Sociology Program
Sociology Program
Sociology Program
Prospectus
The Field
Sociology is the scientific study of the causes and consequences of human interaction. The Sociology Program at the University of Guam combines scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of family patterns and relationships, social change, social movements, community development, and social issues, such as ethnic, religious, political, and gender relations. Sociology is most interested in the diversity of the world, and it is for this world that students must be prepared.
Career Possibilities
This program equips students with the necessary skills to pursue careers in:
- Research
- Journalism
- Politics and government
- Public relations
- Business
- Counseling
- International aide work
- Criminal justice
- Community development
- Social work
- Public administration
- Education
- Family services
Additionally, this program provides training and a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in sociology and other related disciplines and for entry-level positions involved with the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of social behavior, social action, and social institutions.
Why UOG?
Through studying in one of the three areas of concentration of UOG's Sociology Program — Gender & Family Studies, Social Problems Studies, or Development Studies — students will encounter unique opportunities for both personal and academic growth. In recent years, students have presented research at international conferences; received scholarships and travel grants; participated in international field schools, internships, and service opportunities; and engaged with the local and regional communities beyond the classroom.
The Sociology Program also offers a minor, which students may consider as a complement to their chosen major.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of a major or double major in sociology, students will have demonstrated achievement in the ability to:
- Apply sociological principles and concepts to the social world.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of sociological theories in explaining aspects of the social world.
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in research design, data collection, and analyses in an ethical manner.
- Explain sociological knowledge through oral and written communication.
Sociology Concentrations
Students in the Sociology Program must choose one (or more) of the following areas of concentration and take no fewer than nine credit hours in their area.
Gender & Family Studies
The area of Gender & Family Studies focuses on the social dynamics that surround society's definitions of gender and gender identities. It examines the subtle interplay and dynamics of relations between and within the various genders. What does it mean to be female or male in the 21st century? In what ways does culture influence gender? How have gender roles changed over time? Why are gender roles so different throughout our world?
This area of concentration also focuses on one of the most important social groups: the family. How do families function? How do they generate and manage conflict? And in our rapidly changing social world, what new forms of family are emerging that represent diverse societies?
Utilizing the scientific method, students will better understand ways to define families as private and public institutions that are influenced by collective and individualistic cultures. Students will study the ways religion, the state, cultural and racial diversity, social media, and technology construct family structures and their interactions.
Gender and family are inextricably intertwined structures, and it is important to conduct research in the region as these structures continue to transform and adapt to social change.
Social Problems Studies
Have you, or someone you know, ever been a victim of a crime? Have you, or someone you know, ever experienced family violence, drug or alcohol abuse, lived in poverty, or been discriminated against? All of these topics, and many more, are considered social problems.
Sociology is a science, and, as such, the way sociology approaches social problems is through research, the systematic investigation of the world around us. By conducting research on social problems, sociologists strive to better understand social problems and ideally find solutions for these problems.
The objectives of the Social Problems Studies area of concentration are to:
- provide students with an understanding of the relevant research on social problems, both in Micronesia and around the world, and
- assist students in developing the ability to design a research study, collect and analyze data, and present their findings in a research paper.
Ideally, students will develop and apply the sociological perspective as they take a new look at the world around them and the social problems that they encounter. Maybe you will be the person to reduce crime and poverty.
Development Studies
The Development Studies concentration focuses on the ways in which societies grow and transform. The curriculum allows students to explore the realities and challenges of the modern world, while critically looking at how humanity arrived at this place in history.
Why is there so much wealth and yet so much poverty in the world? How have people in different cultures responded to the challenges they face? What can indigenious people teach us, and how can we empower communities to take charge of their own destinies? Development Studies addresses these and many more questions. The framework is grounded in the processes, policies, and practices of development with a particular focus on sustainability, drawing on Indigenous philosophy.
