Sociology

Evelyn Benavides , Chair
313 Mahar Hall
315-312-4190
www.oswego.edu/sociology
Directory of Professors  

Sociology involves the systematic study of groups, organizations, societies, cultures, and the interactions between people. As a member of the social sciences, sociology embraces the idea that knowledge is attained, and should be tested by, the scientific method.

Sociology promotes understanding and tolerance of others and instructs us to look beyond intuition, so-called common sense, and limited individual past experiences. The sociological perspective, while acknowledging that we are all unique individuals, holds that we are shaped by our social environment and our various group memberships. The sociological perspective also advances the notion that we can best understand ourselves, and our place in society, if we understand diverse groups.
The sociological perspective places great emphasis on the ways in which social forces, such as the social institutions of family, education, politics, and economics, influence human behavior. These social forces are created by collective action over time, which makes them potentially amenable to change. Because of the significance of social forces, sociology tends to be a macro-oriented (large-scale) discipline. Sociologists, however, also acknowledge that even though we are products of the social world, we are still “captains” of our own paths in life. That is, small group participation and individual decision-making play important roles in shaping who we are. Because of this, sociology also employs a micro-orientation to the study of human behavior.

A degree in sociology serves as a qualification for a number of careers and professions including: administration, advertising, banking, counseling (family planning, career, substance abuse, and so forth), community planning, criminal justice, gerontology, government, health services, journalism, group and recreational work, marketing and market research, recreation, sales, teaching (if certified), human resources/personnel work, social services, social work, and social research. In addition, a degree in sociology is excellent preparation for graduate work, not only in sociology itself but also in related areas such as law, criminology, social work, public administration, and business.
 

The Department of Sociology contributes to these programs:

• American Studies Major – B.A. Degree  
• Sports Studies Minor  

Programs

Major

• •  Sociology Major - B.A. Degree

Minor

• •  Sociology Minor

Courses

Sociology

• •  SOC 100 - Introductory Sociology
• •  SOC 180 - Introduction to Social Work
• •  SOC 210 - Theory I: Foundation of Sociological Theory
• •  SOC 220 - Introduction to Social Research
• •  SOC 221 - Introduction to Social Statistics
• •  SOC 260 - Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender
• •  SOC 280 - Social Problems
• •  SOC 301 - Topics in Sociology
• •  SOC 302 - Teaching Sociology I
• •  SOC 310 - Contemporary Sociological Theory
• •  SOC 320 - Survey Methodology
• •  SOC 330 - Qualitative Research Methods
• •  SOC 341 - Social Inequality/Stratification
• •  SOC 351 - The Changing Modern Family
• •  SOC 355 - Sociology of Sports
• •  SOC 366 - Popular Culture
• •  SOC 367 - Globalization and Poverty
• •  SOC 369 - Environmental Sociology
• •  SOC 370 - Sociology of Deviance
• •  SOC 371 - Criminology
• •  SOC 373 - Gangs in American Society
• •  SOC 374 - Family Violence
• •  SOC 381 - Sociology of Gender Roles
• •  SOC 383 - Sociology of Aging
• •  SOC 399 - Independent Readings/Project
• •  SOC 402 - Teaching Sociology II
• •  SOC 442 - Races & Minorities
• •  SOC 460 - Dynamics of Prejudice and Discrimination
• •  SOC 463 - Social Movements
• •  SOC 490 - Senior Seminar in Sociology
• •  SOC 498 - Internship in Sociology
• •  SOC 499 - Independent Study for Honors