1.3 Minor in Sociology

Statement

This document outlines the mission, objectives, and courses necessary to create a Sociology Minor at NSC.

Reason for Document

N/A

Entities Affected by this Document

• Academic Faculty
• Administrative Faculty

Who Should Read This Document

• President
• Provost
• Vice Presidents
• Provost Council
• Deans/ Directors
• Academic Faculty
• Administrative Faculty

References for Additional Information

N/A

Website Address for this Document

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Contacts

Direct any general question about the Minor in Sociology, to your department's administrative office. Ifyou have questions about specific issues, contact the following offices:

Dr. Gwen Sharp
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Phone: (702) 992-2645
Email: Gwen.Sharp@nsc.nevada.edu

Dr. Lesley Di Mare
Provost
Phone: (702) 992-2060
Email: Lesley.DiMare@nsc.nevada.edu

Mission Statement

Sociology is the systematic study of human social behavior, particularly the social dynamics of large organizations, communities, institutions, and cultures. The minor in Sociology at Nevada State College gives students an opportunity to study issues such as the growth of the Ll.S, welfare system, immigration policies, gender issues, racial and ethnic identity, and changing ideas about deviance, all of which complement other disciplines at NSC while providing a unique perspective.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing a minor in sociology, students should be able to:

1. Understand and evaluate the major theoretical perspectives (structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism) that developed from the work of Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Goffman.
2. Explain how social structures and institutions influence human behavior in patterned, predictable ways.
3. Apply a social constructionist perspective to critically analyze social arrangements and their justifications.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how gender, race/ethnicity, and class stratification contribute to inequality, as well as how they interact with one another in complex ways.
5. Understand and apply the major research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) used by sociologists.
6. Show proficiency in writing research papers and evaluating peer-reviewed articles published in sociology journals.
7. Examine their values, beliefs, and practices from a cross-cultural and historical perspective.

Sociology Minor (18 credits)

A. SOC 101-Principles of Sociology ...3
B. Pick two of the following courses ...6 
    a. SOC 342: Social Stratification 
    b. SOC 433: Gender and Society 
    c. SOC 471: Racial and Ethnic Conflict in the United States
C. Pick one of the following courses ...3 
    a. PSY 210: Introduction to Statistical Methods 
    b. PSY 240: Introduction to Research Methods
D. Pick two Sociology elective courses ...6