Liberal Arts
introduction

Robert Kaufman, Chair
709 Gladfelter Hall
215-204-7979
robert.kaufman@temple.edu

Anne Shlay, Undergraduate Chair
755 Gladfelter Hall
215-204-7931
anne.shlay@temple.edu

Sharon Smith, Administrator

708 Gladfelter Hall

215-204-7763

sasmith@temple.edu

Sociology is the study of human behavior in the context of the groups, organizations, institutions, and societies in which it occurs. The sociology department offers courses covering a wide range of topics, including: contemporary social issues, race and racism, sexuality and gender, health and health care, education, urban life, housing, organizations, family, political life, popular culture, immigration, law, international development and globalization. The sociological perspective pays close attention to diversity in culture, values, and human experience.

Majoring in sociology prepares students for many careers and graduate programs by providing both a broad sociological perspective and specific research, statistical and analytic skills. Students gain experience in fieldwork and interviewing; they develop, administer and analyze surveys and statistics; and they write research reports. Sociology provides an excellent background for students planning to begin their careers upon graduation as well as those planning to pursue graduate education. Recent graduates have gone to work and graduate school in the areas of law, medicine, business, non-profits, community planning, social work, market research, and education. Students who are interested in a career in the health field can pursue a special sociology major focused on health-related coursework. The Health Track in Sociology prepares students for graduate studies in leading medical, dental, nursing, public health, and physical and occupational therapy programs as well as graduate programs in sociology and related fields.

Student Organizations and Opportunities

Sociology majors and minors are encouraged to participate in the Sociology Organization for Undergraduate Leadership (SOUL), which hosts academic, community service, and social events throughout the year. The department sponsors the Annual Student Research Conference in which students can present their work.

Awards

Awards available to sociology majors include the Robert K. Merton Award, the Sociology Prize, the Benjamin and Irma Robboy Award, and the Othella Vaughn Award.

Distinction in the Major

Sociology majors graduate with distinction in the major if they have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

Summary of Degree Requirements

1. University Requirements:

Math 0701 (4sh) and/or English 0701 (4sh), if required by placement testing.
All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses as part of the major. Sociology 3396 and 4096 fulfill this requirement for this major.
Students must complete requirements of the General Education (Gen Ed) Program. See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for more details.

2. College of Liberal Arts Requirements:

Completion of a minimum of 123 credits, including: 90 credits in CLA/CST courses, 45 credits of which must be at the upper level (numbered 2000-4999).
For Social Science majors, 6 upper level credits must be taken in the Humanities Departments (English, French, German, Greek and Roman Classics, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese (only available at our Japan campus), Philosophy, Religion, Russian, and Spanish), Art History, or any department in the College of Science and Technology.
A minimum GPA of 2.0, cumulatively, in CLA/CST coursework, and in the major.

3. Foreign Language/Global Studies Requirements:

1) All students must complete the second level of a foreign language;

2) All students must complete at least one course from the GenEd World Society category; and

3) All students must complete one of the following options:

Third level of a foreign language;

Demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language;

A second General Education World Society course;

Study Abroad at an approved program; or

Take one Global Studies course from the list on the CLA College Graduation Requirements page.

4. Major Options: Sociology or Health Track in Sociology (42 s.h.)

Sociology Major Requirements:

Eleven courses in Sociology

Specifically required courses: Sociology 1176, 3201, 3261, 3396, & 4096

Sociology 4001 OR 4002

Sociology electives:

Two Sociology electives numbered 2000-4999

Three Sociology electives numbered 3000-4999

Two courses at the 2000 level or higher selected from the following cognate disciplines: African American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Asian Studies, Criminal Justice, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography and Urban Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, and Women's Studies

Health Track in the Sociology Major Requirements:

Eleven courses in Sociology

Specifically required courses: Sociology 1176, 3201, 3261, 3396, & 4096

Sociology 4001 OR 4002

Sociology electives:

Three Sociology electives at the 3000 level, two of which must be health-related courses selected from Sociology 3511, 3521, 3530, 3546, 3559, 3582

Two courses numbered 2000 or higher, one of which must be a health-related course selected from Sociology 2522, 2530, 2552, 2553, 2572 (or an additional health-related course as noted above)

Two health-related courses in cognate disciplines selected in consultation with a faculty advisor

5. General electives vary according to a student's individual program of study. Consult your academic advisor for more information.