A unique focus on the application of learning outcomes means that students will graduate with:
- a comprehensive understanding of the history and key concepts of development work;
- the skills to lead transformational efforts;
- the capacity to demonstrate initiative, leadership, and originality in identifying challenges and opportunities for our society; and
- the ability to understand global trends and challenges communities face and how they can contribute to the welfare of these communities.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Sociology Major Requirements (43-44 credit hours)
See the Student Advisement Sheet of the General Education Requirements and include under:
Tier I: Core Foundation
Quantitative Reasoning:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| MA151 | INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS + This course presents statistical method as applied to the description and display
of data, and to drawing conclusions from statistical data, and introduces the basic
probability theory needed to understand use the techniques of elementary statistics.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MA085b or MA089, completed within the previous
3 semesters, or placement.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Tier II: Direction Building (6 credit hours)
1) CF, DF, or UU as a prerequisite (can be within a declared major):
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO203 | INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS + This course givegives undergraduate students experience in conducting quantitative
and qualitative research on social issues relevant to the region. The course covers
a wide range of topics dealing with processes, trends and approaches to basic research
methodologies and designs found in the social sciences. The course examines the basic
research methods of the social sciences, including causation, research design experimental
designs, sampling data gathering techniques, data analysis and interpretation of research
results. The course covers the structuring of social inquiry, conceptualization, operationalization,
measurement, evaluation and presentation of first hand research. This course introduces
students to the necessary tools needed for designing and implementing basic social
science research. The rational of this course is to introduce quantitative and qualitative
empirical science to undergraduate students. Prerequisites: EN111, MA110, SO101 with
a grade C or better or instructor's consent.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
2) DF or major exploration:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO350 | DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY - CLASSICAL + Classical Sociological Theory examines the thought of sociologists from Auguste Comte,
Karl Marx, Emil Durkheim and Max Weber through the writings of the Chicago School
in the United States. These classical sociological writings are critically examined
as to their present impact on theory today. Prerequisite: SO101 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Tier III – Capstone Experience
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO491 | SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINIAR + course gives students experience in conducting sociological research as collaborators
in faculty supervised research projects. Students complete a list of readings that
are specific to the research project, assist in project planning, research design,
data collection, and data analyses. Students collaborate (where appropriate) in the
preparation and presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated. Prerequisites:
SO101, SO414, and choice of MA385, MA387/387L, or PY310, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO101 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY + This course is a study of human society, its diversity, its nature, structure, and
processes including foundations of culture, social interaction, social controls, social
change and cross-cultural relations. Special emphasis is given to social processes
in Micronesia and the Western Pacific.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| SO203 | INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS + This course givegives undergraduate students experience in conducting quantitative
and qualitative research on social issues relevant to the region. The course covers
a wide range of topics dealing with processes, trends and approaches to basic research
methodologies and designs found in the social sciences. The course examines the basic
research methods of the social sciences, including causation, research design experimental
designs, sampling data gathering techniques, data analysis and interpretation of research
results. The course covers the structuring of social inquiry, conceptualization, operationalization,
measurement, evaluation and presentation of first hand research. This course introduces
students to the necessary tools needed for designing and implementing basic social
science research. The rational of this course is to introduce quantitative and qualitative
empirical science to undergraduate students. Prerequisites: EN111, MA110, SO101 with
a grade C or better or instructor's consent.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO350 | DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY - CLASSICAL + Classical Sociological Theory examines the thought of sociologists from Auguste Comte,
Karl Marx, Emil Durkheim and Max Weber through the writings of the Chicago School
in the United States. These classical sociological writings are critically examined
as to their present impact on theory today. Prerequisite: SO101 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO351 | DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY - CONTEMPORARY + This course introduces students to scholars who have had a significant influence on
the practice of sociological research since the post-World War II era. We explore
major genres of contemporary social theory including: structuralism, constructionism,
post-structuralism, post-modernism, feminism, critical race theory, queer theory,
performativity and other approaches deemed relevant by the instructor. Students learn
to critically evaluate the strength and weaknesses of various theoretical approaches
as they make connections between social theory and research practice in sociology.
The final project requires students to describe the theoretical approach(es) they
plan to use in their final research project for the sociology capstone course. Prerequisite:
SO101.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO414 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN SOCIOLOGY + This course covers the structuring of sociological inquiry, conceptualization, measurement
and operationalization, and the use of bibliography, reference tools and research
methods in Sociology. Presentation and cooperative evaluation of research materials,
methods, and projects are required. Prerequisites: SO101, SO350 or by consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO491 | SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINIAR + course gives students experience in conducting sociological research as collaborators
in faculty supervised research projects. Students complete a list of readings that
are specific to the research project, assist in project planning, research design,
data collection, and data analyses. Students collaborate (where appropriate) in the
preparation and presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated. Prerequisites:
SO101, SO414, and choice of MA385, MA387/387L, or PY310, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO498 | INTERNSHIP + The internship program permits the student to utilize her/his academic experience
in both the academic and non-academic realm through teaching assistantships, placement
in financial, social service, health-related or other organization in the community.
