Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Program Coordinator: Dr. Lafie Crum, Interim 

Alice Lloyd College Social Science Division

2016-17 Curriculum Guide Sheet | 2017-18 Curriculum Guide Sheet | 2018-19 Curriculum Guide Sheet | 2019-20 Curriculum Guide Sheet | 2020-21 Curriculum Guide Sheet

Sociology Course Descriptions

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.

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

A. Sociology / 33 hours
Required: 18 hours –  Soc 101, 370, 371, 460, 461, 489
Choose 15 hours (if not previously chosen) from:
Soc 102, 201, 203, 211, 302, 303, 305, 312, 315, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 365, 372, 405, Soc ___, 462-469;

B. Collateral / 9 hours (if not previously chosen)
Choose 6 hours from SSci 101, Soc 102, Soc 340;
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

Second Semester

ENG 102
LE 101
BIOL 101/108
History Elective
Sociology 102

Sophomore Year

Second Semester

A Physical Science
PSY 101
ECON 210
Sociology Elective
General Elective

Junior Year

Second Semester

General Elective
SOC 371
Political Science Elective
General Elective
General Elective
Sociology Elective

Senior Year

Second Semester

SOC 489
Social Science Elective
General Elective
General Elective
SOC 460