Sociology

Overview

The theory and methods Sociology courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas , are designed to build competence in core areas, while advanced classes help students develop expertise in major fields of contemporary sociology, including race and ethnic relations, work and leisure, aging studies, gender research, crime and juvenile delinquency, urban ethnography, sociology of medicine, health, and mental illness.

Learning Objectives 

Key concepts, debates, and trends in sociology —Demonstrate an understanding of the discipline of sociology, key concepts, debates and trends and how these contribute to our understanding of social reality.

• Students can demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of basic concepts in sociology: culture, social change, socialization, stratification, social structure, institutions, and differentiations by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and class.

• Students can articulate an understanding of how culture and social structure operate

• Students can articulate the reciprocal relationships between individuals and society

• Students can articulate the macro/micro distinction

• Students can articulate the internal diversity of the United States and its place in the international context

Major sociological paradigms and theories —Demonstrate the role of theory in sociology

• Define theory and describe its role in building sociological knowledge;

• Compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations and paradigms;

• Demonstrate the historical/cultural context in which these theories were developed;

Methods used in sociological research — Demonstrate understanding of the role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods in sociology:

• identify basic methodological approaches and describe the general role of methods in building sociological knowledge;

• compare and contrast the basic methodological approaches for gathering data;

• design a research study in an area of choice and explain why various decisions were made; and

• critically assess a published research report and explain how the study could have been improved