Program Coordinator: Dr. Charles Walter
Alice Lloyd College Social Science Division
Curriculum Guide Sheet (pdf)
The Sociology curriculum has three main purposes:
1.) To aid students in understanding social structure and inequality as well as the roles of social forces and ideas in shaping contemporary society;
2.) To provide a well-rounded education, preparing the student for a wide range of occupations, particularly those that work directly with people or with categories or groups of people;
3.) To provide a sound academic background for graduate study in sociology or or for such professions as law or the ministry.
The Sociology major is designed to give students a strong background in research design and social theory, as well as the tools for understanding the application of the discipline for contemporary social issues. Graduates of this major will be well prepared for professional school or graduate work in sociology, urban and regional planning, social work, and other programs. In addition, the Sociology major instills critical thinking and analytical skills that are of value to a variety of careers and professions, including economic development, social services, health care administration and support, Christian missions, and other occupations. Those majoring in Sociology may not double major in Social Science.
What is the difference between the Social Science major and the Sociology major?
The Sociology major at Alice Lloyd is designed for students wishing to prepare for a graduate degree in Sociology. The degree relies heavily on courses in research, theory, and applied sociology.
The Social Science major is intended for students who may not plan to go to graduate school but would like to work in the service sector where a strong background in sociology, as well as advanced courses in economics, psychology, and political science, would be an advantage. Many employees in these fields do not require the sociology degree, but some look for at least 30 credit hours in sociology which this major provides. The graduate with a Social Science major may still attend graduate school if academic standing permits.
Students may not double major in Sociology and Social Science, because there is not enough difference in the two majors to justify giving two degrees. The student must decide on one or the other no later than their senior year.
General Education Requirements / 54 hours
Students should become familiar with the requirements for their individual programs and work with their advisors to ensure that all degree requirements will be met. A guide sheet is extremely helpful in academic planning. Students wishing to major in Sociology can access a downloadable version (pdf) of the guide sheet at the top of this page, or he or she may obtain one from his or her Faculty Advisor or from the Registrar. The student has the ultimate responsibility for seeing that all academic requirements are being met.
Institutional – 18 hours: CIS 110, COMM 126, ENG 101, ENG 102, LE 101, PE 103
Humanities: 12 hours
Social Sciences: 12 hours
Natural Sciences and Mathematics: 12 hours
Sociology Major Requirements
42 hours
- Sociology / 33 hours
Required (15 hours): SOC 101, 370, 371, 461, 489
Choose 18 hours (if not previously chosen) from SOC 102, 203, 211, 301, 302, 303, 311, 312, 340, 380, SOC ___, SOC ___, 460-469. - Collateral / 9 hours
Choose 6 hours from SSCI 101, 110, 310, and 410.
Political Science (3 hours):
Choose from 300-400 level courses.
General Electives / sufficient to total 128 hours for graduation
Students are encouraged to consider courses that can lead to a second major or a minor. An emphasis in History, including the history of non-western societies, is a strong choice for this major. ENG 304 (Technical Writing) would enhance the student’s preparation for writing grant proposals, which are often necessary in the social science professions. Literature courses and Philosophy courses broaden the mind and offer the student a wealth of understanding and/or tolerance for the human condition. When selecting an elective, however, the important first consideration is that the student seek out an academic experience that he or she will enjoy.
Suggested Course Sequence
Freshman Year First Semester:
ENG 101
CIS 110
MATH 110, 112, 113, or 125
SOC 101
PE 103
Freshman Year Second Semester:
ENG 102
LE 101
BIOL 101
History Elective
Sociology Elective
Sophomore Year First Semester:
COMM 126
Sociology Elective
Sociology Elective
Sociology Elective
Political Science Elective
Humanities Elective
Sophomore Year Second Semester:
A Physical Science
PSY 101
ECON 210
Sociology Elective
General Elective
Junior Year First Semester:
General Elective
SOC 370
SSCI 310
Humanities Elective
Sociology Elective
History Elective
Junior Year Second Semester:
General Elective
SOC 371
Political Science Elective
General Elective
Sociology Elective
Sociology Elective
Senior Year First Semester:
SOC 461
Humanities Elective
Sociology Elective
General Elective
General Elective
Senior Year Second Semester:
SOC 489
Social Science Elective
General Elective
General Elective
General Elective