Requirements for the Major in Sociology

The major requires a minimum of eleven Sociology courses, including Introduction to Sociology, a sequence of 3 statistics and research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, and five electives at various levels.

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are listed below and are identified by "WI" in the Attribute column.

Requirements for the Health Track in Sociology

The health track in Sociology requires a minimum of eleven Sociology courses, including Introduction to Sociology, a sequence of statistics and research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, and five electives at various levels, three of which are designated as health-related. Additionally, two 2000+-level electives from outside Sociology and designated as health-related electives must be taken. All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are listed below and are identified by "WI" in the Attribute column.

Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Sociology 1176 Introduction to Sociology 3
Sociology 3201 Statistical Methods in Sociology** 4
Sociology 3396 Development of Sociological Thought 3 WI
Sociology 3261 Research Design and Methods** 4
Sociology 4096 Senior Seminar* 3 WI
Sociology electives Two courses at the 2000 level or above.
One must be selected from 2522, 2530, 2552, 2553, 2572, 3511, 3521,
3530, 3546, 3559, or 3582
6
Sociology electives Three courses at the 3000 level or above.
Two must be selected from 3511, 3521, 3530, 3546, 3559, 3582 9
Health-Related Cognate Courses: 6
Electives 2000+ Two health-related courses. See advisor for approved list.
Select one Advanced Methods course: 4
Sociology 4001

4002 Qualitative Research ^
or
Data Analysis ^
Total 42
Health-related courses:
Three courses required, at least two must be numbered 3000 or higher:
Sociology 2522 Sociology of Self
Sociology 2530 Selected Topics in Medical Sociology
Sociology 2552 Health and Disease in American Society
Sociology 2553 Sociology of Aging
Sociology 2572 Sex & Society
Sociology 3511 Sociology of the Environment
Sociology 3521 International Health
Sociology 3525 Urban Health
Sociology 3530 Selected Topics in Medical Sociology
Sociology 3546 Sexuality and Gender
Sociology 3559 Health and Reproduction
Sociology 3582 Independent Study in Medical Sociology
*Indicates writing capstone for major
**Students must take 3201 prior to or concurrently with 3261.
^ Students must complete 3201 and 3261 before taking either of the advanced methods courses, 4001 or 4002.

Requirements for the Minor in Sociology

The minor in sociology requires a minimum of six courses.

Requirements for the Minor in the Sociology of Health

The minor in the sociology of health requires a minimum of six courses, three of which are health-related. This program is not open to Sociology majors or Health Track in Sociology majors.

Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Sociology 1176 Introduction to Sociology 3
Sociology Two courses at the 2000 level or above 6
Sociology Three courses at the 3000 level or above 9-10
Health-related courses - Select three as part of the above requirements:
Sociology 2522 Sociology of Self
Sociology 2530 Selected Topics in Medical Sociology
Sociology 2552 Health and Disease in American Society
Sociology 2553 Sociology of Aging
Sociology 2572 Sex & Society
Sociology 3511 Sociology of the Environment
Sociology 3521 International Health
Sociology 3530 Selected Topics in Medical Sociology
Sociology 3546 Sexuality and Gender
Sociology 3559 Health and Reproduction
Sociology 3582 Independent Study in Medical Sociology
Minor Total 18-19

Requirements for the Certificate in Health Research

The certificate in health research requires five courses, including a health-related sequence and research methods. This program is not open to Sociology majors or Health Track in Sociology majors.

Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Sociology 2552 Health & Disease in American Society 3
Sociology 3201 Statistical Methods in Sociology* 4
Sociology 3261 Research Design & Methods* 4
Select one from the following list: 4
Sociology 4001 Qualitative Research**
Sociology 4002 Data Analysis**
Health-related courses - Select one: 3-4
Sociology 2522 Sociology of Self
Sociology 2530 Selected Topics in Medical Sociology
Sociology 2553 Sociology of Aging
Sociology 2572 Sex & Society
Sociology 3511 Sociology of the Environment
Sociology 3521 International Health
Sociology 3530 Selected Topics in Medical Sociology
Sociology 3546 Sexuality & Gender
Sociology 3559 Health & Reproduction
Sociology 3582 Independent Study in Medical Sociology
Certificate Total 18-19
*Students must take 3201 prior to or concurrently with 3261.
**Students must complete 3201 and 3261 before taking either of the advanced methods courses, 4001 or 4002.

