Sociology is a discipline that systematically studies human society. Topics covered include culture, socialization, groups and organizations, social processes, communities, social classes, social change, religion, economics, education, major institutions such as health care institutions, and the family. A sociological perspective is illustrated by analyzing Canadian society in the context of the global community.
Why study sociology at CMU?
At CMU, students are asked to think about how their faith and beliefs are shaped by society, and how their faith and beliefs may shape society. Knowledge of sociology helps students understand themselves, others, and the systems in which they work and live.
Why complete a sociology minor at CMU?
The minor requires 18 credit hours and can be earned concurrently with a major in any field, even a three-year or four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. Students are given the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of sociology through a required introductory course and are then able to explore a variety of topics depending on their interests. Students will gain valuable secondary competencies that can be applied to almost any profession, but especially relevant alongside majors in Communication, Business, International Development Studies, or Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies. will be higher. Professions to which these skills can be applied include fields such as social work, criminal justice, government, research, labor relations, and public administration.
course
SOCI-1110 Introduction to Sociology: (3.0 credit hours) This course provides an introduction to sociology through the study of society, social institutions, collective behavior, and social change, drawing on a variety of theoretical and conceptual resources. Emphasis on using sociological thinking to understand a wide range of contemporary social behaviors.
SOCI-2000 Social Welfare: (3.0 credit hours) Explore how economic, political, and ethical theories about society and human nature are manifested in society’s response to human needs in providing social services. Includes a survey of the history of social welfare in Canada and a review of major social welfare agencies.
SOCI-2020 Community and Organization: (3.0 credit hours) Examines the characteristics and interactions of communities and organizations (e.g., service, advocacy, NGOs, government agencies) in the light of sociological theory. The focus will be on structural responses to social issues such as child care, immigration, housing, unemployment, disability, health care, aging, and poverty.
SOCI-2030 Intercultural Theory and Practice: (3.0 credit hours) This course provides an introduction to theoretical and methodological issues in cross-cultural research. Attention is paid to cultural translation, cultural encounters between groups, concomitant cultural appropriation, cross-fertilization, transnational influence, identity, and resistance.
SOCI-2060 Gender Sociology: (3.0 credit hours) Studying gender from a sociological perspective increases awareness of how social structures, institutions, and culture shape gender roles and the lives of those who play those roles. It also explains how gender roles shape culture, institutions, and social structures. This course will also focus on ‘inherent or constructed’ debates about gender roles, the role of the media in shaping gender, and the intertwining of gender with family, politics, work, and religion. Prerequisite: SOCI-1110.
POLS/SOCI/PHIL-2600 Social and Political Philosophy: (3.0 credit hours) What is humanity? Should society be organized to reflect this? What is justice? Is the state inherently coercive? How does property influence politics? What is ethical citizenship? These questions are asked by Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, de Gouges, Burke, Wollstonecraft. , Mill, and Marx through an examination of Western political thinkers and their contemporary legacies.
PSYC/SOCI-2700 Interpersonal Communication: (3.0 credit hours) An examination of the multilevel communication processes that underlie and underpin the formation and change of social interactions and relationships. Special attention is paid to the differences and connections between verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as the rules and rituals of social interaction in everyday life. Prerequisites: PSYC-1020 or SOCI-1110 or PCTS-1110.
SOCI-2950 Sociology Topics: (3.0 credit hours) The content of this course varies from year to year depending on student needs, interests, and instructor availability.
POLS/COMM/SOCI-3000 Politics, Society, and Mass Media: (3.0 credit hours) This course examines the relationship between mass communication media and the political and social processes in which they operate, and examines the current state of research on mass media, the creation and formation of political consciousness, and its impact on human beings. Investigate the role of media in influence. behavior and values. Examples of topics covered include media ownership and organizational patterns, media in electoral processes, media in developing countries, media and globalization, propaganda, media freedom, and public opinion. Prerequisites: 30 credit hours of college-level study, including 6 credit hours in social sciences.
SOCI/PHIL-3100 Ethical Living in a Technological Society: (3.0 credit hours) This course examines the impact of living in a technological society on our understanding of self, society, and the Christian faith. This course explores the historical roots of modern technology and the closely related areas of science and economics, as well as a variety of associated philosophical, historical, psychological, and sociological critiques. Emphasis is placed on identifying creative options for living “authentically” within a technological society. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of college-level study including SOCI-1110 or permission of instructor.
SOCI-3950 Sociology Topics: (3.0 credit hours) The content of this course varies from year to year depending on student needs, interests, and instructor availability. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of college-level study, including SOCI-1110.
PSYC/SOCI-4030 Qualitative Inquiry in the Social Sciences: (3.0 credit hours) Examines the principles and procedures for conducting qualitative research in the social sciences. Topics include: Assumptions that influence the design of qualitative research. Steps for collecting meaningful data through interviews, observations, and text archives. Analysis of such data. Ethical issues related to research activities. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of college-level study, including 12 credit hours in the social sciences.
IDS/PCTS/POLS/SOCI-4100 Social Change Senior Seminar: (3.0 credit hours) This capstone seminar provides students with an interdisciplinary and disciplinary approach to social change, including issues of peacebuilding and conflict transformation, socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, democratization and social movements. Consider and compare approaches. Using a seminar format, students examine contested theories of social change and address issues of power, interpretation, ethics, commitment, and virtue in understanding and engaging with social change. These exams allow students to explore ways to integrate theory and practice and clarify their own understanding and ethics of social change. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of college-level study, including 18 credit hours in IDS, PCTS, SOCI, POLS, GEOG, or PSYC. or with instructor’s permission. We recommend that you complete the lab requirements before taking this course.
SOCI-4940 Independent Study of Sociology: (3.0 credit hours) Study a specific area of sociology under the guidance of a faculty member. Prerequisites: SOCI-1110, 9 additional credit hours in sociology, and a minimum of 60 credit hours of college-level study.
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