Prerequisites: SO-101, SO-203, SO-350, or consent to of instructor. One credit is
required for the program. Up to five more credit hours may be repeated, which can
count toward the program elective requirement.
|
1 - 6 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Choice of:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| MA385 | APPLIED STATISTICS + This course covers: statistical inference, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, correlation,
and non-parametric statistics as applied to the social, life and physical sciences
and to business. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MA151 or equivalent course.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| MA387 | STATISTICS FOR SCIENCES + The topics include exploring data in graphs and in numerical values, introducing basic
probability theory for statistics, sampling distributions, estimation theory, testing
hypothesis, correlation, linear regression, variance analysis, and non-parametric
statistics. The course consists of three hours of lecture weekly. The lab, MA387L
must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Grade C or better in MA161A or higher. Students
enrolled in MA387 Statistics for Sciences for credit may not also earn credit for
MA385 Applied Statistics.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| MA387L | STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE LABORATORY + MA387L is the laboratory part of MA387and MUST be taken concurrently. The purpose
of lab is to reinforce concepts learned in lecture, with an emphasis on translating
familiar statistical problems into SPSS tasks. It emphasizes the principles and criteria
for selecting the appropriate statistical techniques as well as making proper conclusions.
Students will get hands-on experience applying the topics covered to real datasets.
Corequisite: Must take MA387 concurrently.
|
1 credit hour | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| PY310 | STATISTICS FOR THE SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES + This course aims to provide students with the statistical skills necessary to analyze
and interpret datasets in the social and behavioral sciences. The students learn the
conceptual underpinnings of different statistical techniques typically used in social
and behavioral research. They are also given the space to develop practical skills
in using statistical software and apply their understanding in navigating datasets
from real life social and behavioral studies. The course emphasizes the use of statistics
in the decision-making process involved in the application of statistical tools, including
clear grasp of assumptions, picking the proper technique given the nature of the dataset,
interpretation of results, and scientific formulation of conclusions. Co-requisite:
PY-310L Prerequisites: MA-151.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Take 21 credit hours of 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-level Sociology (SO) courses in Sociology or program-designated Sociology electives.
Students must choose one (or more) areas of concentration and take no fewer than nine credit hours’ worth of electives in their concentration. No fewer than six credit hours from the 400-level coursework toward completion of major requirements are required.
Note: A course can only be used once.
Concentration Requirements (9 credit hours)
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| WG101 | INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES + This course provides an introduction to basic concepts and key issues in women and
gender studies, utilizing a life-span approach. Topics include gender socialization
and identity formation, sexuality, cultural representations, gender relations, family,
work, class stratification, violence, constructions of masculinity, and oppression,
as well as racial and cultural diversity.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| SO230 | MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY + This is a comparative study of family relationships with special attention given to
the social and cultural aspects of the family, mate selection, marriage adjustment,
parental roles, and family stability. Prerequisites: SO101 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO342 | SOCIOLOGY OF SEX AND GENDER + This course examines traditional and contemporary views of gender roles and life chances
for men and women in a social and cross- cultural context. It examines what relations
exist between men and women and how women and men contribute to, negotiate with, and
explore gender and traditional definitions of masculinity and femininity. Prerequisites:
SO101 and SO230 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
| SO445 | INEQUALITY AND IDENTITY + This course is designed to raise awareness of the dynamics of race/ethnicity, class,
and gender in the shaping of society. The course explores the problems of conflict
and accommodation between groups in multicultural societies. It analyzes variations
in levels of harmony and conflict between such groups. Students are required to carry
out a research project analyzing some aspect of gender, class, or ethnicity in Micronesia.