Suggested Semester-by-Semester Plan for the Sociology Major

Freshman Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
English 0802, 0812 or 0902 Analytical Reading & Writing 4 GW
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Quantitative Literacy 4 GQ
Foreign Language 1001 Foreign Language (first level) 4
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Human Behavior 3 GB
Subtotal 15
Freshman Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
IH 0851 or 0951 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar I 3 GY
Foreign Language 1001 Foreign Language (second level) 4
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Science & Technology I 3 GS
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Race & Diversity 3 GD
Sociology 1176 Introduction to Sociology 3
Subtotal 16
Sophomore Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Foreign Language/
GenEd
0800+ Foreign Language (third level) or
GenEd World Society course or
an Internationally Focused Course From Approved List
3
GG
IH 0852 or 0952 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar II 3 GZ
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Science & Technology II 3 GS
GenEd 08xx or 09xx U.S. Society 3 GU
Sociology 2000+ One 2000+ Sociology Course 3
Subtotal 15
Sophomore Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Arts 3-4 GA
GenEd 08xx or 09xx World Society 3 GG
Sociology 3201 Statistical Methods in Sociology 4
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Course 3
Subtotal 16-17
Junior Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3
Sociology 3396
Development of Sociological Thought 3 WI
Sociology 3261 Research Design and Methods 4
Sociology 2000+ One 2000+ Sociology Course 3
Social Science 2000+ One 2000+ Cognate Course 3
Subtotal 16
Junior Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3
Sociology 3000+ One 3000+ Sociology Course 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
Sociology 3000+ One 3000+ Sociology Course 3
Subtotal 15
Senior Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Sociology 4001/4002** Qualitative Research/Data Analysis** 4
Sociology 3000+ One 3000+ Sociology Course 3
Social Science 2000+ One 2000+ Cognate Course 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
Subtotal 16
Senior Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Sociology 4096 Senior Seminar 3 WI
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 2-3
Subtotal 14-15
Degree Total 123
*Please check prerequisites for all Sociology courses.
**Sociology 4001 is only offered in the spring and 4002 only in the fall; plan to take prior to Sociology 4096.
See advisor for course selection.

Suggested Semester-by-Semester Plan for the Health Track in Sociology

Freshman Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
English 0802, 0812 or 0902 Analytical Reading & Writing 4 GW
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Quantitative Literacy 4 GQ
Foreign Language 1001 Foreign Language (first level) 4
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Human Behavior 3 GB
Subtotal 15
Freshman Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
IH 0851 or 0951 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar I 3 GY
Foreign Language 1001 Foreign Language (second level) 4
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Science & Technology I 3 GS
Sociology 1176 Introduction to Sociology 3
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Race & Diversity 3 GD
Subtotal 16
Sophomore Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Foreign Language/
GenEd
0800+ Foreign Language (third level) or
GenEd World Society course or
an Internationally Focused Course From Approved List
3
GG
IH 0852 or 0952 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar II 3 GZ
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Science & Technology II 3 GS
GenEd 08xx or 09xx U.S. Society 3 GU
Sociology 2000+ One 2000+ Sociology Course 3
Subtotal 15
Sophomore Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Arts 3-4 GA
GenEd 08xx or 09xx World Society 3 GG
Sociology 3201 Statistical Methods in Sociology 4 QB
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Course 3
Subtotal 16-17
Junior Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3
Sociology 3396
Development of Sociological Thought 3 WI
Sociology 2000-2999 One 2000-Level Health-Related Sociology Course
3
Sociology 3261 Research Design and Methods 4
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
Subtotal 16
Junior Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3
Elective 2000+ One 2000+ Health-Related Cognate Course From Approved List
3
Sociology 3000-3999 One 3000-Level Health-Related Sociology Course
3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
Subtotal 15
Senior Year – 1st Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Sociology 4001/4002** Qualitative Research/Data Analysis 4
Sociology 3000-3999 One 3000-Level Health-Related Sociology Course
3
Elective 2000+ One 2000+ Health-Related Cognate Course from Approved List
3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
Subtotal 16
Senior Year – 2nd Semester
Subject Course # Course Title Hours Attribute
Sociology 4096 Senior Seminar 3 WI
Sociology 3000-3999 One 3000-Level Sociology Course 3
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 2-3
Subtotal 14-15
Degree Total 123
*Please check prerequisites for all Sociology courses.
**Sociology 4001 is only offered in the spring and 4002 only in the fall; plan to complete prior to taking Sociology 4096.
See advisor for course selection.

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