2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived]

Sociology


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Dr. Virgil Sheets, contact person
Department Office: Root Hall, room B-205
Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/socio

Sociologists and sociology students are intensively, endlessly, shamelessly, and self-consciously interested in the activities of people. “People are your best entertainment value” might be the credo of sociology. Nobility and degradation, power and powerlessness, intelligence and folly—these interest the student of sociology. Sociology students will find that wherever humans gather, sociology is needed and is useful.

The Department of Sociology offers a minor that provides foundational knowledge of social structures and behavior for students of criminology and criminal justice, psychology, social work, and family and human development studies.  Sociological training is also very valuable for students entering teaching, nursing, business, and technology.  The sociology faculty at ISU are happy to consult with students regarding the value of sociological study as a supplement to their particular major. 

In support of the liberal arts and sciences mission of the college and Indiana State University, the Department of Sociology participates in the General Education Program, and offers a selection of courses that serve the Department of African and African American Studies, the International Studies Program, the Department of Political Science, and the Women’s Studies Program.


ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Degrees Offered

Although no major in sociology is offered at ISU, the Department of Sociology offers a minor with a core requirement in sociological concepts and theories and that offers students the opportunity to develop interests in areas such as social justice and inequality, social problems and policies, aging, and family through electives. 

For those students interested in teaching sociology and other social sciences at the secondary school level, the department participates in the Social Science Education Program, which leads to teacher licensing in Indiana.


Departmental Opportunities

A helpful and encouraging faculty makes a special effort to be accessible to students. Minors in sociology are encouraged to maintain frequent contact with their faculty academic advisor. Students who work closely with their advisor are more likely to meet their goals and achieve academic success.

The Sociology Research Laboratory offers students opportunities to conduct research as part of their academic work, to assist in faculty-sponsored research projects, and/or to conduct research of their own. For those students intensely interested in social research, both paid and unpaid positions are available in the laboratory. An optional internship/field placement is available for minors who wish to jumpstart their plans for employment following graduation.

Sociology minors are invited to join the Sociology Club, a social and service club. Academic excellence is rewarded through invitation to join Alpha Kappa Delta, an international honorary society for sociology. During Honors Day, the André Hammonds Award is presented to an outstanding senior who exhibits academic excellence and notable service to the community.


TEACHING CURRICULA

Students interested in teaching sociology should be thoroughly familiar with the requirements of the teaching curriculum and admission to the Teacher Education Program.  For a full description of the Social Science Education Program, see the Social Science Education section of this Catalog.

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