Prerequisites: SO101, SO202 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
| SO455 | SOCIOLOGY OF WOMEN + This course examines the ways in which gender and social structure shape conditions
for women. In anticipating social structures and organizations that might influence
women's lives, the course considers several areas such as the socialization of women,
images of women, women in media, women and work, women and households, women and crime,
and women and migration. Prerequisite: SO101 and SO230 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
The following courses may also satisfy the major concentration if approved by the course instructor:
Choice of:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO480 | SPECIAL TOPICS + Special Topics Courses, such as the Sociology of Education, Sociology of Religion,
Medical Sociology, Sociology of Government and Politics, etc. are offered intermittently
as faculty resources permit. Students should keep aware of the current offerings in
a given semester and plan their course selection accordingly. Prerequisites: SO101,
SO350 and MA385, or consent of instructor. This course may be repeated for credit
as the topic changes.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| SO491 | SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINIAR + course gives students experience in conducting sociological research as collaborators
in faculty supervised research projects. Students complete a list of readings that
are specific to the research project, assist in project planning, research design,
data collection, and data analyses. Students collaborate (where appropriate) in the
preparation and presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated. Prerequisites:
SO101, SO414, and choice of MA385, MA387/387L, or PY310, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO498 | INTERNSHIP + The internship program permits the student to utilize her/his academic experience
in both the academic and non-academic realm through teaching assistantships, placement
in financial, social service, health-related or other organization in the community.
Prerequisites: SO-101, SO-203, SO-350, or consent to of instructor. One credit is
required for the program. Up to five more credit hours may be repeated, which can
count toward the program elective requirement.
|
1 - 6 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO344 | AGING: MYTH AND REALITIES + This course explores the major issues and concepts pertinent to gerontology, the study
of the aging process. The prevailing theories of the social/biological aging process,
and the economic, physical and psychological problems that might arise in late life
are presented, and students learn how these factors impinge on the well-being of the
older person and the social structure of a community. Aging as it occurs in different
societies and throughout history is discussed. Social myths and stereotypes are explored.
An overview of existing aging policies and special programs for the older population
is included, as is a section on dying, death and grieving. Prerequisite: SO101 or
consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO202 | CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS + This course is a study of the nature and root causes of social problems. Topics include
such problems as inequality, crime population, environmental degradation and poverty.
Students develop skills in critically analyzing their world and understand the causes
and solutions to contemporary problems regionally and internationally.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| SO221 | SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE + This course introduces sociological perspectives on health, illness, and medical practice.
It examines how health systems and outcomes are shaped by global and local inequalities,
including those based on class, ethnicity, gender, and nationality. The course also
considers how medical knowledge influences identity and everyday life, alongside key
developments in the history of medicine.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO302 | DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL + This course offers a theoretical orientation into the study of deviance and relevant
methodological considerations. It covers extent of and trends in different forms of
deviance, a description of offenders and victims, the consequences of attempts at
social control, and societal reactions regarding various deviant acts. Prerequisite:
SO101 or SO202 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO386 | JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND CRIMINOLOGY + Students will learn the differences between juvenile delinquency, criminology, deviance
and criminal justice. This course applies the sociological perspective to the study
of the nature, causes and origins of juvenile delinquency and crime. This course presents
a critical evaluation of current theories of delinquency and criminal causation. Some
questions that are addressed include: What is unique about the juvenile court system
and the laws relating to juvenile offenders. How do institutional and no-institutional
treatment programs for juveniles' function? How effective have the various delinquency
control and prevention programs been? What is crime? How does behavior become labeled
as criminal? What forces lead to criminal behavior becoming legalized, and legal behavior
becoming criminalized, and who commits crimes? Prerequisite: SO-101 or consent of
instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO411 | SOCIAL ISSUES IN MICRONESIA AND GUAM + This course provides the student with an in-depth sociological understanding of current
issues and problems facing Micronesian society today, a part which is Guam. A critical
examination of drug and alcohol abuse, family violence, crime, environmental issues,
health disparities, political status, suicide, economic disparity and development
issues, and other relevant topics will be addressed. Prerequisites: SO101, SO203 or
consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO418 | SOCIAL STRATIFICATION + This is a review of theory and research bearing on the institutional arrangement,
individuals, roles and groups in hierarchical relationships known as systems of social
stratification, with particular reference to differences between stratification in
industrial and less developed societies. Prerequisite: SO101 and MA385, or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| AN421 | CROSS-CULTURAL & SOCIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF GUAM & MICRONESIA + This course analyzes and evaluates the changing cultural patterns of Guam, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Marianas, the Republic of Belau, the Federated States of Micronesia
and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. New techniques and materials in the social
science area pertaining to cross-cultural understanding are considered.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
| PY440 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY + This course applies the scientific method to analysis of the behavior of individual
people in social situations. Topics include aggression, attitude formation and persuasion,
conflict resolution, conformity, gender roles, group decision making, interpersonal
attraction, positive social behaviors, prejudice, social factors in the self-concept,
social information processing, and applications of social psychology to social problems.
