Sociology Eckerd College

Overview

Indeed, it would be fair to say that there is no form of human behavior or experience which is outside the interests of sociologists. Some sociologists study systems of inequality based on class, race, and gender. Other sociologists examine social institutions, such as work and occupations, the family, politics and government, education, health, and religion. Still other sociologists investigate the dynamics of social organizations, small groups, and face-to-face interaction.

Nonetheless, sociology can be characterized by its focus and method. We define sociology as the scientific study of human societies. Sociologists are social scientists; they study the social forces that shape human behavior and experience. The purpose of sociology is to develop and test theories that account for the regularities of human conduct. These theories are grounded in research and data of one kind or another. In short, the essential attribute of sociology is the application of scientific methods to the study of human societies.

The subject matter of sociology concerns your community, your society, your world. Thus, it offers virtually unlimited opportunities for the kind of gratification that comes from understanding what is going on around you. Moreover, such knowledge is liberating. In his book, Invitation to Sociology, Peter Berger puts it this way: “Sociology is justified by the belief that it is better to be conscious than unconscious and that consciousness is a condition of freedom.”

Knowledge and skills expected of the students in the Sociology program of Eckerd College:

• Sociology students learn critical thinking skills, including the ability to challenge common assumptions, formulate questions, evaluate evidence, and reach reasoned conclusions.

• Critical thinking skills are developed from a foundation of sociological theory. Students acquire knowledge of traditional and emergent sociological perspectives that may be applied to understanding the various dimensions of social life.

• Methodological competency is necessary to the development and application of critical thinking. Students acquire qualitative and quantitative research skills which allow an appreciation of sociological research, and facilitate the critique of evidence underlying many issues of public debate.

• The sociology discipline is committed to the active engagement of student learning. Many courses provide opportunities for research projects and experiential learning assignments that extend learning beyond the classroom to the real world laboratory of social life.

• Sociology students develop writing and speaking skills needed to present ideas and research efforts in a cogent and scholarly form. Clear, organized presentation of ideas and research is requisite to sociological training. Consequently, every effort is made to help students improve their oral and written communication skills.

• Sociology provides an appreciation of cultural and social diversity. Students learn to recognize and comprehend global and national diversity of social life, and thus locate personal values and self-identity within the context of our complex and changing social world.

Why Sociology at Eckerd?

The Major Field Tests are used by colleges and universities to measure student academic achievement…and to assess the educational outcomes of their programs…The Major Field Tests are based on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Subject Tests, but they are shorter and less difficult, making them suitable for all seniors majoring in a field, not just those planning graduate study.