2007-08 - Pitzer College

274 SOCIOLOGY
SOCIOLOGY
SOCIOLOGY
The Sociology major is designed to help students develop an understanding of and an
appreciation for the principal sociological perspectives, theories, and research
methodologies of the discipline. Sociologists study people and their relationships in social
and cultural contexts, as well as analyze those social institutions and structures of power
involved in the shaping of human experience.
Pitzer Advisers: D. Basu, J. Calderón, P. Nardi, E. Steinman, K. Yep, P. Zuckerman
Most of our sociology courses are organized in two broad categories: foundation courses
that are fundamental to the discipline of sociology (Category A) and courses that address
social issues and social policies (Category B). Courses numbered over 100 are considered
upper division courses and they have prerequisites or require the permission of the
instructor [see individual course descriptions]. Another set of courses (Category C), open
only to senior majors, is designed to allow students to practice the craft of sociology by
engaging in an original research project (quantitative, qualitative, and/or theoretical).
Students will normally complete the research as part of the requirements of the Senior
Seminar (199a). Another option is to complete a research project or thesis as an Advanced
Independent Research Study (199b) under the direction of a Pitzer sociology faculty member.
Requirements for the Major
Students who wish to graduate with a full major in sociology must satisfactorily complete
a minimum of ten graded courses:
1. The introductory course: Sociology 1
2. One theory course: Sociology 110 or 112 [students who are considering graduate
work in sociology or a related field such as social work are strongly encouraged to
take both theory courses]
3. Two methods courses: Sociology 101 and Sociology 102 [students in the Ontario
Program may use the methods course taught in that program in place of Sociology
102, and any Statistics course can be used to fulfill Sociology 101]
4. Two other courses from Category A
5. Three courses from Category B, two of which must be upper division
6. One course from Category C
Independent studies cannot be used to fulfill these requirements.
Minor: Students who wish to graduate with a minor in sociology must satisfactorily
complete six graded courses:
1. Intro course-Sociology 1
2. One theory course: Sociology 110 or 112
3. One methods course: Sociology 101 or 102 [If a student has already taken a
statistics course in another field, then either the qualitative course (102) or any
other sociology course should be substituted]
4. Two courses from Category A
5. One course from Category B
275
Independent studies cannot be used to fulfill these requirements.
No more than three courses can be counted to fulfill the requirements in another major or
minor, or be transferred from another institution.
Double Major: Students must complete the requirements of both majors, including any
theses or honor requirements. Normally, no more than two courses can be counted to
fulfill the requirements in both fields.
Combined Major: Students who wish to graduate with a combined major in sociology
must satisfactorily complete eight graded courses: Soc. 1; either Soc. 110 or 112; both Soc.
101 and 102; three courses from Categories A and B; one course from Category C.
Normally, no more than two courses can be counted to fulfill the requirements in both fields.
Honors: Students who have a minimum GPA (cumulative and in sociology) of 3.5 may
request that their senior research project be considered for honors. Two sociology faculty
members must evaluate the research project and make a recommendation to the
Sociology Field Group. In the case of combined majors, one faculty member from each
field must evaluate the project. Eligible students should begin thinking about an honors
thesis at the end of their junior year, and discuss their ideas for a thesis with two faculty
members at the beginning of their senior year.
A. Foundations of Sociology [prerequisites in brackets]:
1. Sociology and Its View of the World
14. Social Stratification
34. Sociology of Education
35. Race and Ethnic Relations
36. Sociology of Deviance
40. Introduction to Urban Sociology
59. Sociology of Gender
70. Media and Society
91. Political Sociology
101. Quantitative Research Methods [Soc. 1]
102. Qualitative Research Methods [Soc. 1]
110. History and Development of Sociological Theory I. [Soc. 1]
112. History and Development of Sociological Theory II. [Soc 1]
114. Sociology of Religion [Soc. 1]
115. Sociology of Law
122. Sociology of Health and Medicine [Soc. 1; at least sophomore standing]
153. Sociology of Work and Occupations [Soc. 1]
156. Sociology of the Family [Soc. 1]
B. Social Issues and Policies
3. Transatlantic Black/Asian Film, Literature and Sociology
10. Cars and Culture
13. Economy and Society
25. Technology and People
28. Sociology of Aging
29. Sociology of Death & Dying
30CH. Chicanos in Contemporary Society
COST 33B. Sociology of Health Care in Costa Rica