Prerequisite: PY101.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
The following courses may also satisfy the major concentration if approved by the course instructor:
Choice of:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO480 | SPECIAL TOPICS + Special Topics Courses, such as the Sociology of Education, Sociology of Religion,
Medical Sociology, Sociology of Government and Politics, etc. are offered intermittently
as faculty resources permit. Students should keep aware of the current offerings in
a given semester and plan their course selection accordingly. Prerequisites: SO101,
SO350 and MA385, or consent of instructor. This course may be repeated for credit
as the topic changes.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| SO491 | SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINIAR + course gives students experience in conducting sociological research as collaborators
in faculty supervised research projects. Students complete a list of readings that
are specific to the research project, assist in project planning, research design,
data collection, and data analyses. Students collaborate (where appropriate) in the
preparation and presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated. Prerequisites:
SO101, SO414, and choice of MA385, MA387/387L, or PY310, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO498 | INTERNSHIP + The internship program permits the student to utilize her/his academic experience
in both the academic and non-academic realm through teaching assistantships, placement
in financial, social service, health-related or other organization in the community.
Prerequisites: SO-101, SO-203, SO-350, or consent to of instructor. One credit is
required for the program. Up to five more credit hours may be repeated, which can
count toward the program elective requirement.
|
1 - 6 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO201 | CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY + An application of sociological principles to contemporary society.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/FALL ONLY |
| PS304 | POLITICS OF ASIA + This course provides an introduction the political institutions, processes and problems
of counties in Asia. Prerequisites: PS101 or PS202 or HI-121 or HI-122 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
| SO332 | GLOBALIZATION AND HUMAN DYNAMICS + This course examines representative peoples in various parts of the world with regard
to selected themes concerning globalization and human dynamics. Themes explored may
include ethnicity, multiculturalism, nation building, and tourism. Prerequisite: AN101
or SO101.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
| GE341 | CULTURAL ECOLOGY + This course examines the linkages and interactions between human cultures and the
environment, particularly of subsistence peoples in the tropics and the Pacific. Traditional
and contemporary theories and approaches of human adaptation to and modification of
the environment are examined. Prerequisites: GE101, AN101 or BI157/157L.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
| SO360 | SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND CHANGE + This course is the study of the nature and characteristics of society and the changes
society is undergoing. Prerequisite: SO101 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO405 | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT + This course on Community Development at the University of Guam explores the values
of respect, compassion, and community rooted in Micronesia and in the broader context
of the Pacific Asia region. This course seeks to empower students to work for the
betterment of their communities. Students learn from and engage with local organizations
and participate in an international field school to Bali, Indonesia. Prerequisites:
SO101 and consent of instructor
|
4 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
| MI520 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE IN MICRONESIA + The seminar provides an overview of Micronesian economic systems past and present;
focus is on the present as the new nations confront the need to develop market-based
economies within a global context of diminishing resources and soaring populations.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
| SO475 | HUMAN ECOLOGY: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS + This course examines the relationship between human populations and their environments
in the context of functional interdependence involving population, environment, organization
and technology. Special attention is given to an examination of world population,
geography, and an analysis of the causes, consequences and solutions to modern day
social and environmental problems. Prerequisite: SO101, SO202 and MA385 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
The following courses may also satisfy the major concentration if approved by the course instructor:
Choice of:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO480 | SPECIAL TOPICS + Special Topics Courses, such as the Sociology of Education, Sociology of Religion,
Medical Sociology, Sociology of Government and Politics, etc. are offered intermittently
as faculty resources permit. Students should keep aware of the current offerings in
a given semester and plan their course selection accordingly. Prerequisites: SO101,
SO350 and MA385, or consent of instructor. This course may be repeated for credit
as the topic changes.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
| SO491 | SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINIAR + course gives students experience in conducting sociological research as collaborators
in faculty supervised research projects. Students complete a list of readings that
are specific to the research project, assist in project planning, research design,
data collection, and data analyses. Students collaborate (where appropriate) in the
preparation and presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated. Prerequisites:
SO101, SO414, and choice of MA385, MA387/387L, or PY310, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO498 | INTERNSHIP + The internship program permits the student to utilize her/his academic experience
in both the academic and non-academic realm through teaching assistantships, placement
in financial, social service, health-related or other organization in the community.
