Del Mar
College
Sociology & Social Work
Home Page
[Revised:
December 6, 2007]
What is Sociology?
The
American Sociological Association, (ASA) describes “sociology as the study of social
life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.”1 The ASA contends that “sociologists
investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact
within these contexts.”1
Topics of Study
Subject
areas are as varied as society itself. Sociologists
can study very small social relationships involving only a few people (such as the
family). They can also explore relationships
in much larger social collectivities such as organizations and institutions. Sociology may be concerned with issues revolving
around social class, poverty, gender, race and ethnicity, or religion as well as social
mobility and education. Other topics may
include culture, socialization, conflict, power, and deviance. Very large social
relationships such as those between nation states are also the domain of sociology as are
the characteristics of the economy and political system.
In fact, the whole topic of globalization is relevant to sociologists.
The
Relationship Between People and Structure
Within the vast
field of sociology, the common denominator is people.
Sociology explores the “forces that influence people and help shape
their lives … Society shapes what we do, how we do it, and how we understand what
others do.“2 Options in life
are determined in the past and are molded by currently existing structures that provide
well-established guidelines for how individuals conduct their lives. To quote Macionis and Plummer, “In the
game of life, we may decide how to play our cards, but it is society that deals us the
hand”2.
Critical
Thinking
An important aspect of sociology is
critical thinking. Peter Berger argues that
students of sociology should acquire a healthy skepticism regarding overly simplified (or
commonly accepted) conceptions of human affairs. According
to Berger, it's the job of sociology to debunk commonly accepted notions about society.
Multiple
Perspectives
“Sociology provides many distinctive
perspectives on the world, generating new ideas and critiquing the old.”1 Sociology, as a matter of course, utilizes
multiple perspectives when critiquing social phenomena.
It, likewise, employs a wide range of methodological techniques to answer
questions that have social relevance. |
Course
Offerings
|
Sociology Course Offerings
Introductory Sociology (SOCI 1301)
Analysis of American society from the sociological perspective;
focuses on concepts and principles used in the study of social life. Topics include social
structure, social processes, social inequality and social change. Also offered as an
online course. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M1.
|
Social Problems (SOCI 1306)
Analysis of the major problems of contemporary society,
including the social causes of these problems and the public policy consequences of
solutions. Topics include inequality, crime and violence, substance abuse, deviance and
family problems. Also offered as an online course. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M1.
|
Marriage and Family (SOCI 2301)
A sociological examination of marriage and family life. Topics include a historical and
cross-cultural examination of family, mate selection and marriage adjustment; ethnic,
social class and gender differences in family life; family violence; divorce and
remarriage. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M1.
|
Minority Studies (SOCI 2319)
An examination of the historical, economic, social and cultural
development of minority groups in the United States, including African-American,
Mexican-American, Native American and religious and gender groups. Topics focus on the
social inequality associated with majority/minority relationships. Assessment Levels: R3,
E3, M1.
|
|
Social Work Course
Offerings
| Introduction to Social Work (SOCW 2361) Introduction to social work as a profession; emphasizes a generic
approach to social work; examines the historical origins of the profession, its knowledge
base and methodology. Prerequisites: SOCI 1301 or 1306, PSYC 2301. Assessment Levels: R3,
E3, M1. |
|
Program
Faculty
|
Russ Long
Office Phone: (361) 698-1627
Office Location: HH-216
E-Mail: rlong@delmar.edu
Academic Web Page
Click on one of the following Buttons for Course Syllabi.
  
|
Ron Huskin
Office Phone: (361) 698-2138
Office Location: HH-220
E-Mail: rhuskin@delmar.edu
|
Why
Study Sociology
Careers in Sociology
Within
Academia
Most employment specifically in sociology
occurs in the context of academia. Colleges
and universities often hire sociologists where they teach or engage in social research.
Outside
Academia
Outside the university, applied
sociologists solve specific social
problems. Applied sociologists may focus on
problems in the work place or “virtually
any aspect of social life such as street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, how
people express emotions, social welfare, education reform, how families differ and
flourish, or problems of peace and war.”1
Many sociologists find employment
in governmental agencies, such as the Census Bureau, that are concerned with the
distribution of people.
Beyond Sociology: Benefits of
Studying Sociology
There are numerous reasons why one might want to study sociology even
if they do not work in sociology directly. World
Wide Learn3 points out that a background in sociology:
· assists one in recognizing trends and patterns in society.
· allows the development of critical thinking skills.
· encourages good research skills in data collection
· instructs in creating concise reports and essays.
· develops planning and organizational skills.
· augments oral presentation skills and interpersonal communications.
· enhances management skills and grant writing ability.
Sociology is useful in “social and marketing research, sport development,
psychology, law, human resources management, information science, journalism, and
corporate communications, geography and environmental management, and development
studies.”4
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ONLINE Sources
Used:
1. American Sociological Association
2. University of Limerick Web Page
3. World Wide Learn (an on-line Education Guide)
4. University of Johannesburg Web Page |
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