate the broader theoretical perspective,
the social origins and limitations of that perspective,
as well as alternative perspectives.
9.b.3) For some given social phenomena, students will be
able to utilize this theoretical perspective to illuminate
the social arrangements and lived experiences of
people.
D. GOALS RELATED TO THE METHODOLOGIES EMPLOYED IN
SOCIOLOGY AND ETHICAL ISSUES REGARDING RESEARCH.
10.) To be able to understand the role of evidence and quantitative and
qualitative research methods in sociology and to be aware of
ethical issues in research.
OUTCOMES:
10.1) Be able to recognize how one uses the scientific
method in social science.
10.2) Know the difference between a dependent and
independent variable.
10.3) Be able to identify basic methodological approaches
and describe the general role of methods in building
sociological knowledge.
10.4) Be able to compare and contrast basic
methodological approaches for gathering data.
10.5) Be able to design and complete a research study.
10.6) Be able to critically assess a published research
report.
10.7) Be able to link method and theory.
10.8) Be able to evaluate research designs utilized by
others.
10.9) Be able to understand statistical tests sociologists
often use.
10.10) Be able to choose and interpret the percentages and
bivariate statistics in a simple bivariate crosstabulation.
10.11) Be able to interpret the results of a multivariate
model.
10.12) Be cognizant of ethical issues in sociological
research.
E. GOALS RELATED TO UNDERSTANDING DIVERSITY AND GLOBAL
ISSUES
11. To have an appreciation for the internal diversity of American Society.
OUTCOMES
11.1) Be able to describe the significance of variations by
race, class, gender and age.
11.2) Be able to understand appropriately how to generalize
or resist generalization across groups.
11.3) Be able to understand cultural diversity within
American society.
12. To have an appreciation for the place of American society in the
global world and community.
OUTCOMES
12.1) Be able to understand that local happenings are
shaped by events occurring many miles away and
that one’s life and the lives of others are to an
increasing degree being affected by events and
processes everywhere, that one is experiencing an
emerging global form of social life.
12.2) Be able to understand and critique the EurocentricU.S. pattern and conception of globalization and
development.
12.3) Be able to understand that politics, economy, law,
labor, culture, communications, and social
movements have become globalized.
12.4) Be able to understand that one lives in an
interdependent and unequal society and world.
F. GOALS RELATED TO GOOD CITIZENSHIP
13. To be able to use the sociological paradigm to make the world a
better place.
OUTCOMES
13.1) Have an awareness through which one can sense the
greater context and interrelatedness of all life and physical
processes.
13.2) Exhibit a spirit of caring, respect and dignity for one’s own
and other’s human experience.
13.3) Be able to participate in action to address social problems
and community building.
DEPT.
LEARNING OUTCOME DESCRIPTION
Primary
Content Key
Code
SOC
To understand a) the role of theory in sociology, and b) how to apply key
concepts of sociological inquiry in social analysis.
AGE-CT
Critically analyze a research study by identifying its methodology, findings,
and principal arguments.
AGE-CT
S
AGE-IL
S
Advanced General Education Information Literacy
S
Advanced General Education Oral Communication
Advanced General Education Writing
SOC
Secondary
Content Key
Code
K
S
K
S
D
KEY CODE DEFINTION
Advanced General Education Critical Thinking
SOC
Use computerized and on-line databases to find published research
SOC
To be able to a) write and b) speak effectively in order to communicate
effectively with persons whom they encounter in their work, civil obligation, and
personal life.
AGE-O
Write a clear and concise sociological analysis and account of a social event,
topic, issue, or problem.
AGE-W
S
Advanced General Education Writing
APPL
S
Apply Knowledge
SOC
AGE-W
SOC
Participate in action to address social problems and community building.
SOC
Have an appreciation for the discipline of sociology and its role in contributing
to our understanding of social reality.
DK
K
Know the basic concepts in sociology and their fundamental theoretical
interrelations.
DK
K
SOC
Know basic sociological concepts
DK
K
SOC
Use the sociological paradigm to make the world a better place.
SOC
Have an appreciation for what C. Wright Mills called “The Sociological
Imagination.”
DK
D
SOC
Have an appreciation for how social structures operate.
DK
D
SOC
Have an appreciation for the reciprocal relationships between individuals and
society.
Have an appreciation for the place of American society in the global world and
community.
DK
D
DK
D
SOC
SOC
SOC
SOC
SOC
DK
Discipline Knowledge
Use standard software packages, such as work processing, databases, SPSS,
etc. to present information and analyze data.
DS
Understand the role of evidence and quantitative and qualitative research
methods in sociology and to be aware of ethical issues in research.
MIQN
Have an appreciation for the internal diversity of American Society.