Prerequisites: SO-101, SO-203, SO-350, or consent to of instructor. One credit is
required for the program. Up to five more credit hours may be repeated, which can
count toward the program elective requirement.
|
1 - 6 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
MINOR REQUIREMENTS
Sociology Minor Requirements (18 credit hours)
See the Student Advisement Sheet of the General Education Requirements and include under:
Tier II: Direction Building (6 credit hours)
1) CF, DF, or UU as a prerequisite (can be within a declared major):
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO203 | INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS + This course givegives undergraduate students experience in conducting quantitative
and qualitative research on social issues relevant to the region. The course covers
a wide range of topics dealing with processes, trends and approaches to basic research
methodologies and designs found in the social sciences. The course examines the basic
research methods of the social sciences, including causation, research design experimental
designs, sampling data gathering techniques, data analysis and interpretation of research
results. The course covers the structuring of social inquiry, conceptualization, operationalization,
measurement, evaluation and presentation of first hand research. This course introduces
students to the necessary tools needed for designing and implementing basic social
science research. The rational of this course is to introduce quantitative and qualitative
empirical science to undergraduate students. Prerequisites: EN111, MA110, SO101 with
a grade C or better or instructor's consent.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
2) DF or major exploration:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO350 | DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY - CLASSICAL + Classical Sociological Theory examines the thought of sociologists from Auguste Comte,
Karl Marx, Emil Durkheim and Max Weber through the writings of the Chicago School
in the United States. These classical sociological writings are critically examined
as to their present impact on theory today. Prerequisite: SO101 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Tier III – Capstone Experience
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO491 | SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINIAR + course gives students experience in conducting sociological research as collaborators
in faculty supervised research projects. Students complete a list of readings that
are specific to the research project, assist in project planning, research design,
data collection, and data analyses. Students collaborate (where appropriate) in the
preparation and presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated. Prerequisites:
SO101, SO414, and choice of MA385, MA387/387L, or PY310, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO101 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY + This course is a study of human society, its diversity, its nature, structure, and
processes including foundations of culture, social interaction, social controls, social
change and cross-cultural relations. Special emphasis is given to social processes
in Micronesia and the Western Pacific.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Take 15 credit hours of any 200-level or above Sociology (SO) courses, six credit hours of which must be at the 300- or 400-level.
MICRO CREDENTIAL BADGE
Micro Credential Badge in Social Science Research (6 credit hours)
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO203 | INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS + This course givegives undergraduate students experience in conducting quantitative
and qualitative research on social issues relevant to the region. The course covers
a wide range of topics dealing with processes, trends and approaches to basic research
methodologies and designs found in the social sciences. The course examines the basic
research methods of the social sciences, including causation, research design experimental
designs, sampling data gathering techniques, data analysis and interpretation of research
results. The course covers the structuring of social inquiry, conceptualization, operationalization,
measurement, evaluation and presentation of first hand research. This course introduces
students to the necessary tools needed for designing and implementing basic social
science research. The rational of this course is to introduce quantitative and qualitative
empirical science to undergraduate students. Prerequisites: EN111, MA110, SO101 with
a grade C or better or instructor's consent.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Choice of one of the following:
|
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
| SO414 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN SOCIOLOGY + This course covers the structuring of sociological inquiry, conceptualization, measurement
and operationalization, and the use of bibliography, reference tools and research
methods in Sociology. Presentation and cooperative evaluation of research materials,
methods, and projects are required. Prerequisites: SO101, SO350 or by consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
| SO491 | SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH SEMINIAR + course gives students experience in conducting sociological research as collaborators
in faculty supervised research projects. Students complete a list of readings that
are specific to the research project, assist in project planning, research design,
data collection, and data analyses. Students collaborate (where appropriate) in the
preparation and presentation of research findings. This course may be repeated. Prerequisites:
SO101, SO414, and choice of MA385, MA387/387L, or PY310, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Program Chair
Office Location: 
Program Faculty