Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Sociology, Bachelor of Arts


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Offered by the Department of History, Philsophy and Political Science
Professor Carpenter, Guenther, Newman
Associate Professors Bosworth (chairperson), Chua, Gaskievicz, Holderby, McEvoy
Assistant Professor Rothermel


Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior and social organizations.  Sociologists examine the processes and patterns of interaction between individuals, groups, societies, and nations.  They seek to explain how social forces influence individual behavior, the organization and behavior of social groups, and their interrelationships.  Sociology focuses on empirical investigation of social facts, critical evaluation of information, and professional presentation of results.  It also includes the development and advancement of sociological theory.  Our applied program provides sociological research skills such as report writing, research design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and computer knowledge.  These skills are highly sought after in many professional fields.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology is a good choice for students who are interested in working with people in social or public service, personnel, managerial or administrative positions.  Careers in sociology, law, counseling, and research are possible with graduate training.  Many of our students participate in internships where they may choose from existing positions or create one specific to their interests.

Program Objectives:

Sociology Mission

The Sociology program at MU provides all students with high quality theoretical, methodological, applied and substantive learning opportunities and real world research or internship experiences.  Sociology majors will become students of our discipline focused on understanding social behavior, society, social conflict and change.  They will be prepared to become professionals in social science occupations.  In addition, the program introduces general education students to social science knowledge and skills while at the same time broadening their general skills such as communication, analytical, critical and conceptual thinking.

We are committed to assisting students to develop their sociological imagination through learning to define, analyze, and understand human social behavior.  We prepare them to understand the symbols, shared meanings, structures and patterns upon which everyday social life rests.  Therefore, we are dedicated to equipping all of our students with a broad and rigorous view of the social world that is consistent with the goals of a liberal arts education. 

The mission of the Sociology program reflects the creed of Mansfield University by recognizing the importance of character, scholarship, culture and service.  Our program embraces the richness of multicultural diversity by emphasizing a broad, yet in-depth understanding of culture and society.  In addition, by promoting cultural relativism, it fosters comprehension of the struggles and interdependencies in the global community.  Our curriculum includes opportunities for students to discover society through research and to serve the community through action and involvement.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Sociology Program Learning Outcomes

1.  The sociological imagination.

     Students will be able to:

  • describe how Sociology is distinct from other social sciences.
  • apply the sociological imagination to social phenomena

2.  The role of sociological theory.

     Students will be able to:

  • describe the role of theory in building sociological knowledge.
  • compare and contrast the different theoretical perspectives.
  • apply these theories to social conditions.

3.  Data analysis.

     Students will be able to:

  • understand the role of data analysis in building sociological knowledge and testing theory.
  • use computer software for statistical analysis.
  • understand appropriate statistical techniques.
  • draw valid conclusions from the data analysis.

4.  Culture, social structures and the diversity of human societies.

     Students will be able to:

  • describe different social institutions and their various influences on the individual.
  • explain how the aforementioned institutions are interrelated.
  • explain and evaluate them using sociological theory.
  • describe the significance of variation by race, class, gender, religion and age.
  • justify policy recommendations to address social inequalities.

Additional Student Learning Outcome for Sociology of Healthcare

5.  Healthcare and society:  to understand in depth at the healthcare issues within sociology:

     Students will be able to:

  • understand the macro-micro emphasis and compare and contrast theories of health and health care organizations.
  • show how social issues of health and healthcare can be better understood by emphasizing the micro/macro connections.
  • demonstrate how sociology helps understand the society health needs and issues.
  • describe the gender and diversity issues that create social inequality in health and healthcare systems.
  • evaluate health care systems through sociological knowledge.

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