Sociology

A major and a minor are available in sociology.

Major in sociology

40 credit hours

Core courses (19 credit hours):

• Soc 200, Principles of Sociology 3
• Soc 310, Social Theory 3
• Soc 334, Race, Class and Ethnic Relations 3
• Soc 391, Methods of Social Research3
• Soc 392, Junior Seminar in Social Research3
• Soc 409, Field Experience in Sociology/Anthropology 3
• Soc 410, Senior Seminar1

Elective and related courses (21 credit hours):

• Choose four of the following courses 12
  • Soc 210, Sociology of the Family
  • Soc 211, Social Stratification
  • Soc 230, Ethnography and Culture
  • Soc 302, Urban Diversity (Chicago Center)
  • Soc 315, Religion in Culture and Society
  • Soc 320, Environmental Sociology
  • Soc 331, Social Justice and Social Change
  • Soc 336, Latin American Societies and Cultures
  • Soc 340, African Societies and Cultures
  • Soc 351, Contemporary Issues
  • Soc 430, Environmental Justice
• Choose one of the following (Identities & Inequalities) 3
  • Hist 330, Gender in World History
  • Soc 205/WGS 200, Introduction to Gender Studies
  • Soc 260, Human Sexuality
  • Soc 345/SoWk 345, Women’s Concerns
• Choose one of the following (Politics & Social Change) 3
  • Econ 200, Principles of Economics
  • PJCS 360, Designing for Social Change
  • PoSc 200, Introduction to Political Science
  • PoSc 210, Introduction to Public Policy
  • PoSc 308, International Politics
• Choose one of the following (Sustainability & Human Ecology) 3
  • Biol 207 NW, Roots of Environmental Crisis
  • Econ 309, Environmental Economics
  • Hist 345, Environmental History

Student learning outcomes

Graduates in sociology will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic sociological concepts, principles, and theories.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of social research methodology.
3. Identify an original sociological question and design an appropriate strategy to research that question.
4. Use appropriate ethical and methodological practices to gather evidence.
5. Describe, analyze, and interpret evidence from a variety of perspectives.
6. Skillfully communicate sociological arguments in written and oral form.
7. Interpret the moral responsibilities of sociological work for their own future.

Planning guide

First year	Goshen Core SST language prerequisite Principles of Sociology Lower level sociology electives
Second year	Social Theory Lower level sociology courses Goshen Core SST
Third year	Methods of Social Research Junior Seminar in Social Research Race, Class & Ethnic Relations Goshen Core Upper level sociology electives
Fourth year	Senior Seminar Upper level sociology electives Field experience Balance of Goshen Core

Planning and advising notes

The sociology major includes a collaboration between three Mennonite educational institutions. In addition to courses on campus, students will have the opportunity to take courses with sociology faculty members at Bluffton University (Ohio) and Eastern Mennonite University (Virginia). These courses will be offered in various distance education formats.

Minor in sociology

18 credit hours

• Soc 200, Principles of Sociology 3
• Soc 310, Social Theory 3
• Soc 391, Methods of Social Research 3
• Three courses in sociology (at least one upper level, 300 or above) 9

Planning and advising notes

The minor in sociology is not available to students majoring in social work. For elective sociology courses in the minor, courses taught from within the sociology department (not cross-listed from other departments) are strongly preferred.