S
SJD
S
MIQL
Discipline Skill
Methods of Inquiry - Qualitiative
Methods of Inquiry - Quantitative
K
D
Social Justice/Diversity
Mission Statement—Masters Program in Sociology
The mission of the M.A. program in Sociology is provide a stimulating,
challenging, and rigorous learning environment for graduate students seeking to
enhance their academic skills in the field of Sociology. The program supports
students preparing for a wide variety of professional roles in teaching and
research, in both the private and public sectors, and for possible entry into Ph.D.
programs at other universities. The faculty will provide students with tools and
opportunities to critically examine social life and the full range of social problems.
Emphasis is placed on the differences and inequalities of class, race, ethnicity,
gender, age, and other forms of social and cultural diversity. Students will develop
their intellectual and research interests as well as their analytical skills while
studying the variety of theories and scientific methodologies practiced in the
discipline. Students are encouraged to work independently so as to discover and
cultivate their own particular interests, concerns, and abilities.
Program Goals—Masters Program in Sociology
A.
Goals Related to Skills
1.
To be able to conduct sociological analysis in both
a) a theoretical and b) a research context.
2.
To be able to have basic computer skills necessary to find, communicate,
create, and apply sociological knowledge and information
3.
To be able to think critically about social issues.
4.
To be able to a) write and b) speak effectively with others in work, civic,
and personal life.
OUTCOME 1: Satisfactory performance in two quarters of graduate
methods seminars.
OUTCOME 2: Demonstration of these skills in the production of a
master's thesis.
B.
Goals Related to Understanding the Sociological Perspective
5.
To have an appreciation of a) the history and b) current state of the
discipline of sociology and its role in contributing to our understanding of
social reality and the conduct of social research.
6.
To have an appreciation of what C. Wright Mills called “The Sociological
Imagination.”
7.
To have an appreciation of how social structures operate.
8.
To have an appreciation of the reciprocal relationships between
individuals and society.
OUTCOME 1: Satisfactory performance in two quarters of graduate
theory seminars.
OUTCOME 2: Demonstration of these skills in the production of a
master's thesis.
C.
Goals Related to Understanding Sociological Core Concepts and Theories
9.
To know basic sociological concepts and principles and their fundamental
theoretical interrelations.
10.
To know and appreciate a) classical sociological theory, b) contemporary
sociological theory, and c) the connections between the two.
11.
To understand a) the role of theory in sociology and b) how to apply key
concepts of sociological inquiry in social analysis.
12.
To acquire basic familiarity with a) the concepts of structure, agency, and
culture, b) their interrelations, and c) the theoretical debates surrounding
these concepts.
OUTCOME 1: Satisfactory performance in two quarters of graduate
theory seminars.
OUTCOME 2: Demonstration of these skills in the production of a
master's thesis.
D. Goals Related to the Methodologies Employed in Sociology and Ethical Issues
Regarding Research
13.
To be able to employ quantitative and qualitative research methods in
sociology and to be aware of ethical issues in research.
OUTCOME 1: Satisfactory performance in two quarters of graduate
methods seminars.
OUTCOME 2: Demonstration of these skills in the production of a
master's thesis.
DEPT.
SOC MA
SOC MA
LEARNING OUTCOME DESCRIPTION
Understand the role of theory in Sociology and how to apply key concepts in
social analysis.
To understand a) the role of theory in sociology and b) how to apply key
concepts of sociological inquiry in social analysis.
Primary
Content
Key Code
Secondary
Content Key
Code
K
S
AGE-CT
K
S
AGE-CT
K
S
SOC MA
Speak effectively on a sociological topic.
SOC MA
Know basic sociological concepts and principles and their fundamental
theoretical interrelations.
DK
K
SOC MA
Know and appreciate a) classical sociological theory, b) contemporary
sociological theory, and c) the connections between the two.
DK
K
SOC MA
To acquire basic familiarity with a) the concepts of structure, agency, and
culture, b) their interrelations, and c) the theoretical debates surrounding these
concepts.
DK
K
SOC MA
SOC MA
SOC MA
Have an appreciation of a) the history and b) current state of the discipline of
sociology and its role in contributing to our understanding of social reality and
the conduct of social research.
Have an appreciation of what C. Wright Mills called “The Sociological
Imagination.”
Have an appreciation of how social structures operate.
AGE-O
D
KEY CODE DEFINTION
Advanced General Education
Critical Thinking
Advanced General Education Oral Communication
S
D
Discipline Knowledge
DK
D
DK
D
DK
D
SOC MA
Have an appreciation of the reciprocal relationships between individuals and
society.
DK
D
SOC MA
Have basic computer skills necessary to conduct sociological research.
DS
SOC MA
SOC MA
Be aware of ethical issues in research.
Write an original sociological analysis.
EXPR
SOC MA
Employ quantitative and qualitative research methods in sociology and to be
aware of ethical issues in research.
MIQN
S
ECR
Discipline Skill
K
Ethics/Civic Responsibility
S
MIQL
S
Expression/Production
D
Methods of Inquiry - Qualitiative
Methods of Inquiry - Quantitative