| Requirements
of the Major Requirements of the Minor |
Convener: Yolanda Prieto Advisors: Erin Augis Henry Frundt* Henri Lustiger-Thaler Trent Schroyer* (*disclaimer below) |
About the Major
Sociology is unique among the social sciences because it examines
the whole of human societies. It focuses on institutional and
sociocultural changes rather than on simply economic, political,
or technical transformations. For example, Sociology provides
an understanding of "modernization" and "globalization"
by analyzing their impact on culture, human subjectivity, power
relations, and collective resistance. Sociology prepares students
to scientifically study and personally engage human groups and
communities.
Recognizing the international character of contemporary existence,
the Sociology program at Ramapo College considers all communities
as part of a network of response to global demands and challenges.
As such, students develop a world perspective by examining what
global communities share in common and the diversity of survival
strategies they employ.
A degree in Sociology provides the graduate with analytical
capacities and practical skills in research methodology and
working with people, and facilitates entry into a range of graduate
programs and professions. Students who do not pursue graduate
studies are employed as researchers in industry and government,
human services, criminal justice, applied research, community
and regional planning, and environmental protection. Also, students
may select Sociology as one of the accepted majors for the Teacher
Education certification.
The Sociology major is organized around five basic components:
theory, methods, community, world transformation, and cultures
and communication. Theory and methods are basic areas which
require the same courses for all majors. Students will choose
one course in each of the three remaining components (community, world transformation, and cultures and communications).
Theory introduces classical and contemporary theory,
develops fundamental concepts, and promotes disciplinary discourse.
Method courses develop understanding of research design,
quantitative and qualitative data-gathering techniques, and
use of computer-aided programs to analyze social phenomena with
consideration to attendant value and ethical issues.
Community courses examine the impact of technological
complexity on individual and communal identity and minority
integration. Fieldwork assignments help integrate classroom
learning with outside, hands-on work with a variety of groups.
Students develop skills conducting mediation and conflict resolution.
Some become school and nursing volunteers and participate in
community policing.
World Transformation critically analyzes the "culture
of progress". Courses introduce students to the hidden
human and social costs of global development patterns through
the investigation of different paths of socioeconomic development,
cultural change, and environmental sustainability.
Cultures and Communication focuses on the effects of social
and technological change on human subjectivity, individual and
group identity. Special attention is given to the cultural practices
of groups, with an emphasis on multicultural identities through
some of the recent advances in the field of Cultural Studies.
Courses explore the impact the "communication explosion"
has had on culture.
Students in the Sociology program may participate in the Service
Learning Program at Ramapo College. Through the Governor William
T. Cahill Center for Experiential Learning and Career Services,
students are placed in groups and organizations whose work is
relevant to their interests and conducive to their professional
growth and development.
A degree in Sociology provides the graduate with analytical
capabilities and practical skills in research methodology and
working with people, and facilitates entry into a range of graduate
programs and professions (such as: human services, criminal
justice, community/regional planners, and research in industry
and government).
Students majoring in Sociology are urged to pursue a minor in
Gerontology, Anthropology, Women’s Studies, Latin American Studies, or African American Studies. The Sociology
major is offered by the School of Social Science and Human Services
and leads to a B.A. degree.
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